Door locks are essential when it comes to keeping your patient safe. However, there’s something you may not know about door locks. Namely, they can be potent tools for security if used properly. That’s why it’s essential to research the best door locks for dementia patients.
A correct door lock will make your patient feel left out and unstructured. They will be looking for access to the room where they’re located and feeling confident they can do whatever they want without being detected.
Author Verdict
Many technological solutions can be used for the elderly and dementia patients. As the population ages, the number of seniors will continue to rise. The question is, how will the available technology be able to meet the needs of these seniors?
We recommend a reliable and secure door lock system (SCHLAGE FE575 PLY Entry Lock) and dementia door alarms (Kidde Carbon Monoxide Detector) for your facility, regardless of whether it’s an assisted living home or a retirement community. We’ll also show you how to make your location technology affordable and easy to use.
The wrong door lock will make your dementia patient feel as if they are the only one in the room. This can go a long way toward ensuring their safety. Check out: Is it Illegal to Lock a Person with Dementia Inside the House?
7 Best Door Locks For Dementia Patient’s Safety
1. SCHLAGE FE575 PLY 626 ELA Plymouth Keypad
(Overall, the Best)
The Schlage FE575 PLY 626 ELA Plymouth Keypad Entry with Auto-Lock and Elan Levers is a state-of-the-art door lock that combines convenience, style, and security.
It’s designed to offer keyless entry with a customizable auto-lock feature, making it a perfect fit for homes, especially for dementia patients. The lock’s keypad allows for multiple access codes, ensuring secure yet straightforward access for family members and caregivers.
Pros:
- Eliminates the need for physical keys.
- Enhances security by automatically locking the door.
- Allows for customized access for various users.
- Simple interface and programming.
- Built to resist wear, tampering, and forced entry.
- Complements a range of home décor.
- Convenient and includes a low battery indicator.
Con:
- Lacks connectivity with broader smart home systems.
Ideal for Dementia Patients:
The Schlage FE575 offers enhanced security and ease of use, making it an ideal choice for ensuring the safety of dementia patients. Its keyless entry and auto-lock capabilities provide a secure environment that prevents wandering, giving caregivers and families peace of mind.
2. MiLocks DF-02AQ
(Electronic Door Locks for Dementia Patients)
The Ideal Solution for Dementia Patients: MiLocks DF-02AQ Keyless Entry Deadbolt
The MiLocks DF-02AQ Electronic Keyless Entry Touchpad Deadbolt is a modern, secure, and convenient door lock option that eliminates the need for traditional keys through its electronic touchpad keypad. This lock is designed for easy installation on standard doors and allows the addition of up to 6 user passcodes, making it highly customizable and user-friendly.
It’s an ideal choice for enhancing home security, especially for families with dementia patients, offering simplified access while maintaining high-security levels.
Pros:
- Reduces the need for physical keys.
- Up to 6 user passcodes for controlled access.
- Individual user addition and deletion.
- Fits standard doors without complex adjustments.
- Secure the electronic keypad against unauthorized access.
- Intuitive touchpad for ease of use.
- Built to last and resist tampering.
Con:
- Limited smart home integration
Ideal for Dementia Patients:
The MiLocks DF-02AQ provides a secure, manageable solution for dementia patients’ safety. Keyless entry and personalized access controls offer security and convenience for caregivers and families.
For elderly people with dementia, this is the perfect door lock for security and convenience.
3. Kwikset 99130-002 SmartCode 913
(Electronic Door Locks for Dementia Patients)
It’s an excellent protection for dementia patients.
The Kwikset 99130-002 SmartCode 913 combines sleek design with advanced security features, offering a keyless entry solution that is both convenient and secure. It’s designed for easy installation on standard doors. It provides a range of features, including one-touch locking, a 10-digit backlit keypad, up to 16 customizable user codes, and a Master Code for enhanced security.
This lock also includes traditional key functionality, ensuring accessibility and peace of mind.
Pros:
- One-Touch Locking
- Sleek and modern look.
- Up to 16 user codes plus a master code.
- Backlit keypad for nighttime use.
- Keyless and key entry options.
- Auto-lock
- Customizable access
Con:
- Smart Home Compatibility
Ideal for Dementia Patients:
The SmartCode 913 is particularly suitable for dementia patients, offering secure, simple access that caregivers can easily manage, ensuring safety and convenience without compromising security.
4. Safety 1st Outsmart Lever Handle Lock
The Safety 1st Outsmart Lever Handle Lock 2 Pack revolutionizes child safety by ingeniously outsmarting curious little hands. Featuring a prominent decoy button that entices children but has no effect when pushed, this lock cleverly conceals its functional buttons within the hinge, keeping them hidden in plain sight. Its unique design is crafted to fit most lever handles seamlessly, ensuring broad compatibility for effortless installation and operation.
