7 Door Locks to Keep Alzheimer Patients from Wandering
Depending on the level of mobility and the layout of the home, different types of locks can be used to keep Alzheimer patients from wandering.
Here are some options:
1. Deadbolts for Alzheimer Patients:
Installing deadbolts on exterior doors can be an effective way to prevent wandering. However, it’s important to ensure that other family members or caregivers can still easily unlock the doors in case of an emergency.
2. Slide Bolts for Alzheimer Patients:
Slide bolts are another type of lock that can be used to secure doors and windows. They are easy to install and operate and can be used in conjunction with other locks for added security.
There are a few things to consider when buying a smart lock:
- Installation: Some outdoor smart locks will replace the existing deadbolt on your front door, while others will rely on your old deadbolt so you can keep your keys. All of the smart locks in this roundup are battery-powered, so you don’t have to worry about wiring.
- Keyboards: Digital keyboards save you the hassle of carrying a key or cell phone, and make it easier for guests or family to come and go when you’re not at home. Many smart locks come with a keyboard, although some brands like Wyze sell their keyboard as separate add-ons.
- To mortise or not to mortise?: Some smart locks come without a physical keyway — you know, the hole where you insert a key. While your smart lock doesn’t need a keyway, an old-fashioned key can come in handy if the lock’s battery dies or the lock isn’t working properly. However, some locks have emergency backup options. For example, you can blast the Yale Assure Lock SL keyless with a 9V battery.
- Smart home integration: Google Assistant or Alexa? If you want to connect your smart lock to other devices like smart lights or security cameras, make sure it supports your favorite smart assistant for voice control. Of course, it’s worth mentioning that you don’t need your smart home equipment to use a smart lock. You also check: How To Lock the Bedroom Door From Outside? Keep Safe Your Bedroom.
- Amazon Key: Some outdoor smart locks support Amazon Key, a program that allows delivery people to drop off packages at your home. Using Amazon Key is optional and drivers cannot reuse their digital “key” to get home after a package has been delivered. (Amazon Key also requires a compatible smart camera).
- WiFi vs Z-wave: Most smart locks connect directly to your WiFi routers like any phone or laptop. However, some smart locks communicate with your router via a Z-Wave smart home hub, which minimizes Wi-Fi interference and often offers better coverage than Wi-Fi. Z-Wave devices can also amplify the signals of other large house or outdoor smart home devices. That means you must have a Z-Wave hub (like the Ring Bridge) to use a Z-Wave smart lock. The only Z-Wave Smart Lock in this round-up is the Schlage Z-Wave Latch.
More: 11 Best Outdoor Smart Lock