To prevent wandering in patients with dementia, which safety measure is appropriate?

To prevent wandering in patients with dementia, which safety measure is appropriate?

• A. Place locks above or below eye level
• B. Use alarms on doors
• C. Place locks at eye level
• D. Childproof doorknobs

Answer: (C)

In dementia care, the goal is to create barriers that reduce wandering while still allowing safe access for staff. Placing locks at eye level accomplishes this by making the locking mechanism less obvious and more difficult for the patient to see or operate. It requires a more deliberate action to unlock, which the patient with cognitive impairment is less likely to attempt, thereby reducing the chance of wandering. Locks positioned above or below eye level are more likely to be discovered and manipulated by someone who is curious or impulsive, increasing the risk of the patient getting out. Childproof doorknobs are not appropriate for adults and can be difficult for staff to operate during urgent situations. Using door alarms can help alert staff, but the specific height of the lock provides a physical barrier that works even when alarms aren’t actively triggered.

In dementia care, the goal is to create barriers that reduce wandering while still allowing safe access for staff. Placing locks at eye level accomplishes this by making the locking mechanism less obvious and more difficult for the patient to see or operate. It requires a more deliberate action to unlock, which the patient with cognitive impairment is less likely to attempt, thereby reducing the chance of wandering.

Locks positioned above or below eye level are more likely to be discovered and manipulated by someone who is curious or impulsive, increasing the risk of the patient getting out. Childproof doorknobs are not appropriate for adults and can be difficult for staff to operate during urgent situations. Using door alarms can help alert staff, but the specific height of the lock provides a physical barrier that works even when alarms aren’t actively triggered.