The state of Oregon has been allowing some residential care facilities to lock their doors, which is usually against the rules unless the facility is specifically designed for people with Alzheimer’s. Normally, care facilities must have a way for residents to exit freely, like a key fob or door codes.
But the state has been making exceptions, allowing four facilities to lock their doors. These exceptions are given for reasons like residents having challenging behaviors or traumatic brain injuries.
This has raised concerns, as Fred Steele, the state ombudsman, says his office has received increasing complaints from residents who are not allowed to leave the facility, even for simple errands like going to the grocery store.
Steele and his office have been working to challenge these waivers, and in some cases, their efforts have led to the waivers being revoked.
For example, after Steele raised concerns, the state canceled one waiver just weeks after it was issued. Recently, the state has also made three other facilities follow the rule to post door codes so residents can leave when they want.
