I woke up at 1:30 this morning to my dog wanting to get out. She had puppies 6 weeks ago and I thought she wanted to go back into the pen with them. As it turns out, she was a God send. All the lights were on in my husbands room and in the hall but I couldn't find him anywhere. The front door was unlocked. He wasn't outside. I panicked and my heart dropped into the pit of my stomach. I called Medic Alert and proceeded to give them all the information. About 15 minutes later, I saw him wondering outside on the front porch. He was in his pajamas, wet and with bear feet. It had been raining. Thank God he is back home. I read all too often of those who disappear and aren't found alive. HIs placement is scheduled for Tuesday but I'm so worried he will wonder away before then. Please keep us in your prayers.
Yes, thank goodness you found him quickly. Maybe until he is placed you should use something to alarm you when he leaves his room. You could tie pots & pans to the bedroom door...or anything that would make a loud noise. Also, you could place a chair or table against the front & back doors. During the summer my son was 8, he started sleep walking, after he unlocked the front door & was on his way out before I caught him, I started places things in front of the doors.
I know that the time will come for this for me as well. I can hear DH get up in the wee hrs. of morning. Usually just gets a drink of water, goes back to bed.. BUT New routine of going out to 'get the newspaper' immediately after he wakes up.. has meant that he's gone out way too early on several occasions, in the black of night. No street lights out here in the boonies either. It only a matter of time I think before he fails to FIND the house on his way back from from the paper box. Its out on the road and our home is a few hundred yards from the road. Fortunately, our doorknob squeaks and I usually hear when he goes out.. but thats really not good enough. Windchimes hanging on the door or bells or anything will help.. Its no comfort knowing that it could happen and that it will happen ..just not sure when.. Good Luck Tuesday is soonnnn. He'll be safe and entertained hopefully at least that is what I will be hoping for when the time comes for us..
thank god for dogs, my dh did that in the dead of winter, dog keep crying at my bed, i kept telling him to leave me along, after a couple of mins, i got up to find dh standing at the front door it was wide open, he was standing there but didn`t go outside he would have froze to death, I put child safety locks on all doors, you only have a couple of days left, do as Judy suggests put something in front of the doors or yes even pots and pans. safety, first now you know why he needs constant care. hugs to you. Gail
Hang in there my friend. This validates your decision, if there was a shred of doubt in your mind. Just a reminder, before Jim's placement I was using a baby gate, Just an inexpensive one, placed half way up the bedroom door frame. He would make enough noise trying to get it down, to wake me up. Keep us posted.
Thank you all for your suggestions and support. I don't know if our baby gates will be big enough since it is a double door to the bedroom but I may be able to make it work with two of them. I will also put some pots and pans on the door and a couple of extra chairs for good measure. Thank you all so much.
Sorry, Diane, you had a scare; but glad the end was good. I appreciate the suggestions for "alerting" that a spouse is leaving. Good idea re pots and pans--especially since a permanent solution in your house isn't necessary. I wouldn't have thought to put a child's gate halfway up to stop or alert that spouse is up and moving about. Now, I hope if/when I need the info, I'll remember it:)
My prayers are with you DianeT, my dh was good a wandering in the stores for awhile. I bought a monitor that has a loud chime that is motion sensitive for home, he doesn't wander off now as he has trouble walking.
Oh Diane, scary indeed. Haven't had to deal with this yet but all of the suggestions sound good. Also, if you have chimes outside (like wind chimes) you could place them on the door nobs. Best wishes and hugs, Sue
Diane I know too well the terror you must have felt. and then the relief to find him!!!!! you can purchase these small little brass plates at any hardware or walmart store. It look like a half moon and flips over on the door so that it cannot open. you place then at the top of the door. A neighbor should be able to install them in 10mins or so. They are very inexpensive but well worth the peace of mind. Thinking of you . Phyllis