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3 reasons elopement is dangerous for nursing home residents

On Behalf of | Jan 22, 2025 | Nursing Home Negligence |

Nursing home neglect can manifest in a number of different ways. Sometimes, the facilities become dirty and cluttered. Residents may end up injured because they trip and fall or sickened because pathogens spread rapidly through the facility.

Other times, nursing home negligence might result in an older adult falling and getting hurt because they didn’t receive support from staff for basic needs, like getting dressed or going to the bathroom. Nursing home negligence can also result in dehydration or malnutrition.

Sometimes, the negligent operation of nursing homes results in residents leaving the facility when they should not. Elopement or wandering is a serious issue at assisted living facilities. Vulnerable older adults may leave without staff being aware until much later. When that happens, their health and safety could be at risk. The following are some of the potential hazards people face if they leave a nursing home when they should not.

Traumatic injuries

Many older adults can easily slip and fall while wandering outside. Whether they are on uneven terrain or simply become overwhelmed by their environment, they could break bones or sustain brain injuries because they fall. They could also incur much more serious traumatic injuries if an elopement incident results in them wandering into traffic. Older adults could potentially incur deadly injuries if they get struck by a vehicle during an elopement incident.

Disruptions in crucial medical care

Another major hazard for those who leave nursing homes without planning or support is the disruption of their medical treatment. Many older adults are on a complex regimen of medications. From insulin injections to blood pressure medication, they need to receive treatment regularly. Without the appropriate care, they could experience significant symptoms. An infection could become life-threatening if someone leaves a nursing home halfway through an antibiotic regimen, for example.

Exposure to the elements

Even if older adults don’t have any health-critical medication needs and avoid traumatic injury, being outside without resources is dangerous on its own. Particularly during stormy winter weather or after dark, their exposure to the elements could put their lives at risk.

Nursing homes typically have the ability to prevent wandering and elopement with proper evaluations and appropriate support. Recognizing that an allotment can be a sign of negligent nursing home care can help families demand accountability. A nursing home negligence lawsuit can potentially compensate families for the injuries or illnesses that result from a loved one leaving a nursing home when they should not.

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