Adult children of parents with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia may feel determined to keep them living at home as long as possible. Eventually, the problem may become too overwhelming, but for now, living at home is still manageable. One problem these family members have is making sure the person doesn’t wander off. Fences in Minneapois provide a way to prevent this without having to keep the individual locked inside the house all the tilme.
A Sense of Freedom
Just as virtually anyone does, a person with mild to moderate dementia wants to go outside at times. They appreciate being able to do so at will instead of always needing supervision. They want their freedom, just as people without memory and cognitive problems do. The family can keep doors locked to stop the person from leaving home at night, but an unlocked door leading into a securely fenced backyard is a welcome feature.
Secure Fencing
People with dementia obviously have problems with cognition, but they typically can figure out how to climb a chain-link fence or a privacy fence with brace beams. A two-sided privacy fence installed by a company such as Dakota Unlimited is best, as the beams are enclosed between panel layers.
Height Considerations
The fence must be tall enough so the person cannot grab the top of it and climb up that way, and there cannot be anything in the yard that can be stood on for this purpose. The individual will always need a certain amount of supervision to make sure he or she doesn’t grab a step stool from inside and take it into the yard.
The Right Attitude
Family members may be skeptical that Fences in Minneapolis actually will be effective for this purpose. They may be scared to leave the back door unlocked and allow the parent access to the outside. They may feel uncomfortable about having to treat the parent this way, as though this person was a small child or even a pet. Yet the Alzheimer’s Association recommends this strategy to keep the patient safe and happier. The fence can be viewed as empowering instead of demeaning.
