I am full-time caregiver for my 90-year-old husband, who has White Matter dementia. He often wakes me up at night, so I nap during the day. He has taken to going out the front door while I'm asleep. Once he's out, he's lost. Doesn't know his address or phone number.
Sometimes, I can find him quickly. Other times, neighbors have found him and called the police. The police want me to put a tracking bracelet on him, but he absolutely refuses (he is strong enough to prevent it). Also, the monthly subscription isn't cheap.
I would like to put a double-cylinder deadbolt on the front door, which I can lock while I'm sleeping, or doing home chores where I can't watch him every minute. It seems like such an easy solution. However, I'm concerned a locksmith may refuse to do this. And am not sure I can do a good job of replacing the lock myself.
Insights appreciated, thanks.
Since your husband keeps you up at night, please talk to his doctor about medications to help him stay asleep at night. This might be the better solution.
If a locksmith gives you a hard time about it, then hire a handyman to do it.
Or you could install the type of latch that's locked with a combination lock. I put one of these on a door myself. Very easy to do. They come in a kit and you'll need an electric screwdriver to install it. Takes about five minutes to do.
If you have a home security system, activate it before you go for a nap. If the outside doors or windows are opened, an alarm sounds.
try www. Alzstore.com
lots of resources there.
I have on on the front door and the door to the basement.
The back yard is fenced so I let my Mom walk out there...and I have locks on the gates so she cannot get out.
my thoughts and prayers go out to you. It is an extremely difficult and heartbreaking job caring for your loved one with dementia.
Praying for you. Your husband is blessed to have you.
Maybe you can get an ID bracelet on him with your emergency contact info or maybe your can hire a few hours a day helper so you can get some rest.
As a quick short term solution until you install different front door locks or add other devices to keep your husband from wandering out of the house when your back is turned, here is a brilliant round-doorknob-locking-device. This would be helpful on any round doorknobs which don’t even have to themselves lock (like your bedroom door). Again, this product is for purchase on Amazon and requires no installation, just snap it on and lock & unlock it with the provided key, here is the link https://www.amazon.com/PRIME-LINE-S-4180-Door-Knob-Lock-Out-Device-–-Prevents-Turning-of-Door-Knob-and-Access-to-Keyhole/dp/B00BOZBDK6/ref=cm_wl_huc_item
The product name is Prime-Line S 4180 Door Knob Lock-Out Device
Best wishes to you and your husband.
Kaspma1952
Needless to say, the transport chair has slowed him up big time from trying to get out the exits due to tiny wheels. But yes, he has figured out the brakes already.