With its simple installation process and intuitive functionality, this lock provides a hassle-free solution to childproofing your home.
Pros:
- Deters children with a decoy button.
- Prevents access to the lock mechanism.
- Compatible with most lever handles.
- Simple setup process.
- Straightforward for adults to use.
- Offers value with two locks included.
- Built to withstand daily use.
Con:
- May not work with all types of door handles.
The Safety 1st Outsmart Lever Handle Lock is an effective safety measure for dementia patients, offering a unique design that deters unwanted access while remaining intuitive for caregivers to operate. Its hidden functional buttons and decoy feature ensure that patients cannot inadvertently unlock the door, providing an extra layer of security and peace of mind for families and caregivers alike.
5. Defender Security S4180 Doorknob Lockout Device
The Defender Security EP 4180 Doorknob Lock-Out Device offers a clever solution for securing entryway keyholes, effectively preventing unauthorized access without impeding the turning of the handle. This device fits snugly over rounded doorknobs, covering the keyhole and deterring unwanted entry.
Its removable, durable diecast cylinder allows for easy cleaning and maintenance. For dementia patients’ safety, it provides a straightforward way to prevent them from inadvertently unlocking doors, offering peace of mind to caregivers and families.
Pros:
- Prevents access to keyholes without obstructing handle turning.
- Allows for easy cleaning and maintenance.
- Secure Fit
- Suitable for various settings, including evictions and rentals.
- Simple Installation
- Made of sturdy diecast material.
- Effective Deterrent
Con:
- May not fit securely on doorknobs with smaller diameter shafts.
The Defender Security EP 4180 Doorknob Lock-Out Device reliably prevents dementia patients from accessing keyholes, ensuring their safety and security within the home. By effectively blocking keyholes without hindering handle operation, this device offers caregivers peace of mind, knowing that their loved ones are protected from inadvertently unlocking doors and wandering off.
6. White Door Guardian Safety Lock, 2-Pack
The Original: Do Not Be Fooled by Imitators
The Two-Pack of Best Door Locks for Home Security is perfect for dementia patients who need to escape from visitors but don’t want to be safari-jacked like that other guy at the party.
The White Door Guardian Safety Lock can protect your family from dementia patients who get too close. It is easy to use and has a sliding door handle.
7. Kidde Carbon Monoxide Detector
(Best Door Alarms for Dementia Patients)
Most location technologies available for senior living only provide estimated location data or are too expensive to implement. In an emergency, every second counts, and without accurate information, responding staff are often left guessing between floors and rooms, delaying critical resident care.
The door is the most important lock in a home. It is vulnerable to being unlocked by people who shouldn’t be able to do so. That’s why it’s essential to have a door lock that can detect and prevent unauthorized access. Kidde has designed the perfect door lock for dementia patients, ensuring their loved ones are always safe and secure. This electronic door lock is equipped with an alarm system and battery backup.
The company has manufactured fire alarms and smoke detectors since the early 20th century.
The Kidde Carbon Monoxide Detector, AC Plug-In with Battery Backup, and CO Alarm with Replacement Alert is a door lock designed to help the elderly stay safe from carbon monoxide poisoning. This product is the perfect example of how to make a valuable product for people with dementia.
It is certified and has a limited 10-year warranty. It is easy and quick to install.
Conclusion:
About the Best Door Locks For Dementia Patients
The solution to this problem is to create a product that provides real-time patient location tracking. The goal is to help them feel more secure and move freely around the facility, knowing that caregivers are monitoring them.
As dementia patients, it is essential to take care of our surroundings. This includes choosing the right door lock. Here are some tips to help dementia patients get the most out of their door locks.
How to Keep Dementia Patients from Wandering?
Older adults living with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia may experience feelings of confusion or disorientation, which can cause them to wander away from their homes or caregivers. The risk of walking increases as the disease gets worse.
According to a study published in the International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, wandering can be dangerous and put seniors with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia at a higher risk of injury. Unpredictability and risks can cause stress to caregivers and family members. A specialized dementia door lock is one of the easiest ways to keep your loved one with Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia from wandering outside.
Read more: 7 Door Locks to Keep Alzheimer Patients from Wandering
Front Door Lock Features for Dementia Patients
When buying dementia door locks, you should look for specific features. Here is a breakdown of key features you can expect to see in a top-rated door lock for dementia patients.
- The doors from the inside and outside have two-way security locks
- Multiple people have unique access codes to unlock or lock.
- An automatic locking system reduces the risk of forgetting to lock the door and affects it after 10 to 99 seconds.
- You can unlock or lock the door with a smartphone from anywhere.
