If you’re caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia who has a tendency to wander, safety door locks for Alzheimer’s patients could be an excellent option to help keep them safe.

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Potential dangers of wandering

Older adults living with dementia may experience feelings of confusion or disorientation, which can cause them to wander away from their home or caregiver in search of something familiar. As the disease progresses, the risk of wandering increases.

According to a study published in the International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 49% of participants with mild dementia had falls, fractures, and injuries due to wandering behavior.^[01] The unpredictability and risks that accompany wandering can cause significant stress for caregivers and family members.

Installing a specialized dementia door lock is one of the easiest ways to keep a loved one from wandering outside or away from home.

Dementia door lock features

There are certain features you’ll want to look for when shopping for door locks to keep dementia patients from wandering. Before we look at some top-rated locks, here’s a breakdown of a few of the key features you can expect to see in their descriptions.

Two-way security locks the door from the inside and outside.
Multiple user codes give multiple people unique access codes to unlock or lock the door.
An automatic locking system goes into effect either once the door is latched or anywhere from 10 to 99 seconds afterward, depending on the model. This reduces the risk of forgetting to lock the door.
Lock/unlock from anywhere lets you control the lock from your smartphone.

For safety reasons, a person living with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia should never be locked in their home alone without a caregiver present.

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Top-rated door locks for seniors living with dementia

So, how do you secure a door for dementia patients? Consider the top-rated door lock systems for all budgets and security needs listed below.

Code-a-Key All-Weather Double Keypad Mechanical Keyless Door Lock

The Code-a-Key All-Weather Double Keypad Mechanical Keyless Latch Door Lock is one of the top door locks for seniors with dementia because it has a two-way security feature. A code is required to both enter and exit the home, which is especially helpful when trying to prevent a loved one from wandering.

Additional features include:

Independent code programming for each keypad
Easy to recode
No batteries required
Keyless access

Cost: This two-way door lock and other similar products can cost anywhere from $60-$150.

OrangeLion Keyless Entry Deadbolt Lock

The OrangeLion Keyless Entry Deadbolt Lock offers security and convenience with its key-free illuminated number pad. The door lock’s aesthetic design complements all home décor styles, and its weather resistance and long-term durability allow for maximum use.

Other key features include:

Multiple user codes — up to 20 preset codes
Automatic locking system that can be set to engage after 10 to 99 seconds
Easy installation
Optional mechanical key override lock

Cost: This type of door lock is a cost-effective option to increase security with a price range of $35-$50.

Schlage Connect Smart Deadbolt

The Schlage Connect Smart Deadbolt has convenient features and is compatible with home automation systems, including Ring, Alexa, and SmartThings. The door lock is easy to install, and the backlit keypad illuminates blue when it’s dark out.

This smart device includes other features such as:

Lock/unlock from anywhere when paired with a Z-Wave security system
Voice-operated when paired with a compatible voice assistant
Fingerprint-resistant touchscreen
Multiple user access — up to 30 preset codes
Built-in alarm senses and alerts

Cost: This door lock is on the higher end of the price scale and ranges in cost from $200-$270.

Sifely Keyless Entry Door Lock

Sifely’s Keyless Entry Door Lock offers versatility and convenience for caregivers. This door lock is easy to install, can store 200 codes and 150 fingerprints, and — when connected to the Sifely Wi-Fi Gateway — can remotely unlock and lock the door, generate codes, and check access logs.

This door lock also has five different unlocking methods:

Fingerprint
Code
Fob
Smartphone
Key

Cost: This entry door lock has a price range of $80-$200.

Jounjip Double-Sided Keyless Mechanical Locks

The Jounjip Double-Sided Keyless Mechanical Locks has the same two-way security feature as the first dementia door lock on the list. The double-sided lock can have two separate codes for each keypad, which offers an additional layer of security to help limit wandering.

This dementia door lock comes with additional features and benefits:

Batteries not required
Automatic locking system
No keys required
Easy to recode

Cost: This type of door lock can be found listed within a price range of $100-$200.

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Other types of dementia door locks

While most of the door locks covered above rely on keypads or keyless entry, other designs may be a better fit for you and your loved one’s needs. Consider the following alternatives:

A keyed door knob lock can be a good option for a caregiver who wants to prevent a dementia patient from entering a specific room or area of the home.
Door top locks sit on top of a door frame, can be locked from the inside and outside, and provide a solution for caregivers who are worried about their loved ones wandering outdoors.
Door reinforcement locks bring additional protection against burglars, but they can also be an effective solution for dementia patients who demonstrate aggressive behavior.
Door lever locks are easy to install and can be placed on either side of the door. This type of lock can prevent a dementia patient from wandering outside when the lock is installed on the outer side of the door.
Safety door knob covers prevent door knobs from rotating, which can help keep your loved one from entering certain rooms. However, door knob covers may only be effective if a dementia patient has limited dexterity or grip strength.

Keep your loved ones safe and protected

Six out of 10 individuals living with Alzheimer’s or other types of dementia will wander at least once, according to the Alzheimer’s Association.^[02] If you’re a caregiver, your loved one’s safety is a top concern, and there are a number of ways you can help protect them around the home as they age.

Utilizing safety measures like dementia-proof door locks can help minimize the risks of wandering, but they can also be part of a solid emergency plan. Different actions you might consider when devising an emergency plan include:

Installing a bed alarm
Enrolling your loved one in a wandering response service
Creating a list of places they might seek while wandering
Keeping a recent, close-up photograph of your relative on your phone or in a convenient location
Asking friends, family, and neighbors ahead of time to call you if they see your loved one wandering

If your loved one’s wandering behaviors and safety are becoming increasingly difficult to manage at home, memory care is another option to consider. Memory care communities are equipped to provide 24-hour supervised care and feature secured entrances and exits designed to prevent elopement.

If you decide to explore this option, our Senior Care Advisors can help connect you with memory care communities in your area and answer any questions you may have.

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References

Ali, N., Luther, S. L., Volicer, L., Algase, D., Beattie, E., Brown, L. M., Molinari, V., Moore, H., & Joseph, I. (2016, April 31). Risk assessment of wandering behavior in mild dementia.International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry.
Alzheimer’s Association. Wandering.

Meet the Author

Haleigh Behrman

Haleigh Behrman is a copywriter at OurParents. She focuses on senior living community types and services, healthy aging, and caregiving tips and trends. Before joining OurParents, she managed several community-focused print publications and a wedding magazine. She earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Kansas.

The information contained in this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical, legal or financial advice or create a professional relationship between A Place for Mom (of which OurParents is a trademark) and the reader. Always seek the advice of your health care provider, attorney or financial advisor with respect to any particular matter and do not act or refrain from acting on the basis of anything you have read on this site. Links to third-party websites are only for the convenience of the reader; A Place for Mom does not recommend or endorse the contents of the third-party sites.

Best Door Locks for Dementia Patients

Let our care assessment guide you

In this Article

Potential dangers of wandering

Dementia door lock features

Let our care assessment guide you

Top-rated door locks for seniors living with dementia

Code-a-Key All-Weather Double Keypad Mechanical Keyless Door Lock

OrangeLion Keyless Entry Deadbolt Lock

Schlage Connect Smart Deadbolt

Sifely Keyless Entry Door Lock

Jounjip Double-Sided Keyless Mechanical Locks

Talk with a Senior Care Advisor

Other types of dementia door locks

Keep your loved ones safe and protected