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What Are the Risks of Elopement in Nursing Homes?

Our Pittsburgh attorneys fight to hold negligent nursing homes accountable

Imagine receiving a call that your loved one is missing from their nursing home. It’s a nightmare scenario, and unfortunately, it happens more often than you might think. When nursing home residents leave their facility unsupervised – a phenomenon known as elopement – they face potentially life-threatening risks.

When this happens, families are left questioning the adequacy of care and whether their loved one is truly safe. Elopement can be a sign of nursing home neglect, especially when nursing home staff fail to provide safety measures, even after the issue has been addressed.

What is elopement in nursing homes?

Elopement happens when a nursing home resident leaves the facility without permission or supervision. This isn’t the same as wandering, where a resident might aimlessly move about inside the building. Instead, elopement involves an intentional effort to exit the premises.

For residents with dementia or Alzheimer’s, this behavior often stems from confusion or a mistaken belief that they need to go somewhere familiar – perhaps home or to meet someone they think is waiting for them. Sadly, their mental state means they’re often unaware of the dangers they face once they step outside.

Wandering within a secure environment still carries risks but pales in comparison to the threats posed by elopement, where residents enter uncontrolled and unfamiliar areas.

Why does elopement happen?

Elopement doesn’t happen out of nowhere. It’s often triggered by a mix of cognitive, environmental, and emotional factors. Residents with dementia may genuinely believe they need to leave, whether it’s to “pick up the kids” or “go to work.” Others may attempt to escape feelings of loneliness, boredom, or frustration.

Sometimes, the environment itself is the problem. Insufficient staffing, lack of proper training, or poor security measures can leave gaps in oversight. Doors without alarms, windows that can be easily opened, or poorly monitored exits provide opportunities for residents to slip away unnoticed.

Even external factors such as loud noises or an unfamiliar daily routine can trigger an elopement attempt.

What are the physical risks of elopement?

Elopement exposes nursing home residents to countless physical dangers. They’re suddenly in an environment that isn’t designed to keep them safe, and the consequences can be severe:

  • Weather-related dangers: An elderly resident walking into extreme heat can quickly suffer from heatstroke. Also, Pennsylvania’s winters can be brutal. Without proper clothing or winter gear, residents can suffer from frostbite or hypothermia.
  • Traffic accidents and falls: Unsupervised residents may cross busy streets, wander into construction zones, or attempt to walk on uneven terrain, all of which increase the likelihood of serious injuries.
  • Medical emergencies: Many nursing home residents depend on routine medications to manage chronic conditions. Missing doses while eloping can lead to dangerous complications, especially for those with diabetes, heart conditions, or high blood pressure.
  • Danger from staff or other residents: Eloping residents are particularly vulnerable to exploitation or harm. In their confused state, they may encounter strangers who see an opportunity to take advantage of them. This could range from theft to physical harm, as they are unlikely to protect themselves or call for help.

What are the emotional and psychological risks for residents?

The emotional toll of elopement is often overlooked, but it can be just as damaging as the physical dangers. For residents who leave the safety of their nursing home, the unfamiliarity of their surroundings can cause intense fear and anxiety. Imagine feeling lost, vulnerable, and unsure of how to get back to safety.

For residents with dementia, these emotions are magnified. They may not understand why they’re lost or how to find their way back. Even after they’re safely returned, the experience can leave them feeling disoriented and distrustful of their caregivers.

How can nursing homes prevent elopement?

Preventing elopement requires more than locking a few doors. It takes a proactive, multi-layered approach. Here’s what nursing homes should be doing to minimize the risk:

  • Improve security measures: Facilities should invest in alarmed doors, surveillance cameras, and secure windows. Technology such as GPS trackers for high-risk residents can also be life-saving.
  • Train staff: Caregivers must be trained to recognize early warning signs of elopement risk. A resident who repeatedly talks about leaving or spends time near exit doors should receive close attention.
  • Create personalized care plans: Residents at risk of elopement may benefit from tailored routines or activities that keep them engaged and address their specific needs.
  • Encourage family involvement: Families can provide valuable insights into their loved one’s behaviors and triggers, which allows staff to create a more effective care plan.

What can I do to address elopement concerns?

Your involvement can help prevent elopement. When choosing a nursing home, ask about the facility’s elopement prevention measures. Some questions to consider include:

  • Are there alarms on all exit doors?
  • What protocols are in place if a resident elopes?
  • How are staff trained to handle elopement risks?

Once a loved one is in a facility, regular visits and open communication with staff can make a difference. Pay attention to any changes in your loved one’s behavior, such as restlessness or agitation. If they frequently mention wanting to leave, notify the nursing home staff immediately. Also, be sure to ask what specific steps are being taken to prevent elopement.

If elopement does occur, ask how it happened and what measures will be put in place to prevent a recurrence. If you suspect negligence and your loved one is harmed as a result, you may need to seek legal help to determine the best course of action.

What legal action can I take if my loved one is harmed due to nursing home negligence?

If your loved one was harmed in a nursing home because the staff didn’t implement adequate safety measures, you have the right to seek justice and compensation. No matter how much negligent nursing homes try to deny wrongdoing, the Pittsburgh nursing home abuse and neglect attorneys at Hal Waldman & Associates will fight to hold them accountable.

Whether your loved one suffered an injury or endured emotional trauma due to wandering or elopement, our experienced attorneys can launch an aggressive and thorough investigation, gather the facts, and build a strong case on your family’s behalf.

Our legal team works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t pay any fees unless we secure compensation for your family. During a free consultation, we’ll listen to your story, explain your legal options, and provide compassionate, personalized guidance every step of the way. Contact us online or call our Pittsburgh law office today to speak to one of our attorneys. Your loved one’s safety matters, and together, we can take action to ensure justice is served.

“The Waldman Law Firm is a very capable, efficient law firm that handles cases quickly and with positive results. The staff is knowledgeable and eager to assist. I would recommend this firm to anyone looking for a personal injury attorney.” – Yvonne, ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

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