What is Elopement?
The act of a nursing home or care facility resident leaving the facility without the knowledge or authorization of staff, often resulting in injury or death.
Understanding Elopement
Elopement is a serious safety concern, particularly for residents with dementia or cognitive impairment who may wander into dangerous situations. Facilities are required to assess elopement risk and implement appropriate safeguards such as alarm systems, secured exits, and increased monitoring. When a resident elopes and is injured, the facility may be liable for negligent supervision.
Examples
- 1Dementia patient wandering out of facility and being found in traffic
- 2Resident eloping in winter weather and suffering hypothermia
- 3Alzheimer's patient leaving undetected due to malfunctioning door alarm
Related Terms
Nursing Home Abuse
The physical, emotional, sexual, or financial mistreatment of residents in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, or other long-term care settings.
Elder Neglect
The failure of a caregiver or care facility to provide adequate food, water, medical care, hygiene, shelter, or supervision to an elderly person in their care.
Fall Prevention
The protocols, procedures, and safety measures that healthcare and care facilities are required to implement to reduce the risk of patient and resident falls.
Negligent Security
A premises liability claim alleging that inadequate security measures allowed a criminal act to injure someone on the property.
Bedsore
A pressure ulcer or wound that develops on the skin and underlying tissue due to prolonged pressure, typically from lying or sitting in one position without adequate repositioning.
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