AGING AND DISABILITY SERVICES ADMINISTRATION
2008 AFH "Dear Provider" Letters
November 14, 2008
ADSA: AFH #2008-022
USE OF ALARMS
Dear Adult Family Home Provider:
We recently read an article titled “Rethinking the Use of Position Change Alarms” that we are asking you to read. The authors discuss the use of alarms as not being an effective prevention for falls or injuries. They also talk about ways to decrease and eliminate the use of alarms.
Our licensors and investigators have seen various alarms in adult family homes. Some residents were observed becoming jumpy, agitated, startled and/or frightened by the alarm sound. Some residents stated that they did not want to move or were told by other residents not to move in fear an alarm would go off.
Alarms cannot replace or substitute for adequate staffing at any time. Alarms must not be used for the convenience of employees. For example, if a resident’s condition requires “awake” staff, an alarm may not be used to replace the need to have “awake” staff. The residents’ right for privacy must also be considered.
If you consider using alarms with residents, you must ask yourself the following questions:
- Is there a documented need for an alarm for the resident?
- Is there enough staff at all times to meet the residents’ needs? For example, if resident’s condition is such that it requires “awake” staff, an alarm may not be used as a replacement for the need to have “awake” staff.
- Have other alternatives been tried before using these devices?
- Have the resident or the legal representative been informed of the possible negative effects of the alarm use and the possibility that the alarm will not prevent injury?
- Did the resident or legal representative consent to use of device?
- What impact does the alarm use have on the resident? Is the resident more agitated? Is the resident afraid to move because he/she doesn’t want the alarm to go off?
- What impact do these devices have on other residents? Do the alarms increase anxiety and agitation? What effect does it have on their behaviors?
If you have further questions on alarms, please call your RCS Field Manager.
Sincerely,
Joyce Pashley Stockwell, Director
Residential Care Services
