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home safety

Submitted by mrs_mbc on Tue, 11/02/2010 - 11:20am

I just wanted to tell you about the neatest and simplest idea I found for keeping Dad from wandering. A friend suggested using child-proofing devices to keep cabinets and doors secure.  These are usually made from plastic and you can get them at Walmart or Target. My daughter found some at TOYS R US too. They have all different kinds and are easy to use. I got ones to secure my kitchen chemicals and in the bathroom, too. We also use it on the front and patio doors to make it tricky for him to get out - although it still happens sometimes! :-}

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Submitted by Chicagorunner on Sat, 02/19/2011 - 10:38am.

Great idea, but are there ones with alarms that aren't so loud, for those who might get too startled by it?

Submitted by JeanneG on Sun, 02/20/2011 - 8:12pm.

I used a motion detector with a remote alarm. Even if I were in my office or the laundry room I could tell when hubby was out of bed. I don't think it was a particularly disturbing sound -- the assumption was the caregiver would have it and could hear a reasonable sound level. The Alzheimer's Store carries several products. http://shop.alzstore.com/wandering-c1.aspx  I also found a baby monitor very helpful, since I could carry the listening device around with me.

Submitted by PMHodel on Wed, 02/02/2011 - 9:13pm.

I started to worry my husband might get up in the night and I wouldn't hear him.  I found a simple alarm that fits on the door.  It has two magnets that when separated if the door is opened will alarm.  Very sharp sounding noise.  Only uses a couple batteries.  You put the code in at night to activate it and again in the morning to deactivate it.  I am a light sleeper and this helps me sleep a bit better as I know I will hear him if he gets up at night.  I believe I paid less than $15.00.  Small price for a good nights sleep.

Submitted by LindaW on Mon, 02/06/2012 - 12:53pm.

I know they make those medical alert systems for seniors who need to call for help but can't reach the phone. But I wonder if they make one that allows caregivers to see where they are? I know I've seen one's for dogs who wander off but it would be great to have one for kids or seniors too.

Submitted by Vivian on Wed, 02/02/2011 - 8:51pm.

We had to remove the door knob "baby proof" covers off our doors.  My husband with LBD could not open the bedroom door any more with the door knob cover on.  It was very frustrating to him.  We have our 20-mth granddaugther living with us so that is also why we put them on.  We have since removed all the door knob covers and went to a "hook and eye hook" on our bedroom door and a slide latch for the basement door.  My husband can use these latches to go downstairs or into our bedroom without problem.  The baby can't open the doors also.

Submitted by Vivian on Tue, 11/16/2010 - 5:06pm.

I have added additional night lights through the house.  We have some "child proof" stuff because our granddaughter lives with us.  I might just plan on keeping them around when she outgrows them.

Submitted by coulehan on Tue, 11/16/2010 - 5:10pm.

That seems like a good idea for ANYONE who might be up at night -- and especially someone who might get up and be disoriented. Thanks for the suggestion!