Dedham, Mass., health center ends use of alarms

There have been fewer falls and the number of falls that result in injury has remained stable.

By Healthcare Facilities Today


The long term care health center at NewBridge on the Charles is ending the use of most alarms on resident beds and wheelchairs. The facility, run by Hebrew Senior Life, is also adding two more wings, specializing in Alzheimer's care, according to an article on The Patriot Ledger website

The alarms have been removed from the beds and wheelchairs on most of the other floors or households without any adverse outcomes, the article said.

There have been fewer falls and the number of falls that result in injury has remained stable. Residents have reported they are less bothered by the noise of alarms constantly going off.

"Hebrew Senior Life is on the cutting edge of a concept much like the removal of passive restraints that took place several years ago," Anne Thomas, executive director of the health center, said in the article.

Studies show that more than 70 percent of residents in a long term care setting have some type of dementia, Thomas said.

"To respond to this trend, we have designated two households as memory support households, with staff specially chosen and trained."

Read the article.

 

 

 



February 6, 2014


Topic Area: Safety


Recent Posts

The Evolution of Lighting in Patient Care

Lighting is a significant investment that healthcare facility managers can make to aid in healing.


HealthPartners and Essentia Health to Combine Organizations

The organizations anticipate the combination will be effective Jan. 1, 2027.


Three Oaks Hospice Reports Email Breach

The company is unaware of any actual or attempted misuse of the information involved in this incident.


Achieving Better Treatment Spaces Through Co-Design

How a 20th Century industrial building became a safe space for youth seeking mental health support.


Prisma Health to Acquire 36 Urgent Care Sites in South Carolina from Novant Health

Following the close, expected November 1, 2026, the centers will operate under Prisma Health Urgent Care.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.