Mom has early dementia. Our front door doesn't have deadbolts or any lock that is hard for mom to open. So what can I put in there?
All doors have chimes so that I know when they open and I can check on mom when I'm at home. But I can't take mom everywhere with me when I go out. She panics when she doesn't see me for 15 minutes and I don't even want to think about her opening the front door and looking out.
Thank you so much
But, it sounds like mom is at the stage she should not be left alone. Find help so you can get out when you need to. Or find appropriate level of care for mom.
So sorry to hear that it has reached this stage, but I can't see an answer for you that would be safe for her.
Keeping them safe from the real danger of walking off is more important than what ifs.
Look at your local hardware store for child locks, place them high up and mom will never even see them. My granny was was kept in with little tab locks that fold over the door frame to stop the door from opening. Pushing them up opened them. It really is important to put anything, even a chain lock above eye level. Demented people don't look up.
It is scary and tiring to be chasing a wanderer all the time. Keeping them securely inside does allow you a level of comfort to get household chores done.
It is probably time for mom to have 24/7 supervision, I am sorry. That requirement changes everything and usually leads to facility care, you can't keep up with the energy they have, it takes a village. My granny would pace the halls in her wheelchair chair nonstop for 18 hours a day.
Hope this helps -
Sparkles
I see in your profile you would like to move Mom into a care facility after you get the financial side organized. Please consider contacting the Area Agency for Aging (AAA) social worker to see if there is an adult day care where your mother could stay a few hours daily during the week and to see if Mom would qualify for some in home care hours. AAA could also help you get the financial stuff in order for Mom's placement. Good Luck.
See All Answers