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whatnow Asked October 2014

Are camera monitors helpful to see if Mom is trying to get out of hospital bed?

With her catheter and oxygen attached to her. My room across hall. My husband and I have been caregivers for my 90 year old disabled mom for 13 years in our home. Mom's room is directly across the hall from our bedroom, and for years we were able to make it work for us both by closing our doors, so we could retire and she could stay up until 12am or 2am and do her thing! For the past year I wake up panicked, thinking she is calling me for help, or water, or help with the television. When I get there she is sleeping.
I understand from my Hospice help that it is normal for me to do this. Recently [4 months] hospice has introduced oxygen and catheter because mom is so weak and unsteady during transfers. Mom is 300 pounds. She forgets to use her school bell that we have used for years to call me. Mom is trying to MAKE IT from the bed to the chair to the toilette without my help, she forgets, she can't walk.... I am wondering if I should buy a nice camera like nursery monitor so I can see her from my bed with out getting up through the night. I remember using a baby monitor for our kids and some times the monitor kept me up more than the baby did. Just wondering if anyone has an opinion.

Eyerishlass Oct 2014
I cared for my dad in my home for years and I used to wake up in the middle of the night thinking that I heard him calling for me only to get to his room and find him fast asleep. Now that he's been gone for over a year I still wake up every once in a while thinking that I hear him calling me.

whatnow Oct 2014
Thank you,that is a great idea. I am glad I asked this question, it took me awhile to post the question because i thought it was a no brainer, the mat will be a lot more effective than just the camera!

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pamstegma Oct 2014
I went through Hospice and you are naturally hyper-alert when facing so much unknown territory. There are bed alerts you can get that beep loudly, but she is already out of bed. I would try a pet product like Sofa Scram, which beeps loudly and soon as her feet touch the mat, put it alongside the bed.

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