A person living with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia should never be locked in their home alone without a caregiver present for safety reasons.
Smart Ways to Keep Yourself Safe
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, six out of 10 individuals living with Alzheimer’s wander at least once. There are several ways you can help keep your loved one safe as they get older. Door locks can help you avoid the risks of wandering but can also be part of a solid emergency plan.
Enrolling your loved one in a wandering response service, creating a list of places they might seek while wandering, and keeping a recent, close-up photograph of your relative on your phone are some of the actions you might consider. The units are designed to minimize the chances of wandering and are equipped to provide 24-hour supervision. Senior Care Advisors can help connect you with memory care communities in your area if you decide to explore this option.
Related: 10 Best Smart Locks for Screen and Storm Doors
FAQ’S
How To Choose The Right Door Lock For Your Dementia Patient
Door locks are incredibly important when it comes to keeping your patient safe. However, there’s something you may not know about door locks. Namely, they can be compelling tools for security if used properly. That’s why it’s important to research the best door lock for dementia patients.
A proper door lock will make your patient feel left out and unstructured. They’ll be looking for access to the room where they’re located and feeling confident they can do whatever they want without being detected.
The wrong door lock will make your dementia patient feel as if they are the only one in the room. This can go a long way toward ensuring their safety.
How to research the best door lock for your dementia patient
The best door lock for your dementia patient depends on the particular type of door you have. However, a few key factors can be important in choosing the right door lock. These factors include the type of door, the door’s location, the door’s size, and the door’s design.
For example, if you have a window-only door lock, it may be essential to research each window to ensure it’s correct. If you have a first-time patient, for example, they may need a new key fob every time they go home. If you’re using a dementia center, for instance, you should research whether or not they have personal exit options.
The best door locks for dementia patients must meet all the following requirements:
- The key fob must be new and have your patient’s name and number on it
- The key fob must be attached to the key ring so that it can’t be cut off and lost
- The door has to be locked from the inside out
- The key fob must be inserted into the security hole
- The button must be pushable
- The key fob must be inserted into the security hole without being pulled away.
When researching doors, always use a customer service representative to learn more about their specific model. You can also contact their manufacturer to get an accurate reading.
How to take care of your dementia patient’s door lock
It’s important to research the best door lock for your dementia patient. A proper door lock will make your patient feel left out and unstructured. They’ll be looking for access to the room where they’re located and feeling confident they can do whatever they want without being detected. The wrong door lock will make your patients feel like they are the only ones in the room. This can go a long way toward ensuring their safety.
To choose the right door lock, it’s important to understand how it works and its purpose. A proper door lock will make your patient feel left out and unstructured. They’ll be looking for access to the room where they’re located and feeling confident they can do whatever they want without being detected.
The wrong door lock will make your patients feel like they are the only ones in the room. This can go a long way toward ensuring their safety.
The correct door lock will make your patients feel like they positively impact the world. They’ll be looking for access to the room where they’re located and feeling confident they can do whatever they want without being detected. The incorrect door lock will make your patients feel like they are the only ones in the room. This can go a long way toward ensuring.
What are the best tips for dementia patients for using a door lock?
When looking for the best door lock for your dementia patient, it’s important to have a clear goal. What are your patient’s safe areas? What is the price for this safety? Are you trying to buy the lock?
The right door lock for your dementia patient may vary depending on age, health, and weight. However, some tips will help you get the right lock for your patient.
The most important thing to remember is that the right door lock should be used once, not once and again. This means that you should try to use the key card process when possible to increase the number of attempts that the key card is required to unlock the door. This will ensure that the door lock is used only when needed and not when it’s not.
The wrong type of door lock can also be dangerous for your dementia patient. For example, if you’re using the wrong type of door lock, your dementia patient may feel as if they are unimportant and undrowned. This can go a long way toward ensuring their safety.
What’s more, you can as quickly try to open the door with a simple phrase such as “I am sorry to hear that you are feeling left out and unstructured. Is there something I can do to help?” This will help keep your dementia patient in your arms.
How do you deal with a dementia patient with a door lock?
When looking for a door lock for your dementia patient, it’s important to do your research. It would help if you chose a product best suited for your situation. You should also try to find someone with experience with this type of product who can help you understand its use.
The best way to choose a door lock is to consider its purpose. A door lock must be used when the patient cannot leave the room. For this reason, it is important to find a strong product with low sound volume.
Another essential factor to consider when choosing a door lock is its security. A correct door lock must be easy to open and open quickly. It must also be safe for the patient. However, certain features are more important to you than others.
It would help if you also considered the cost of the product. A correct door lock will offer you better value for your money. It will make you feel like you are investing in the product rather than just buying it at the store. The right door lock will offer you more features at a lower price, which can make it difficult for you to return it.
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