When nursing home residents are not adequately supervised, they may wander about within the facility or leave the facility altogether. Wandering and elopement places the resident in unnecessary, avoidable harm.
Wandering and elopement by nursing home residents are usually the result of neglect. Nursing homes are responsible for the safety and well-being of their residents and for the harm that befalls them from wandering and elopement.
What is Wandering and Elopement in Nursing Homes?
Wandering occurs when a resident wanders away from a safe area of the facility. They may wander into another resident’s room, another wing of the building, another floor, or anywhere else within the building.
Elopement occurs when the resident wanders away and leaves the facility. Nursing home residents may become lost and, if not found quickly, can suffer great harm.
Why Is Wandering and Elopement So Common in Nursing Homes?
Wandering and elopement in nursing homes happen for various reasons. Some residents are just curious and want to know what is happening in other areas of the facility. Other residents may have mental decline and be confused about where they are.
Some common causes of wandering and elopement in nursing homes include:
- A resident attempting to go home or to find a loved one.
- Changes in their medication or overmedication.
- Feeling sick.
- Mental health issues, including dementia.
- They are unfamiliar with their surroundings and believe they don’t belong in the facility.
- Being hungry or thirsty.
- Having other unmet physical, emotional, or psychological needs.
- Confusion.
When residents aimlessly wander, they don’t have a purpose for their movement. They may be confused, bored, or stressed.
Purposeful wandering happens when residents are trying to get somewhere else, such as to go home or to find someone to help them with a need.
Another type of wandering is reminiscent wandering, which is more common in patients suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease.
Understanding why a resident wanders can help caregivers create a plan to help prevent it and keep the resident safe.
Dangers of Elopement
When a nursing home resident leaves the facility without the knowledge of the staff and administrators, they are often at risk of grave harm. Some dangers of elopement include:
- Dehydration and malnutrition.
- Falling, leading to head injuries, broken bones, and other injuries.
- Being struck by a vehicle.
- Drowning.
- Freezing, becoming overheated, or otherwise suffering from extreme weather conditions.
- Serious medical problems can occur from a lack of necessary medication.
- Other dangers that can lead to severe injury or death.
What Should I Do If I Suspect Wandering or Elopement is a Problem?
First, you should speak to the nursing home staff and ask about your suspicions. If you believe your concerns are not being adequately addressed, take action to keep your loved one safe.
Nursing homes can take numerous actions to help prevent wandering and elopement. When they do not, they may be guilty of neglect or abuse.
You should promptly consult an experienced Georgia nursing home neglect and abuse attorney to help protect your rights and hold the nursing home facility accountable for its actions.
Schedule a Free Consultation With a Nursing Home Neglect and Abuse Attorney
If you or a loved one has suffered because of a nursing home’s neglect or abuse, we want to help. The attorneys at Julie A. Rice, Attorney at Law, & Affiliates have the resources, experience, and knowledge to help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.
Call (770) 865-8654 or visit our contact page to schedule a free consultation. We look forward to meeting you, answering your questions, and explaining your rights. If we take your case, we will work tirelessly to recover maximum compensation for you.