Hi Reddit,
My grandma has dementia, and last week my dad and I were responsible for her overnight care. She typically goes to bed around 8:00 PM. We wake her for bathroom breaks at 11:00 PM, 2:00 AM, and 5:00 AM, and she’s usually up for the day around 6:00 AM.
The challenge is that she sometimes wakes up on her own and wanders during the night, which puts her at risk of falling. This has unfortunately happened multiple times before.
To help keep her safe, I set up a camera facing her bed so we can be alerted if she starts moving or tries to get up. The goal is to respond quickly and prevent falls. When I tested it, I noticed she was already getting up on her own at around 1:00 AM and 4:00 AM—times we wouldn’t have otherwise caught.
I’m very aware that this is her private space, and I don’t want to violate her dignity or privacy. At the same time, I see the camera as a safety tool that allows us to care for her more effectively and avoid potentially serious injuries.
Am I thinking about this the wrong way? I’d really appreciate hearing how others have handled similar situations.