SENSOR TYPES

PRESSURE SENSORS

Standard Bed or Chair Pressure Mats

These air pressure mats use highly sensitive, patented ‘Airlert’ technology based on the same principles as the original mat developed by Doug Dwyer.

A rubber tube connects the pressure mat to a sensor box, powered by 2 x AA batteries which can last up to two years without needing to be changed. By measuring changes in air pressure, the system reduces false alarms and unlike some other products mats can be placed discreetly and comfortably under mattresses or cushions. The Bed Pressure Mats will work with Airflow Pressure Relieving mattresses and with profiling beds - considered difficult for traditional sensors.

This technology is now used by thousands of people in private homes, care homes and hospitals around the country. It is said to be by far the most reliable and easy to use sensor on the market. Learn more about ‘Airlert’ technology'.

Airlert Chair Pad

Bed Occupancy Mats

While standard bed or chair mats send an alert as soon as the person gets out of bed, the bed occupancy sensor sends an alert if a person doesn’t return to bed within a defined period.

The standard bed or chair mats would be used when there is someone nearby to receive the alert and act on it – e.g. in a hospital or nursing home, or if somebody in their own home wants to know as soon as the monitored person gets out of bed. They require somebody to act on the alert immediately – e.g. check if the person is OK or if they need help getting to the toilet etc.

In contrast, the bed occupancy sensor might be used if there is nobody in the same property, e.g. an elderly person living alone. In this situation, it would be more helpful to know if they got out of bed, but then didn’t return to bed within a defined period – because that could indicate that they may have fallen or may have wandered away into a dangerous situation.

 

Airlert Bed Pad (in place)

Floor Pressure Mats

Frequency Precision floor pressure mat sensors reliably detect someone treading onto the mat. Appropriately placed, they will give warning the moment the person steps out of bed or through a doorway.

Although not based on Airlert technology these floor pressure mats are extremely durable and come with an anti-slip base. They can also be ordered with an optional machine washable ‘barrier mat’ to provide additional protection to the pressure mat and reduce trip hazards.

Floor Pressure Mat

MOTION SENSORS  

Infrared Motion Sensor


Sensor Eye with 2 'eyelids'

The PIR (Passive Infrared Motion) Sensor is a small battery-powered sensor that can be positioned to detect whether movement occurs in a specific area. It uses the same infrared technology as the systems used to turn on outdoor lighting and will work in both darkness and light.

The sensor is set up in position pointing towards the area where motion detection is required. In addition, the ‘eye’ of the sensor has two eyelids which move to direct the angle of the detection beam. They can be rotated to give a very tight angle or opened up to give a very wide detection field. By choosing the right location (for the sensor box) and setting (for the angle for the beam), the motion detection area can be set-up to suit most needs - for instance to detect movement:

• in a bedroom indicating someone leaving their bed.
• through a doorway.
• in a corridor.
• a particular area of the home that presents a risk to someone with dementia.

When a person walks in front of the sensor, a caregiver will receive an alert from anywhere in the home using the bleeper pager. Features of the system:
~ one-year battery life.
~ 400m range.
~ impact resistant plastic casing supplied.
~ 30-second timer starts after activation, allowing the carer to exit room.
~ each motion sensor can be programmed to display a unique message on the text pager, e.g. "room 1".
~ the motion sensor contains an accessory socket for a wired call bell or floor pressure mat.
~ any number of motions sensors can be linked to one or more text pagers.

OTHER SENSOR TYPES

Call Buttons

For the user, these are simply devices which can be pressed to alert someone else. Most commonly these will be used by someone who is cognitively intact. For the benefit of professional supervisors, many call buttons can be linked to a single pager and are compatible with all nurse call systems. The call buttons can take several forms.

Simple Wireless Call Button – at its simplest this can consist of a button which is connected wirelessly to an alert device, such as:
~ a bleeper to sound an alert that the user needs assistance within a range of 200m (can be extended).
~ a text pager with a customised message.
~ a mobile phone.

The call button can be worn as a pendant using a lanyard or can be worn with a wrist strap. The Call Button is supplied with a water-resistant case.

Easy Press Call Button - this works on the same principle as an ‘simple’ call button, but consists of a highly sensitive and easy to push pressure pad which can be activated by the lightest of taps from a hand, head or foot. These are particularly suitable for use by those with limited functional movement and can be placed anywhere, even in the bath.

Fixed (for instance to a wall) - the wireless fixed call button is battery operated and can be attached to a wall, door or surface with a range of 400m (which can be extended). Combined with a bleeper pager this is ideal for those hard of hearing. They can carry the pager around the house, and it will flash and vibrate if someone presses the button.
This can be used as a doorbell; the only snag is that the buttons aren’t waterproof, so they are fine in a porch but not totally exposed to the elements.

Pendant Call Button

Easy Press Call Button

Fall Alerts

The Frequency Precision ‘Fall Alarm with Advanced Fall Detection’ provides added protection for those at risk, by alerting carers if a fall is detected.

The fall alarm works in the same way as a pendant Call Button alarm; however, it is worn like a wrist-watch and has extra features. An alert can be sent at any time, however, in addition the ‘Advanced Fall Detection’ technology will automatically alert carers or relatives to a fall. The alarm is waterproof and can be used in the bath or shower.

Carers can choose to receive alerts via a bleeper or pager which will work at up to 200m and are ideal for the home and garden. Alternatively, a mains-powered base unit can connect to a WiFi network and send messages over the Internet to a free mobile phone app.

To prevent falls from occurring in the first place, other sensors can be used to alert carers that a person is on the move and requires assistance.

Falls Watch

Epilepsy:  Convulsion Sensors

Using Airlert technology, Frequency Precision’s Convulsion Sensors are accurate, easy to use and reliable. The system is designed to sense movement typical of a tonic-clonic epileptic seizures, in which the entire body shakes. The sensors are pressure-sensitive and can be adjusted for use in both adults and children.

A full-sized (198cm x 63cm) bed sensor mat is positioned underneath the mattress. There's nothing inside the sensor mat except for a thick layer of foam, which has many tiny air pockets within it, so the mat is discrete, comfortable and durable. Additionally, the simple structure means there is little inside to go wrong, making the mats:
~ reliable.
~ durable.
~ water resistant.
~ adaptable (so they work with all beds and mattresses - including hospital profiling beds and pressure-relieving mattresses).

The mat connects to a small control box which detects excessive movements typical of an epileptic seizure. The control box has a small dial to adjust the sensitivity, minimising false alarms. It is powered by two household AA batteries which will last for up to one year. When an epileptic seizure is detected, a message is sent to a pager (range 400m).

Door Sensors

This set comes complete with a linked wireless door sensor and easy to use pager, designed to prevent wandering of those with dementia or learning disabilities. Discrete, wireless door sensors will alert carers when a door or window is opened.

The compact door sensor is supplied with double-sided adhesive sticky pads, for easy installation and runs for several months on one battery. The sensor contains a useful sliding switch to turn it on and off.

Each door sensor can be programmed with your required message ("front door open", "flat 1" etc) which will be displayed on the text pager when the door is opened. An unlimited number of door sensors can be linked wirelessly to one or more text pagers, (range of up to 400m – which can be extended by adding a wireless range extender).