Older adults often become confused and emotionally agitated. They may struggle to stay in one space, especially if they do not yet have significant mobility limitations. The workers at nursing homes generally need to monitor the conduct of residents to ensure that they provide appropriate support.
Wandering within the facility is usually not a serious safety concern. However, elopement incidents can potentially lead to tragedy. Most elopement scenarios are completely preventable with appropriate interventions from nursing home workers.
Why is elopement dangerous?
People who struggle with dementia or cognitive decline related to advanced age may struggle to make appropriate decisions. They can decide to leave a facility without any resources and may put themselves at risk of injury or worse.
Older adults who leave a nursing home could be at risk due to environmental exposure, especially when the weather is extreme or they are away overnight. The lack of access to medical support, including necessary medications, can also be a significant safety concern. Traumatic injuries could also be a concern, as people could fall or wander into traffic.
How can nursing homes help?
Nursing homes can prevent elopement incidents by maintaining appropriate facility security and evaluating resident needs. People struggling with cognitive decline may need to move into a memory ward where they cannot leave at will.
The failure to document changes in an older adult’s support needs could have significant consequences. Failing to follow protocol regarding locks and bed checks could also lead to preventable elopements.
Families worried about the aftermath of an elopement incident may have grounds to pursue a nursing home negligence lawsuit. Holding facilities accountable for failing to properly support vulnerable older adults can help families recoup the various losses triggered by an elopement incident and the injuries that a loved one has sustained.
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