Secure Units
Some long-term care facilities provide secure environments for residents who may be at risk of getting lost if they leave the unit or facility unaccompanied. There are different types of secure units.
- Wanderguard Units: Residents on these units may be required to wear a bracelet which will trigger an alarm to let staff know when they are near an exit door, or the bracelet will trigger the door to lock.
- Protective Care Units: Doors on these units may also have a coded lock. Family members/visitors may have access to this code. Many resident rooms on these units have locks in certain areas such as cupboards, bathrooms and clothing closets to prevent residents from accessing items that could be dangerous to them. Many commonly used items could pose a risk for residents on a protective care unit; therefore, there are additional restrictions on personal items that are permitted on the unit.
What you and your family can do
- Please ensure doors are closed completely when entering or leaving the unit.
- Speak with staff about what items you can bring to the unit. Some residents may not be able to remember how to safely use items and may try to eat or drink things other than food and beverages.
- Do not assist other people off their secure units, as they may be residents.
Our response, in the event a resident wanders, is well planned and thorough to ensure the resident is back at the facility as soon as possible. Please alert staff immediately if you suspect a resident is missing.