Elopement and wandering can both be dangerous for older adults. Wandering occurs when an older adult moves around unattended in a nursing home facility. Elopement occurs when they actually leave the facility without the permission or awareness of staff members.
Wandering incidents can lead to a host of issues, including resident-on-resident violence, exposure to pathogens and preventable falls. However, elopement is especially dangerous for vulnerable older adults who rely on long-term care services. Those who leave a nursing home facility due to confusion or unhappiness can end up sickened or injured because of their unplanned excursion.
What hazards could nursing home residents experience if they leave their residence without permission and support?
1. Environmental exposure
Being outside for extended periods can be dangerous. Someone who wanders outdoors during precipitation could spend hours with a low body temperature due to exposure worsened by their wet clothing and hair. Those who are outdoors overnight are at even greater risk of developing medical complications. Exposure is a risk factor that can lead to medical issues after as little as a few hours in some cases during extreme heat or cold weather overnight.
2. Treatment interruptions
Many older adults rely on a number of medications to manage their health. They may need medication for chronic health conditions, ranging from blood sugar issues and blood pressure to cardiac issues. Leaving a facility without medication and medical observation may mean that older adults are at risk of having medical events because they miss doses of the medication on which they rely.
3. Traumatic injuries
During elopement incidents, older adults can walk toward unsafe terrain. They could fall into ditches or wander out into traffic. They can then sustain injuries due to falls, collisions and a variety of other preventable incidents. Older adults may struggle to recognize these hazards, especially if they have compromised cognitive function or issues with their vision or hearing. They could also encounter people who mistreat them instead of helping them.
Elopement incidents are largely preventable with appropriate care standards at facilities. Those coping with the aftermath of a loved one leaving a nursing home may potentially have grounds for a nursing home negligence lawsuit. Taking legal action can potentially provide financial relief for expenses associated with an elopement incident and may influence the standard of care at a facility for the better in future.
