Wandering (also referred to elopement) refers to a cognitively impaired person moving about a nursing home or long-term care facility without appreciation for where they are going. In some cases of patients suffering from Alzheimer’s or dementia, they may attempt to leave the facility.
A nursing home resident’s propensity to wander / elope should be identified in an initial care plan and preventative measures should be implemented by the facility.
How Nursing Homes Can Prevent Patients From Wandering From Their Facility
Common preventative measures include:
- Provide an adequate number of staff to supervise residents
- Train nursing home staff on how to identify wanders
- Use bed, wheelchair or door alarms
- Re-direct patients who are wandering
- Utilize door and window alarms
Nursing Home Liability For Wandering-Related Injuries & Death
Nursing homes must acknowledge the risks associated with patient wandering and elopement and take steps to minimize incidents from occurring in the first place. When facilities fail to implement preventative measures, they may be held responsible for the resulting patient injuries.
About Jonathan Rosenfeld
Jonathan Rosenfeld is a lawyer who represents people injured in nursing homes and long-term care facilities. Jonathan has represented victims of nursing home abuse and neglect throughout Illinois and across the country. Jonathan’s reputation as an aggressive advocate for the…
