Alzheimer’s and Dementia: How Can You Secure Exits for a Senior with Dementia?
Alzheimer’s and Dementia: Wandering can be very common for people with dementia, and all too often they wander outside of the house. If this has become a habit for your senior, you need a solution that helps to secure exits safely.
Home Health Care in Lake Bluff IL: Secure Exits
Alzheimer’s and Dementia: Consider Adding a Lock Out of Reach
Adding a new lock to the door that is higher than your senior can easily reach may be one answer. Using a simple slide lock can accomplish what you need. Depending on your senior’s degree of dementia, you might not need to place the lock very high. Another option is to place the lock lower on the door, particularly if reaching down isn’t something she does.
Alzheimer’s and Dementia: Door Alarms Can Also Help
Door and window alarms are designed to sound when the magnetic seal between two pieces is disconnected. You can even get these as part of a home alarm package to alert you when a door or window is opened. For helping your senior to stay inside, these can be handy because the alarm can startle your senior and cause her to close the door again. The added benefit is that you are aware that she’s attempting to leave.
Alzheimer’s and Dementia: Doorknob Covers Are a Solution
Another option to consider is doorknob covers. These are usually used to childproof doorknobs and they can be one of the simplest solutions. They fit directly over a doorknob and require a combination of movements in order to grab the knob inside and allow it to turn. Some require that you push in toward the door while turning the knob, while others require you to squeeze the doorknob cover and turn. Remembering the right “combination” might not be possible for your senior, allowing these simple solutions to work.
Alzheimer’s and Dementia: Pressure Alarm Mats Can Help at Night
If your elderly family member tends to be awake a lot at night and wanders, that can be enough to regularly ruin your sleep, from fear and concern if nothing else. One answer is to use pressure-sensitive mats which sound an alarm next to your senior’s bedside. You’ll know right away if she gets up. If this is a regular occurrence, though, you might want to consider hiring elder care providers for overnight help. This can enable you to sleep and yet your senior’s needs are still met.
Your senior’s wandering habit can be a terrifying one for you. It might help to try a combination of these solutions and see what works best for her Alzheimer’s and dementia situation.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring Home Health Care in Lake Bluff, IL, call the caring staff at LifeCare Home Health & In-Home Services. Call (888) 606-4199 LifeCare serves all of the Chicago Metro Area.
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