• Install a latch at the top of a door.

• Replace a deadbolt lock with a key lock, either higher or lower than normal.

• Install an alarm on doors to the outside.

• Create a safe area, such as a fenced back yard, where a patient can come and go.

• Hide car keys.

• Install locks on windows, and fence your yard. .

• Avoid leaving a patient alone at home.

• Never leave a patient alone in a public place or car.

• Put a do not enter or stop sign on doors.

• Hang a towel over door handles so they are not visible.

• Hang a mural that camoflauges doors.

TIPS TO HELP FIND A WANDERING PERSON

• Get an bracelet, such as the SafeReturn bracelet from the Alzheimer's Association, to identify the patient.

• Get a Project Lifesaver bracelet to help track a patient.

• Get a GPS tracking phone.

• Dress patients in brightly color clothing.

RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES AND CAREGIVERS

Alzheimer's Association

• For the national organization, call 24-7 hotline 1-800-272-3900 or visit www.alz.org.

• For the Southeast Florida chapter, call 1-800-861-7826 or visit www.alz.org/seflorida.

Byrd Alzheimer's Center & Research Institute

• Call 813-866-1600 or visit www.byrdinstitute.org.

Project Lifesaver

• For the international organization, call 877-580-5433 or visit www.projectlifesaver.org.

• For Coral Springs, call 954-344-1833.

• For Lauderdale Lakes, Margate, Pompano Beach and Tamarac, call 954-971-7155.

• For Sunrise, call 954-746-3383.