Residential Care Facility for the Elderly (RCFE) Practice Test

Facility exit doors can be locked at night for resident protection in certain circumstances, particularly where safety and security are major considerations. Locking the doors helps prevent wandering or elopement among residents, especially those who may be suffering from cognitive impairments such as dementia. This measure is crucial in ensuring that residents stay safe within the facility during nighttime hours when supervision may be reduced.

However, it's important to note that if doors are locked, the facility must have procedures in place to ensure that residents can exit safely in case of emergencies, such as fires. Facilities must also comply with state regulations regarding locked exits, which often require that residents have the ability to exit the building in a timely manner and that staff are trained to monitor and assist residents effectively.

In this context, while it's permissible for exit doors to be locked at night for the sake of resident protection, it must be managed carefully to balance safety with the right of residents to exit when necessary.