My father has delusions that there are men in the house with guns, or alligators in the house... or well, a lot of different things, trying to "get" him. Last night at 2 am he hobbled out of the house into 18 degree weather and snow he walked around the block (no coat in jammies and shoes) and was knocking on the front door. I have sensors on the doors but I was asleep and didn't hear the backdoor go off. I was livid!! luckily he was not hurt, or did not fall and freeze to death out in the cold. SOOOO HOW do I keep him in and safe without locking everything and keeping him prisoner as some lady put it. I have the lock on the front door that he cannot undo with only one hand, but can I lock the backdoor too? I know its a fine line between safe and hostage (LOL) but I would rather risk him not getting outside in an emergency or run around inside the house safe from the imagined threat than die from falling in freezing weather or wander out to fight the dragon (car) in the roadway. what do I do?
My first thought was that there could be some medications that will calm your father at night so both of you can sleep. I imagine the alligators and bad guys are very scary to him. It would be great if the doctors could find a medication that would get rid of those pesky things.
I read your profile. It sounds like your siblings didn't want the task of caring for your father and didn't want you to do it, either. I am glad that you are there for him. I hope that all of you can find some peace with each other on down the road. It is strange how having aging parents can tear siblings apart, instead of bringing them together.
If he might exit the windows screw the bottom half shut.
Why wouldn't you want to hold him prisoner at 2AM? Go for it.