Bide

PRODUCT STAR RATING (out of 5 stars): 5 out of 5 stars

"A brilliant piece of equipment designed to reduce falls at night using a traffic light system to help the person get up safely."

The Bide is a clever little device designed to reduce the risk of falls.

Falls are something I struggle with due to my balance issues brought about by the type of dementia I have. Statistically, many falls occur when the person first gets out of bed. The main aim of the study is to reduce these falls.

How does it work?

You place the device next to the bed on the side from which the person will get up.

The bide device has a sensor that works very similarly to a night light. Once movement to get up is detected, a red light comes on, followed by an amber glow, then a green light, much like a traffic light.

Red light – wait and sit on the bed

Amber – get ready to get up

Green – You can get up

After the green light, a night light stays on for 10 minutes. I like this light because it's much easier on the eyes when I go to the toilet at night, and it stays on long enough for me to get back into bed. It’s not bright enough to stop me from going back to sleep.

In addition to the lights, you can record a voice message that will play when the lights are activated. Perhaps to give your loved one some reassurance, or a warning, or to push the assistance cord, maybe.

The bide can be activated like a light by pushing the bide button on the top.

I found the Bide very useful.