How can I keep woman with dementia out of mom's room?

Have you talked to the director of nursing? (Some ALFs have a different job title, like Clinical Director, but the person in charge of the nursing staff.) Explain the situation and ask for his or her help is resolving this. Don't go in with an accusatory attitude, but with the expectation that they will want to know about it and address it immediately.

This is a real problem in the memory care area -- and even somewhat of a problem in regular rooms. (Most care centers have a large population of residents with dementia.) If your mother was one of those poor women who wander into others rooms and behave inappropriately you'd want her to have a safe place to live, too. But pushing someone in a wheelchair is a big safety issue and something has to be done to keep you mother safe. Can your mother scream her head off when this kind of thing happens, to quickly get the attention of staff? And she should push her button as soon as someone enters her room uninvited.

But mainly, staff needs to prevent this from happening. It is a tough job. Be patient but very firm. You need to have this addressed in an effective way.

My Aunt is one of those with dementia who goes into others rooms. She is very sweet and tries to be helpful, but what she does is take things. I think she knows what she's doing is wrong, because she hides some of the things. And once they're in her room, they're hers in her mind. I return those items when I see them and when I can get them away from her.

Well, one thing that stopped my aunt from going into rooms is the staff put sign on other residents rooms that said, private do not enter, the management. It works some of the time.. Lol

All the rooms would say "linen closet" and the staff would be more confused........just kidding....hope you don't mind, Rosy! ;^) mulata88

Mulata, no i don't mind kidding around. Humor gets us through a lot! Plus at the nursing home/rehab, the refreshment room DID say linen closet.
Interesting Romona. I will consider that one.

Argggh! Staff put up a magnetic caution bannerto keep dementia resident out. Mom went ballistic! She hated it.made them take it down. She is such a pain! Ok if she gets shoved, its on her. Decor means more to her than anything....or anyone!

Oh no... That surely would have worked! Banner was on the outside of her door, right? Jeeze..

Thank you for your answers. I think the place is understaffed, but we dont have much choice here. Staff is very nice and helpful but it can take them a very long time to come to assistance when mom pulls the help cord. 2 hours in one case. Especially true on weekends. I have never seen them hanging around or doing anything but rushing from one person to another. The problem i think is with administration overpromising and understaffing. I know my mother is not safe at home but not sure she is safe at AL either. I want to get things settled before i have major surgery and cant help. Today i was visiting and she had a problem with her ostomy. I helped her but if i hadnt been there i shudd e r to think how long she would wait. I told her to just call the outside nursing company that helps her once a week. I bet they'd come faster.

Has anyone had experience and luck with putting a picture of a bookshelf or a detout sign on a door to deter dementia patients from walking in?

Haha, the staff will interpret it LITERALLY, and will not get in to do their job, hehe, glad we can make light of some things!
M88