Dementia is an abnormal change in the brain, which is prevalent among the elderly. Estimates suggest that there are more than 47.5 million dementia patients across the world. All forms of dementia cause a decline in cognitive function such as a decline in memory and thinking.
The combination of a decline in cognitive function and frailing physical abilities common among the elderly makes moving around a tad difficult and risky. Navigating around the house for dementia patients can be hazardous.
For instance, when the patients use the stairs unaided, they risk falling, which, in turn, increases the risk of suffering from other health issues such as broken bones and concussions.
What Should You Look For When Shopping For Safety Gates For Adults?
Safety gates for dementia patients help caregivers restrict the patient’s movement, all for the safety of the patient. However, you cannot use the regular safety gates for kids and pets as they might not meet your needs. So, what should you look for in a safety gate for dementia patients:
High-Safety Standards
The safety gate should have high safety standards for everyone around the house. The last thing you want to do is to create a hazardous environment in your house by installing a safety gate. Choose appropriate materials that will be safe to install in your house.
Robust Build
The frame and vertical slates should be strong enough to withstand the strength of a grown person. Flimsily built safety gates are susceptible to forced entry. You need a robust safety gate. In the same vein, avoid pressure-mounted gates.
Creating holes by screwing the gate frame to the wall might seem too huge of a hassle to go through, but it offers a more secure attachment of the gate in place.
Difficult To Deactivate For The Patient
While not all patients will have the strength to force open the gate, many will try and open the gate. With this in mind, you should choose a gate that is difficult for the patients to deactivate easily.
The gate’s lock should force the patient to give up opening the gate and stay put where they are, waiting for caregivers to help them navigate hazardous environments.
Aesthetics
You should also think about the aesthetics of the gate. Given that it might stay in place for a long time, you might as well choose a safety gate that matches your décor.
The Best Safety Gates For Patients With Moderate To Severe Dementia
The Munchkin Loft Aluminum With Hardware Mount is a solid safety gate with a sleek contemporary design and finish. Importantly, however, it is robust enough to secure any doorway or stairways from dementia patients.
The fully-featured safety gate is a good choice for caregivers looking for a robust safety gateway that can fit a doorway of a stairway measuring 26.5” to 40” wide. It stands 30.5” high.
Features:
- Indexed Sizing System – This allows caregivers to adjust the width of the gateway using the pre-set index positions.
- Integrated Tuning System – This system allows you to adjust the vertical fit to a suitable height you might want.
- Swinging Doors – The gate has swinging doors that open in both directions. Additionally, it also has a dual-locking system that will secure the door from the patient.
Designed to accommodate any opening size, this safety gate can be installed in stairways and doorways spanning from 32” to 48” wide.
At 33” tall, this safety door is tall enough to prevent dementia patients from jumping over. The solid wood structure of the gate ensures that the gate is durable and robust to withstand years of years.
Features:
- Easy To Install – For installation, the safety gate comes with a dual installation kit that allows for banister-to-banister installation for stairways as well as installation in a wide variety of doorways. The innovative installation kit negates the need for drilling whilst being unmovable. Moreover, the installation kit with its quick-release mechanism makes the disassembly of the gate easy.
- Stylish Design – Made of solid wood with a honey oak finish, this safety gate will complement your décor with ease.
3. Regalo 2-in-1 Extra Wide Hallway And Stairway Safety Gate
This is a simple safety gate, but a solid one nonetheless. As such, you can mount the sturdy safety gate on top of stairs, the bottom of stairs, and even at doorways.
Importantly, however, the Regalo 2-in-1 Extra Wide Stairway and Hallway will suffice in preventing dementia patients from wandering to hazardous parts of the house.
Features:
- Easy To Install And Uninstall – The gate is easy to install. You can set up the gate in a matter of minutes. The hardware mount on both sides secures the gate to the wall or banister while also making it easy for caregivers to disassemble the gate. Its hinge system ensures the gate has a tight fit.
- All-Steel Construction – The entire gate is made using steel. This gives the gate exceptional durability and stability.
- Safety Lock Feature – You can secure the gate with the built-in safety lock system.
The all-metal Evenflo Walk-Thru Gate is another effective safety gate for dementia patients. It can fit openings spanning 29” to 42” and it is 30” tall. The sturdy build of this gate and its hardware mount ensures it stays in place, meaning your patients cannot move it.
Features:
- No Floor Bar – The hardware mount secures the gate to the wall. As such, there is no need for a reinforcing floor bar that is a tripping hazard.
- Safety Lock – While the Easy Glide handle makes opening and closing the gate in both directions an easy task, you can lock the gate quite easily with the built-in lock.
At 32” tall, and with the ability to install in openings between 30” and 48” wide, you can use the Summer Deluxe Stairway Wood Gate anywhere you want to prevent your patient from accessing it. The safety gate is also easy to install, for caregivers looking for a DIY install.
Features:
- Swing Stop Mechanism – The swing stop mechanism prevents the safety from opening, reducing the chances of the patients opening the gate and accessing hazardous areas.
- Aesthetically Pleasing – Made of solid wood with an antique oak finish, the safety gate will not look out of place in most homes.
Final Word
When taking care of a dementia patient, you must be cognizant of every aspect of their safety. You should not leave them to devices and hope for the best. This is especially with regards to roaming around the house.
While you might want to give them the freedom they have grown accustomed to, safety considerations dictate that you restrict their movement, protecting them from certain areas that increase the risk of personal harm.
As such, part of improving residential safety for dementia patients, you should consider increasing installing safety gates. A choice from one of the above safety gates will suffice to meet your needs.
One side of my banister is rod iron. Would any of these safety gates work with a rod iron staircase?