Epilepsy safety and alarms

The safety of each of our service users is totally paramount. This doesn’t mean we wrap people up in cotton wool. We support people to achieve what they can and we challenge them to achieve more and achieve it safely.

Some of our service users find it really difficult to manage epilepsy. They endure frequent seizures, and can react differently, both physically and emotionally. Our staff are trained to manage seizures reliably and efficiently. Seizure charts are kept so we can establish moods, behaviours or circumstances that might trigger seizures. We support people who are able to, in the management of their own medication. We’re proud that we are able to manage our services users’ seizures, whatever the severity, in situ.

Alarm Systems at Independence Homes. 

As the safety of our service users is our top priority at all times we have installed epilepsy alarm systems in every one of our services.

The system includes a bedside monitor connected to different sensors that can pick up respiration, movement and sound. There is also a bed occupancy sensor that alerts staff when individuals get out of bed, perhaps because he or she is confused during a seizure, or has fallen out of bed. Other sensors can pick up increased salivation, perspiration or incontinence.

We also have fall alarms which are worn during the day. These alert staff if someone falls or slumps during a seizure or accident. There is a call system that can be used as a regular call system, but is also connected to the bedside monitor. All alarms are then sent to the 24hr staff pager system. This means that our staff are alerted the moment an alarm is set off.

Our computer system logs all the alarms and records response times and enables seizure records to be printed for consultants. It also supports remote monitoring by the medical team.

Monitoring seizures, whilst at the same time respecting privacy is a huge challenge. We have worked with three companies to develop a system unique to us. No alarm system is totally reliable, and we cannot guarantee that every single seizure will be observed and recorded, but in conjunction with our 24hr specialist waking care and support, it takes us closer to that goal.