Having a loved one in a nursing home comes with a lot of concerns. You want to ensure they receive the best care possible. One critical aspect of this care involves preventing elopement. It is a grave issue that can lead to dangerous situations. This is especially true for residents with cognitive impairments.
Understanding and addressing this risk can help you protect your loved one and maintain peace of mind.
What is nursing home elopement?
Elopement happens when a resident leaves the nursing home without supervision or authorization. This situation can be hazardous for individuals with cognitive disorders. This is because residents may become disoriented, suffer injuries or encounter other hazards once they leave the safety of the nursing home.
How can you prevent elopement?
Preventing nursing home elopement is essential in ensuring the safety and security of your loved one. Below are a few suggestions that may help:
- Choose a suitable facility
It may help to select a nursing home with solid security measures, such as door alarms, surveillance cameras and staff trained in elopement prevention.
- Communicate with staff
It may be beneficial to inform the nursing home about your loved one’s tendencies, habits and potential wandering behaviors.
- Visit regularly
Frequent visits allow you to observe the facility’s security practices and help ensure your family member’s well-being.
- Consider technology
You may consider options like GPS tracking devices or wearable alarms that can alert staff if a resident attempts to leave.
- Review medications
Discussing your loved one’s medications with their doctor may be best. This is because some drugs may increase confusion or wandering behaviors.
Implementing these strategies may help significantly reduce the risk of elopement.
What can you do if elopement occurs?
Elopement can still happen even with all your preventive measures. You may consider taking the following steps if your loved one goes missing:
- Alert the nursing home staff immediately.
- Contact local law enforcement to assist in the search.
- Provide a recent photo and description of your family member to authorities.
- Check nearby areas where your loved one might have gone.
Swift action is crucial when this happens. The faster you respond, the better the chances of a safe return. Understanding the risks of nursing home elopement can help protect your loved one.