How to stop dementia wandering?

Can you put jingle bells on the door knob after you go to sleep? That will help to wake you up. Or a motion sensor alarm. Good luck!

Hank, I read somewhere that placing a black throw rug in front of the door may [or may not] work. Some people with dementia would see that rug as a dark hole in the floor and not want to step on it.

Hank32, there are alarms that you can put under a door, they look like a door stop (that wedge shaped thing) When the door is opened it depresses part of the alarm and it goes off. I think I saw it used mostly for travelers to put under a hotel door. Found one on line, Home Depot it is under $10.00. But there are lots of others available in different styles. I happened to like the door stop one because I could use it anywhere and no installation.

I'd review the paperwork regarding your tenancy at the IL. They probably have a policy on wandering. I'd explore it now, so you can make plans. Some people sleep near the bedroom door, so they are alerted if the person tries to leave during the night. Or you might hire someone to stay up and watch out. Sometimes, a secure facility is needed.

How is she getting out of your apartment?

Have you asked management about any steps you could take? Since it's a senior complex, they should already know how to handle this.

There wasn't much we could do when my grandfather started wandering. A few times he walked out in the middle of the night.

One thing that did help: Installing an alarm to where it would beep-- not a siren, just a loud beep-- whenever it was opened. My grandmother would hear it and know to go get him.

We got him an ID bracelet with his address too.

You're lucky she wandered into an apartment where someone realized she was confused. I'd be worried she won't be so lucky with another person!