Bed sensor and alarm

A narrow, pressure-sensitive sensor pad for installation on top of and across the width of a mattress proximate the midsection of a reclining patient has both central and edge switching areas. The central pressure sensitive switch indicates the presence of a patient in the center of the bed. When a patient moves toward either edge of the bed, an edge switch is activated which generates an early warning signal indicating to attending personnel that a patient has moved from the center of the bed to an edge and may be attempting to exit the bed unattended. This early warning signal provides time for an attendant to reach the patient before he or she has actually evacuated the bed. In addition, the in-room alarm may remind a patient previously instructed not to leave the bed unassisted. The system prevents falls of dizzy or disoriented patients attempting to exit the bed without assistance. An optional adapter is provided to allow the inventive sensor to be connected to conventional hospital fall-prevention monitoring systems. In addition, a sophisticated, self-contained monitor system specifically adapted for use with the inventive sensor is provided. Visual and audible alerts indicate change of operational status or provide an alarm indication. Relay contacts having selectable output closure modes are also provided allowing easy attachment of the monitor to a typical nurse call system.