Sunday, October 23, 2011

Suggestions about wandering

As I read my dear friend Dolores' blog at http://movingforwardwithalzheimers.blogspot.com/ this morning I knew that I had already walked that path and perhaps some suggestions I found helpful might be of benefit to her and to the rest of you.

David has begun to wander. Oh, I remember those days. Scary, yes. You just never know when they will become confused about their space or not know where you are... or where 'home' is, and head out the door. Elbert was forever trying to go 'home' so I tried the chain on the door.

Didn't work. He wasn't dumb... he just slid that chain until it became disconnected and out he went. Well, so much for that.

I found great peace of mind in a very simple solution. My son in law screwed in very small door alarms on all my doors and I knew everytime Elbert opened an outside door. These alarms can be found at Lowe's or Home Depot (maybe even Walmart, I haven't looked there). They come in two small pieces, one to attach to the edge of your door, the other goes on the door frame and when the door is opened the alarm goes off.

A small thingamajig (*I don't know what it's called) the alarm part I guess.... the receiver... anyway it plugs into the wall. It's small so it's no distraction. And, you can just unplug it when you don't want the alarms to be activated.


Hope this helps.

Peace of mind is a wonderful thing.

6 comments:

Peggy said...

Hi Latane, a very simple solution as you say and also an excellent security system now for yourself.I am sure the lessons you learned will be a help and be appreciated by others going through the same.

rkbsnana said...

Latane, I had written my post Old and Senile before noting your Alzheimer's blog and so hope you don't think I was making light of the seriousness of this problem.
(you would just have to know my hubby's wit). I admire and appreciate this blog as well.

Dolores said...

Latane...... you're such a good and faithful friend!!! The next time I have a care taker here to sit with David, I'm headed for Home Depot to get the alarm for our front door....I'm glad I now have the chain for salesman who come to the door, but.....I need more for David.
Thank you so much!!!
Love,

Carol Noren Johnson said...

Appreciate your suggestions for when I will need them with my Alzheimer's husband.

I am praying for your security now. May the LORD continue to bless and protect you under His wings.

Hugs,
Carol

Jenn Jilks said...

It is wonderful that you can share your journey and your lessons with us all.
I did a post on mixed marriage trees today. I have a difficult hospice case, and have been trying to find the right space. Poor man with cancer.

Heather said...

Wow! You are amazing. I just read a book called "Still Alice" about a woman with alzheimers. It was heartbreaking and amazing what she went through. Thanks for leaving me a comment on my blog belles bazaar.=)