Door Locks - Emergency Access

Door Locks That Open From the Outside
Emergency Access

Person Gets Locked in Bathroom
•	Forgets how to unlock door
•	Can't reach the door
	Can't rise from toilet
	Falls on floor or in tub
	Stuck in tub
Solutions
•	Remove or tape up lock
•	Install 2-way lock (opens from outside too)
•	Gives person
	Control
	Privacy
•	Gives caregiver access
TIPS

TIPS

TIP 1. Do a Test Run - Pin Hole Lock

It's takes a bit of wiggling the pin key into the hole until you find just the right spot to push against – you're looking for the spring loaded release button. When you feel it, simply push - you should hear a "pop" or "clunk" as the lock unlocks. Turn the handle and the door should open.

Tip 2. Know What to do in a Pinch

Keep the pin key or screwdriver in a safe, accessible place, but if you're in a pinch:

For the knob with a pinhole:

Straighten out a large paperclip or a coat hanger
Use a metal skewer from the kitchen drawer

For the knob with a slot:

Try a coin
Try a dinner knife

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Door Locks That Open From the Outside
Emergency Access

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Narration:

At some point, the person may forget how to unlock the bathroom door. Oftentimes, shouting instructions through the closed door is not helpful. Or they may not be able to get off the toilet or reach the door in an emergency. Caregivers have reported they or the police had to climb up ladders and crawl through windows to rescue a person. Some had to even break the door down, a terrifying experience for most people with Alzheimer's or other types of dementia. However, if you plan for emergency access, you'll be able to get into the room and avoid unnecessary distress.

Removing or taping up the lock will work for some individuals but not others. If the person is accustomed to control and privacy, it's best to replace the existing lock with a bathroom privacy lock, as illustrated here. This type of lock can be unlocked from the outside, usually with a small pin type of key. This allows you to quickly enter the room in an emergency situation. If your outside bathroom doorknob has a small hole in the center, you probably already have a privacy lock, as illustrated here. This type of lock can be unlocked from the outside, usually with a small pin type of key.