Research conducted for Dementia UK: second edition shows that, in 2013, there were 815,827 people with dementia in the UK (Alzheimer’s Society, 2014). 773,502 of these people with dementia were aged 65 years or over. This represents one in every 79 (1.3%) of the entire UK population and 1 in every 14 of the population aged 65 years and over. In 2015, there will be 856,700 people with dementia in the UK at the current rate of prevalence. If current trends continue and no action is taken, the number of people with dementia in the UK is forecast to increase to 1,142,677 by 2025 and 2,092,945 by 2051, an increase of 40% over the next 12 years and of 156% over the next 38 years. Many people with dementia experience difficulties with their sight and perception which may cause them to misinterpret the world around them. Colour, and contrasting colour in particular, can help people with dementia to live better in their homes and local communities. Making objects stand out using colour - for example, a red grab rail on a white wall is more easily visible than a white grab rail. Using contrasting colour in the bathroom can have a big impact on everyday life; a toilet seat is easier to see if it contrasts with the colour of the toilet bowl and walls. Colour can be used to highlight important objects and orientation points, such as a toilet seat. Toilet seats that contrast in colour with the rest of the room will help the person with dementia to find the toilet. Design changes, such as using contrasting colours around the home, are very useful in making items easier for people with dementia to identify.

More and more customers come to us asking for help in chosing the right bed exit alarm products.  For most home carers, they were not even aware that these products existed before they were told by the hospital or GP that a bed exit alarm would be a good idea to help avoid falls with their loved one. 

And once you go onto the internet, you quickly realise that there are a great many different products and prices available. They are even called by different names such as, Bed Exit Alarm, or Bed Occupancy Alarm or simply Bed Alarm.  All very confusing.

Austin Medical tries to make it easier by offering detailed information on each of our products. We also package our products, so that when you make your choice of product, you have everything you are going to need included in a one click purchase.

We also provide trained and informed customer service staff, who are happy to explain and discuss each customer's situation, to help the buyer feel more assured that they are purchasing the right product for their needs.  

In brief, corded bed/chair pads with alarms have the noise in the room with the patient.  Cordless and Wireless alarms, usually have a remote pager or monitor that the Carer keeps with them, and this avoids the alarm noise being with the patient.  This has been found to be particularly helpful when dealing with patient's with dementia or alzheimer's as the noise can be disturbing or confusing to the patient.

But if there is still confusion, please just call Austin. We're here to help!

 

Austin Medical Products is happy to announce the launch of their new website format in September 2015.  With a continued focus on Bed Alarm products, the new site is more user friendly, and also contains more variety of products than ever. 

As always, we encourage our customers to contact our friendly customer service team with any questions, but our new website format should help anyone looking for specific products.

Austin Medical is pleased to announce the launch of it's new AideAlert Fall Safety line.  This new line of quality alarms, with bed and chair sensor pads, plus floor mats, will offer Austin's customers quality products that will add to their already expansive line of Fall Safety Items!