Nursing Home Injuries by Wandering and Elopement
Wandering and elopement in nursing homes are serious concerns that can lead to severe consequences for residents and their families. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, six in ten people with dementia will wander at some point and approximately 50% of those who wander risk serious injury or death if not found within 24 hours. If you suspect your loved one is at risk or has been injured due to wandering or elopement, contact the Noll Law Office at (217) 414-8889 for guidance and representation.
What is Wandering?
Wandering is a behavior commonly observed in individuals with cognitive declines, such as dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. It involves aimless or repetitive movement within a confined area or facility. Unfortunately, only 20% of people with dementia are found alive on the fifth day of elopement.
Wandering can take several forms, including:
- Aimless wandering: This involves walking around with no apparent purpose or destination in mind. Residents may appear confused or disoriented while doing this.
- Pacing: Pacing is when a resident repeatedly walks back and forth along the same path. This may be a sign of anxiety, agitation, or restlessness.
- Exit-seeking: Some residents may attempt to leave the nursing home, either driven by a perceived need to reach a particular destination or by a desire to return to a familiar location from their past.
- Repetitive movements: Residents may exhibit repetitive, non-purposeful movements, such as rocking back and forth, tapping, or fidgeting.
- Purposeful wandering: In certain instances, residents may wander with a specific objective in mind, such as searching for a misplaced item or seeking a particular person or place.
- Nighttime wandering: A subset of residents may be more prone to wander during nighttime hours, potentially due to disorientation, sleep disturbances, or an inability to distinguish between day and night.
There are several factors that may contribute to nursing home residents’ wandering behaviors, including:
- Cognitive decline and dementia: Cognitive impairments, such as dementia, can lead to disorientation and confusion, prompting residents to wander in search of familiar surroundings or in attempts to complete tasks they can no longer perform. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated 5.8 million adults aged 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s disease, which significantly increases their risk of wandering.
- Unmet needs or discomfort: Residents may wander searching for assistance with unmet needs, such as hunger, thirst, or pain from soiled clothing.
- Boredom or lack of stimulation: Lack of engagement in meaningful activities or social interaction can lead to boredom and restlessness, prompting residents to wander, searching for stimulation.
- Environmental factors: Poorly designed or cluttered environments can contribute to wandering, as residents may become disoriented or agitated by their surroundings.
Understanding Wandering and Elopement
Wandering refers to aimless or purposeless movement, often due to cognitive impairment or confusion. Elopement, a more severe form of wandering, occurs when a resident leaves the nursing home without proper supervision or permission, putting themselves at risk of injury or harm.
The Importance of Addressing Wandering Behaviors
Addressing wandering and elopement is crucial for ensuring the safety and well-being of nursing home residents. Failure to do so may result in physical injuries, emotional distress, or even legal consequences for the nursing home.
How Does a Nursing Home Assess for a Risk of Wandering in Illinois?
Nursing homes must conduct assessments to identify residents at risk of wandering and develop appropriate care plans to minimize these risks.
Initial Assessment and Ongoing Evaluations
Upon admission, nursing homes should evaluate residents for cognitive impairments and other risk factors associated with wandering. Regular reassessments should also be conducted to monitor resident condition changes.
Identifying Potential Risk Factors
Some common risk factors for wandering include:
- Cognitive decline or dementia
- History of wandering or elopement
- Restlessness or agitation
- Unmet needs or discomfort
- No Personalized Care Plan
Based on the assessment results, nursing homes should develop a personalized care plan that includes strategies to minimize wandering risks and ensure resident safety.
How Can Wandering Behaviors Be Prevented?
Effective prevention of wandering behaviors involves several strategies, including:
Environmental Modifications
Nursing homes can make changes to the environment to reduce wandering, such as:
- Clear signage to help residents navigate the facility
- Removing clutter and creating open, unobstructed spaces
- Designating safe wandering areas within the facility
- Staff training and increased supervision
Proper staff training is essential to ensure employees recognize wandering behaviors, respond effectively, and provide adequate supervision for at-risk residents.
Engagement in Meaningful Activities
Providing residents with engaging activities and social interactions can help reduce boredom and restlessness, ultimately decreasing the likelihood of wandering.
Monitoring and Security Measures
Implementing monitoring and security measures, such as door alarms, video surveillance, or wearable tracking devices, can help staff quickly identify and intervene when a resident wanders.
