My mom has Alzheimers. My dad then wants to put her in a Memory wing of Assisted living. THEN, she has a good day where she is wonderful and sweet and nice. Dad then changes him mind. I can't blame him he is the main caregiver and is worried for her safety. He has check out several homes and has called several family meeting to take the big step and then cancels. He is 85 and getting worn out. Any Suggestions?
I absolutely agree with the above advice but the parents may not be able to take that step immediately or ever. No doubt dad gats tired and takes a nap and Mom goes for a walk. I don't think she sees it as trying to escape. Would dad be open to putting locks on the door or simple alarms but loud enough for him to hear. if she has to open a gate alarm that too.
One an elderly lady rang my doorbell on a late summer evening leading a Boston terrier. She said she came from a town about 30 miles away and her family had driven off without her. she asked to use the bathroom and while she was gone I looked at the dogs collar and there was her name and address. her name was the same as the town but she lived within half a mile of my house.
I just popped her in the car and took her home she recognized the street and pointed out her house. Half the neighbors and family were gathered and the police alerted. her husband told me her memory had been failing since she had a stroke
Then, you parents can do things together without worrying about her.
Good luck. This is never easy but it sounds like in your case this is the right thing to do.
Carol