Memory Care Regulations

Chas21

Hello, I’m wondering if someone can help me with resources to find out about safety regulations in Missouri. My grandpa has now gotten out of his memory care multiple times because even though the doors have a code, if you push on the handle for 30 seconds, they will open. Wondering if this is a requirement for our state?

ninalu

Hi Chas,
I found this resource that discusses health and safety regulations; federal vs. state and some state-specific information (see Table 2, Missouri.) Hopefully it will be of some help to you.

https://www.seniorliving.org/nursing-homes/state-federal-regulations/
(sorry, I can't figure out how to make it a clickable link; just copy/paste the url into a browser window.)

In your shoes, I think my first call would be to my local Building Department. Ask to speak to either a Building Inspector or Public Health person. They should be able to answer your questions and/or point you in the right direction. 

I hope you find what you need to help keep your grandfather safe. 

Stuck in the middle

My mother lived in a Missouri NH for several years until her death in 2018.  The MC section of her facility didn't do what you describe, so I don't think the easy-open option is a State requirement.  Might be a requirement of the local building/fire code, or maybe your LOs facility just need a new lock.

MN Chickadee

I would guess this is a fire code requirement. I am in MN, but all the locked units I have toured have this feature where there is an override to the lock, such as pushing repeatedly or holding the handle down. Opening the door without entering the code causes a loud alarm to go off. My mother's MC has two locked doors with a short hall in between. This way if the first alarm goes off it gives staff time to sprint over before the PWD attempts the second door. They only enable the inner door when there is a person prone to wandering and is mobile.  Does the door have an alarm? I would inquire if there is another safe guard they can use, such as a pendant he wears that would set off an alarm if he leaves. Sometimes covering windows on the door deters the person since it isn't clear it goes to the outside. You could also try a big stop sign or "do not open" sign, though that may have limited success. It is indeed concerning he has gotten out, as that is not the intent. Staff should be intervening. Is the place very understaffed?