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A myALZteam Member asked a question 💭

Dad is starting to get confused in the evenings. I don't think it's bad enough that he'll wander or or get lost yet, but I want to be ready before that happens. Looking into door alarms and found this site which identifies many types: https://www.verywellhealth.com/safety-in-dement...

Do you have a favorite? or even a favorite type?
* string alarm
* magnetic
* floor sensor

And do you like the remote alarms -- that sound in a different room so as not to scare the person opening the door?

read more

August 21, 2019
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Answer Summary

Members responded warmly to a caregiver seeking door alarm recommendations for a father with Alzheimer's who experiences evening confusion,... Read more

Members responded warmly to a caregiver seeking door alarm recommendations for a father with Alzheimer's who experiences evening confusion, with the community offering a range of practical solutions from simple $5 magnetic alarms to more sophisticated smart home systems. Several members shared their personal setups, including magnetic door alarms from Amazon that are loud and inexpensive, Blink or Ring security cameras that send motion alerts to smartphones and allow remote monitoring, bed and chair alarms that sound in different rooms to avoid startling the person, and creative low-tech solutions like jingle bells on door handles or baby-proofing knob covers. A recurring theme was balancing safety with dignity by considering how alarms might embarrass or frighten someone with dementia, with many members recommending systems that alert caregivers remotely rather than sounding loudly in the same room, allowing family members to respond quickly without causing distress.

A myALZteam Member

I installed an internal system with cameras, motion sensors and door sensors. They worked via a hub connected thru WiFi. I could control it thru my iPhone. It would alert my phone if a sensor was triggered.

August 21, 2019
A myALZteam Member

I bought simple magnetic type alarms from Amazon, about 5$. They were two part, one on the door, the other on the door jamb, attached with sticky pads. They had a manual on off switch. They were plenty loud enough and served us well.

August 21, 2019
A myALZteam Member

Here are a couple other ideas:
You could hang a string of bells on the doors say on the handles. Bedroom and front door. I used a Christmas wreath hanger.
Similar to a security door jam bar, use a rubber doorstop on the front door.
I switched to a Ring doorbell which even triggers when my screen door is barely opened.
Good luck

September 23, 2019
A myALZteam Member

Try visiting a website called - unforgettable. They have a small catalogue of dementia aids to help make everyday life a little easier. Hope you find what you need. X

September 22, 2019
A myALZteam Member

MIL doesn’t wander much and little strength so out of house escape is not a concern for us. BUT ... she is teetery at best with walker and at night a couple 3 years ago she fell and cracked a rib. Soo we have a bed alarm which is a pad and the alarm is NOT in the room with her but in our bedroom so if she gets up we know right away. We have a baby monitor in her bedroom and carry the portable with us or in same room with us. During the day we have a chair pad alarm and that one does ring where she is but we figure she’s awake so no scare factor.
Hope this helps

November 15, 2019

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