Common Injuries Sustained by Wandering
Wandering can lead to various injuries, some of which can be severe or life-threatening. Common injuries include:
- Falls and fractures: Unsupervised wandering can result in falls, leading to fractures or other injuries requiring hospitalization or long-term care. According to the CDC, one out of five falls causes a severe injury, such as broken bones or a head injury,
- Exposure to the elements and hypothermia: Residents who elope from the facility may be exposed to extreme temperatures or weather conditions, increasing their risk of hypothermia or heatstroke.
- Dehydration and malnutrition: Wandering residents may miss meals or forget to drink water, leading to dehydration and malnutrition.
- Drowning: Wandering individuals may inadvertently enter bodies of water such as rivers, lakes, or swimming pools. They are at risk of drowning without proper supervision, especially if they are disoriented or have limited swimming abilities.
- Traffic accidents: Individuals who wander may unknowingly enter busy roads or highways, putting them at risk of being struck by vehicles. Traffic accidents involving pedestrians can result in severe injuries or death.
What is the Role of Nursing Homes in Preventing Wandering and Elopement in Illinois?
Nursing homes have a legal and ethical responsibility to prevent wandering and elopement by implementing appropriate safety measures and providing adequate care.
Legal Obligations and Responsibilities
Nursing homes must comply with federal and state regulations designed to ensure resident safety and well-being, including assessing wandering risks and implementing prevention strategies.
Implementing Best Practices for Resident Safety
Nursing homes should follow industry best practices for preventing wandering and elopement, such as staff training, environmental modifications, and monitoring systems.
Communication with Families and Healthcare Providers
Open communication with residents’ families and healthcare providers is essential for identifying risk factors, developing care plans, and addressing any concerns related to wandering.
Recognizing Signs of Neglect or Abuse Related to Wandering
Recognizing the signs of neglect or abuse can help protect residents and hold nursing homes accountable for their actions. Some indicators include:
- Inadequate supervision or staffing: Insufficient staffing or lack of supervision can increase the likelihood of wandering and elopement incidents.
- Failure to implement care plans: Ignoring or failing to follow personalized care plans designed to address wandering risks may indicate neglect.
- Ignoring warning signs or resident complaints: Disregarding residents’ complaints or warning signs of wandering may suggest neglect or lack of concern for their well-being.
What to Do If Your Loved One Has Been Injured Due to Wandering?
If a loved one has been injured as a result of wandering or elopement, it is essential to take the following steps:
- Document the incident and gather evidence: Collect documentation related to the incident, such as medical records, photographs, or witness statements.
- Report the incident to the appropriate authorities: Notify the nursing home administration and relevant regulatory agencies of the incident.
- Seek legal advice from a qualified attorney: Consult with an experienced attorney who concentrates in nursing home negligence and wandering/elopement cases to understand your legal rights and options.
How The Noll Law Office Can Help
The Noll Law Office possesses the expertise and compassion required to represent victims of wandering and elopement in nursing homes. Their dedicated legal team provides:
- Experience in wandering and elopement cases: The attorneys at the Noll Law Office have extensive experience in handling nursing home abuse and neglect cases, including wandering and elopement. They aggressively advocate so their clients and their loved one’s rights are protected and that the nursing home is held accountable for its actions.
- Compassionate and dedicated legal representation: The legal team at the Noll Law Office understands the emotional toll that wandering and elopement incidents can have on families, and they are committed to providing compassionate and dedicated representation throughout the legal process.
- Proven track record of success: The Noll Law Office boasts a history of successful outcomes in nursing home negligence cases, helping families obtain the compensation and justice they deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wandering and Elopement
What should I do if I suspect my loved one is at risk of wandering?
Speak with the nursing home staff about your concerns, ensure an appropriate care plan is in place, and closely monitor the situation. Consider seeking legal advice if you believe the nursing home is not taking the necessary precautions.
Can wandering be eliminated in a nursing home setting?
While eliminating wandering entirely may not be possible, nursing homes can significantly reduce the risk by implementing appropriate prevention strategies, staff training, and monitoring systems.
What are the potential legal consequences for nursing homes that fail to address wandering and elopement?
Nursing homes that fail to address wandering and elopement may face fines, regulatory penalties, or civil lawsuits filed by affected residents or their families.
Contact The Noll Law Office for Assistance
Preventing wandering and elopement in nursing homes is crucial for ensuring the safety and well-being of residents. It requires a combination of appropriate assessments, care plans, staff training, environmental modifications, and monitoring systems. In addition, families play an essential role in advocating for their loved ones and holding nursing homes accountable for their actions.
If you believe your loved one is at risk of wandering or has been injured due to wandering or elopement, don’t hesitate to contact the experienced attorneys at Noll Law in Springfield, IL. Schedule a consultation at (217) 414-8889 and get the help you need to protect your loved one and pursue justice on their behalf.