Home Safety Solutions for Alzheimer's Patients: Preventing Wandering

Question
My mother-in-law has alzheimers and is being cared at her home 24 hours a day. She has begun wandering at times. Do you have any information as to safety locks,latches, etc. that we can purchase for her outside doors to keep her from walking out of her house unoticed?

Answer
Hi Patricia,

We often use latches for this exact reason. We jst use plain old door latches that cna be picked up in any old Hardware Store - nothing fancy.

It's best to simply look at each possible dangerous exit and assess each one on it's own. You want to be able to stop her from leaving unnoticed, but you do not want to lock yourselves in/out in case of fire. Generally fairly simple hooks or slide latches work if placed up high out of sight.

I hope this helps, and I wish you good health,

Margot