My 83-year-old mother has serious problems. In the recent past, she has run out the front door in the middle of the night, trying to get away from me, because she said she didn’t recognize me. She would pound on a neighbors’ door late at night or early in the morning, and ask them to call the police. The police have actually come by our house before, to see what was going on. One of my mother’s old friends, lives around the corner with her adult grandson and his wife. In the past, him and his wife were very understanding. But as can be expected, they eventually got fed up.
The woman’s grandson, who is normally very nice, actually yelled at me, and told me that this situation had to stop. The police gave us a warning not to let this happen again. I have done my best to stop my mother from going to their house, and have been pretty much successful with that, since she started on her new meds, But she still has the desire to try and walk over there to make conversation. How do I get her to stop?
My Mom was sure that my Brother and I were "just down the hall" or "on the other side of the window" and she would wheel herself to the outside doors and attempt to look for us outside. Luckily the facility had a Memory Care Unit which had doors that shut and locked whenever someone with a "Wanderguard-like" device got within 5 feet of the door and unlocked when that person left the vicinity of the door.
Visual deterrents such as STOP SIGNS that hang ACROSS DOORWAYS and Black or DARK MATS on the floor that are interpreted as "BLACK HOLES" by people with dementia or Alzheimer's are a couple of ways to minimize wandering.
Here are some websites (Copy & Paste URL to your browser.) 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 removed prior to your loved one going out the door.
https://www.webmd.com/brain/10-ways-to-prevent-wandering
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
https://www.alzstore.com/alzheimers-dementia-wandering-s/1828.htm
You might want to try using some of these visual deterrents along with some of the suggestions mentioned by other posters. Locking the outside doors are fire and safety hazards because locked doors prevent you and your loved one from escaping a fire and prevents the fire department or police from getting into your house to help you or your loved one.
Some of them could be on the wrong side, nexr to the hinges!!!
It sure stopped my husband ......
Best wishes
I also live with my Mom. She's 90 with dementia, not as severe as your mothers but it's only a matter of time.
Mom has left the house on her own once. Luckily it was during the summer and I was able to find her quickly. I'm thinking about installing a 2 way key deadbolt. I'm with her 24/7 or I have sitter for errands. I would just lock when we go to bed at night. Still haven't done this though. I'm a major procrastinator.
If putting Mom in a facility is not feasible, you will have to install door alarms in your home. Others have suggested putting locks on doors up high so they can’t be reached. Organizations who advocate for children with autism are good places to ask about escape-proofing your home.