Exit Technology

These skills can be compromised because of changes in memory associated with dementia.

Sometimes people living with dementia can be at risk of walking away from the home and not being able to find their way back. Or, a person may walk about in the home during the night, disturbing the sleep of others in the same home. There are some technologies available to prevent, detect, monitor and alert others of these behaviours.

Stand alone devices which may be useful include:

• key safe - located near the outdoor toilet door, provides for safe storage of a spare key that may provide access for family, a trusted neighbour or care-workers in case of emergency
• wireless key detector / item locator
• lighting - glow in dark guidance strips, sensor lighting, sensor light adaptor
• infrared door beam buzzer alert
• infrared voice alert door entry system
• GPS
• electronic door strike
• doorganiser
• companion cards (in doorganiser)
• door mural - may be used to disguise a door to prevent a person leaving through that door, for example, if it is unsafe. Similarly, a sign may be placed on the back of the door
• croaking frog
• sound and movement monitors
• gate alarms

Connected devices include

• home automation system – good night button near the bed locks doors and turns off lighting
• property exit sensor
• Personal emergency response system – alarms, (falls), vital call mobile companion

Some of the ideas are simple and inexpensive, whilst others require professional installation and are more costly. For professional advise regarding your circumstances and needs, please contact the Independent Living Centre on 1300 885 886.