Depending on the level of mobility and the layout of the home, different types of locks can be used to keep Alzheimer patients from wandering.
Five Steps to Keep Alzheimer’s patient safe
Here are some lock options:
1. Deadbolts for Alzheimer Patients:
Installing deadbolts on exterior doors can be an effective way to prevent wandering. However, it’s important to ensure that other family members or caregivers can still easily unlock the doors in case of an emergency.
2. Slide Bolts for Alzheimer Patients:
3. Door Knob covers for Alzheimer’s Patients:
These are plastic covers that fit over standard door knobs, making it difficult for someone with Alzheimer’s to turn the knob and open the door. They are also childproof, so they c
4. Motion Sensors for Alzheimer Patients:
Installing motion sensors on doors and windows can be an effective way to monitor when they are opened. This can be especially useful for caregivers who need to be alerted when a patient is attempting to leave the house.
5. GPS trackers:
Osmile ED1000 GPS Anti-Lost Tracker for Dementia, Alzheimer & Autism Patients
- GPS trackers can help locate them if they do wander away from home and can be worn by Alzheimer’s patients.
- Some smart devices have built-in panic buttons that can be pressed in case of an emergency.
- It’s important to note that no lock or device is foolproof, and that constant supervision and monitoring are often necessary to keep patients safe.
- It also ensures that patients are comfortable and not feeling trapped or isolated, as this can lead to agitation and other negative behaviors.
7 Door Locks to Keep Alzheimer Patients From Wandering
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 extremely powerful tools for security if used properly.
- 1. SCHLAGE FE575 PLY 626 ELA Plymouth Keypad (Overall the Best)
- 2. MiLocks DF-02AQ (Electronic Door Locks for Dementia Patients)
- 3. Kwikset 99130-002 SmartCode 913 (Electronic door locks for dementia patients)
- 4. Safety 1st Outsmart Lever Handle Lock
- 5. Defender Security S 4180 Doorknob Lockout Device
- 6. White Door Guardian Safety Lock, 2-Pack
- 7. Kidde Carbon Monoxide Detector (Best Door Alarms for Dementia Patients)
Front door lock features for dementia patients
It’s important to consider features when choosing front door locks to keep Alzheimer patients from wandering that will ensure their safety and prevent them from wandering.
1. Keyless entry:
We may struggle with using keys and a keyless entry system can be a good option for dementia patients. Many keyless systems use a code or fingerprint to unlock the door, which can be easier for patients to manage.
2. Deadbolt lock:
The lock can be difficult for a patient to unlock on their own and A deadbolt lock provides extra security. It’s important to ensure that family members or caregivers have easy access to the key in case of an emergency.
3. Door knob covers:
As mentioned before, these covers fit over standard door knobs and make it difficult for patients to turn the knob and open the door. They can be especially useful for patients with advanced dementia who may not remember how to use a keyless or deadbolt lock.
4. Door alarms:
Installing an alarm on the front door can be a good way to alert caregivers or family members when the patient is attempting to leave the house. Some alarms use motion sensors, while others can be triggered by the door opening.
5. Remote locking:
We need to lock or unlock the door from a distance so a remote locking system can be useful for caregivers. This can be especially helpful if the patient is prone to wandering and needs to be kept inside for their own safety.
It is easy for the caregiver or family members to use that is important to choose a lock that, but also secure enough to keep the patient from leaving the house unsupervised.
How to care for dementia patients?
As populations age, caring for people with dementia has become more common. Elderly caregiving may consist of formal care and informal care. Formal care involves the services of community and medical partners, while informal care involves the support of family, friends, and local communities, but more often from spouses, adult children, and other relatives.
Prevent Elopement/Wandering: Door Guardian in Alzheimer’s Dementia Care
In the last few years, the number of people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease has risen dramatically, and as a result, so have the number of patients who wander from their care centers. It’s a scary situation that can lead to a lot of heartaches and lost time. But it doesn’t have to be that way.
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