Any suggestions for keeping my uncle from climbing through windows?

I've seen homes that had bars on the windows...they weren't ugly at all and the covered the whole window...just vertical bars and if a baby can't get through them, then definitely not a grown man. Some that I've seen even jut out a bit from the face of the house and window so that the windows can still be cleaned and screens repaired, etc. And the way these were installed, your uncle would not be able to remove them because they seemed tied into the facing of the window somehow. I live in the southwest so those kinds of things blend in well with the architecture of many homes...most do it to protect their home from robbers but if you can't get in...you can't get out, either.

I think bars are the best and maybe only option for something like that!

But of course you have to think about emergency exits, too, in case of fire. It is good to have at least one window a grown person CAN climb out of.

Kind of a dilemma, for sure.

Has he given you any indication this is something he might do?

Ladee,
Yes, that's why we left the windows painted shut for now. He is a wandering risk. We even had to chain up the lawn chairs because he was using them to climb the fence into our neighbor's yard.

Well, there are a number of things you could consider... there are alarms that go on windows, not very expensive, that will go off if the window is opened....the bars are a good idea also, but I always worry about a fire risk..... there are also alarms that you can put on his bed that will alert you if he gets up... that depends on when he is trying to get out.... is this something he has always done, or just started..... I've never had a 'climber' before so hope others have suggestions also..... you may just have to leave them painted shut and a great odor reducer is called CitruScent.... you can get it online... it does not mask odors, it eliminates them...feel bad for you, this is a new one for me.... good luck and let us know how things are going.... hugs

Boy, the problems with dementia -- smart, but no judgement. Odd question, but would he be hurt if he climbed out the windows? Maybe focus on securing the yard perimeter (though it sounds like you've already done that) & an alarm in your room that goes off when the windows open? I've even come across people on this site who have alarms that text them when a door opens and it sends a pic to their phone (VERY high tech, but since there are burgler alarms that do this maybe one of those could be used?). On the much simpler end can the window have a locking pin that will keep it from opening more than 6 inches? add a fan for more circulation....

horserider,
He wouldn't be hurt, he would just walk onto the front porch, but from the front porch he can walk to the sidewalk or street.. and then wherever! He is very mischievous 24/7.

I ordered a few window wedges/bars and will try out what works best. The window fan is ready to put in place, once I'm satisfied he can't climb out!

I agree, keep the windows painted shut. An alarm seems good. Maybe put a baby gate in the window and he wouldn't understand it.