If someone has been diagnosed with dementia, you may wonder about their future care. One option you may be considering is a nursing home. But you may have heard stories of people with dementia who wander off and become lost, known as elopement.
Elopement can be a scary idea, but there are steps you can take to prevent it. This guide will explain elopement, how to avoid it, and what to do if it occurs.
What Is Nursing Home Elopement?
Nursing home elopement is defined as the unauthorized departure of a nursing home resident. It can also pose a serious risk to the resident’s safety. Elopement can lead to serious injury or even death. In addition, elopement can be a financial burden on the nursing home.
Why Does Nursing Home Elopement Happen?
There are many reasons why nursing home elopement happens. One reason is that nursing home residents may feel isolated and alone. They may feel like they are not receiving the attention they need and cannot regularly interact with others. This can make them depressed and anxious, making them want to leave the nursing home.
Another reason nursing home elopement happens is that the staff may not provide adequate supervision. This can occur if the staff needs to be adequately trained or if they need to pay attention to the residents. Additionally, if the nursing home is understaffed, this can also lead to elopement.
Finally, some residents may elope because they are trying to escape an abusive situation. If they feel like they are feeling ignored or mistreated, they may try to leave the nursing home to find help.
How to Prevent Nursing Home Elopement
There are several steps that nursing homes can take to prevent elopement. These steps include:
- Conduct regular risk assessments to identify residents at risk of elopement
- Implementing security measures such as alarms and security cameras
- Ensure all doors and windows are secure and cannot be easily opened
- Providing staff with training on how to prevent and respond to elopement
- Creating a policy for responding to elopement incidents
By taking these steps, nursing homes can help to keep residents safe and prevent the costly and dangerous consequences of elopement.
What to Do If Your Loved One Has Eloped from a Nursing Home?
If your loved one has eloped from a nursing home, it is essential to take action immediately.
The first step is to notify the nursing home staff. They can help you search for your loved one and may have information on their whereabouts.
Next, you should notify the police. They can help you search for your loved one and may have information on their whereabouts. If your loved one has a medical condition, the police will also be able to notify local hospitals and clinics.
Reaching out to your loved one’s friends and family is also essential. They may have information on your loved one’s whereabouts or may be able to help you search for them.
Lastly, you should contact a lawyer. They can help you navigate the legal process of nursing home elopement.
Conclusion
It is vital to be conscious of the potential for nursing home elopement and to take steps to prevent it. There are many reasons why residents may attempt to leave the facility, and it is often confusing to determine the motives. However, some common risk factors can increase the likelihood of elopements, such as dementia or mental illness. If a resident does attempt to leave the nursing home, it is vital to act quickly to ensure their safety.
Mendes, Reins & Wilander is a personal injury law firm specializing in major and catastrophic injuries, nursing home and assisted living neglect and abuse, medical malpractice, wrongful death, and vehicle accidents. If you or your loved ones have been injured in any of these ways, please do not hesitate to contact us for a reliable consultation. We will help you get the compensation you deserve from a nursing home elopement.