Families with loved ones living in nursing homes have many safety concerns to consider. They need to ensure that their loved one receives regular care so that they don’t fall and hurt themselves. The older adult moving into the nursing home may depend on professionals to administer their medication, perform daily tasks and ensure their physical safety.
Preventing them from eloping or wandering off is one of the ways that nursing home employees keep a vulnerable older adult safe. Elopement puts an older adult at serious risk. They could end up sickened due to environmental exposure if they are outdoors overnight. They could suffer major medical setbacks by missing medications or treatments that they require. They could even end up hurt if they fall or get hit by a car after leaving the nursing home.
Elopement is frequently a sign of neglect in a nursing home, as professionals can prevent these incidents in most cases.
Residents require regular evaluation
Older adults who are already medically vulnerable can see sudden changes in their functional and cognitive capabilities. As such, nursing homes generally need to conduct thorough reviews when they first accept new residents.
They also need to reevaluate residents regularly when they show signs of changes in their condition or annually if there are no obvious warning signs. Proper evaluations can help ensure that nursing homes provide older adults with the support they need for their safety.
For example, those who struggle with dementia or memory loss may need to live in a specialized memory ward. These spaces do not let people come and go as they please but rather keep them contained for their own safety. Properly evaluating residents can help facilities identify those who need more support and prevent elopement incidents.
Workers should adhere to all safety standards
There are many redundant protocols in place at most nursing homes and particularly in locked wards for vulnerable adults. Occasionally, workers may become frustrated with the need to lock and unlock doors every time they enter a specific wing of the facility.
Similarly, they may find it repetitive or frustrating to check on residents throughout the night as they sleep or secure their doors every time they enter the space. Cutting corners related to security can have devastating consequences. When professionals do not follow best practices, residents may take advantage of their oversights and leave without anyone noticing.
Connecting a recent nursing home elopement to a negligent standard of care can help family members pursue justice. Nursing homes may be responsible for the expenses generated when poor care standards lead to illness or injury.