By clicking
Talk to a Specialist, you agree to our
Privacy Policy. You also consent to receive calls and texts, which may be autodialed, from us and our customer communities. Your consent is not a condition to using our service. Please visit our
Terms of Use. for information about our privacy practices.
{FYI: People with Dementia DO LOOK UP, especially when they are 6 feet tall and they sit where they can see the staff unlocking and locking the deadbolt routinely whenever the staff opens the door. One of our Dementia residents got really good at unlocking a deadbolt so that he could "go to work" at the newspaper office that he had worked at all of his life.}
Child-proof doorknobs might be a better option. Many nursing homes use "visual deterrents" to prevent a person with dementia or Alzheimer's from going through a doorway or a door.
Here are some websites of Stop Signs made especially as visual deterrent for wandering. Many of the signs are attached with Velcro-like fasteners so that you can take them off anytime you want to. The sign will need to be remove prior to your loved one going out the door.
https://www.alzstore.com/stop-sign-banner-p/0134.htm
https://www.caregiverproducts.com/posey-stop-sign-door-banner.html
https://www.mindcarestore.com/stop-sign-banner-p/mc-0134.htm
Here are some websites about how to prevent wandering:
https://www.webmd.com/brain/10-ways-to-prevent-wandering#1
https://www.alzstore.com/alzheimers-dementia-wandering-s/1828.htm
Is it possible to put additional deadbolts on the doors up high? I saw this with doorknobs at a very old NH. No wandering as demented people apparently do not look up. Go figure.