Wandering off within nursing home facilities is an issue that should not be happening. A resident that wanders off, especially one that has a medical condition that requires attention or a cognitive disorder that places them at risk of becoming victimized is dangerous. There are certain residents that require more supervision than others because incidents like wandering off can take place. While there are different types of wandering off, elopement seems the be the one that poses the greatest threat because the resident is purposely trying to leave the premises. When a resident that requires daily medication or attention wanders off, they can be days without receiving the medical aid that they require, placing them in immense danger.
One main reason for a resident to wander off is because not enough supervision was provided for that resident. Residents who are at a higher risk of wandering off should be assessed accordingly and given a plan of care to ensure that they are not able to wander off and become a victim of a wrongful injury or death. No one expects that their loved one will wander off into the street or elsewhere in the nursing facility where no one has any idea where they went. When an injury comes to a resident who was negligently supervised causing them to wander off, Orlando attorneys for wander resident’s negligence will hold the facility liable for the damages that the resident acquired because of their negligent monitoring.
What Can Go Wrong When a Resident Wanders Off?
Dangerous situations can present themselves when a resident wanders off, especially because they might not be in the right state of mind. Typically, residents with dementia and Alzheimer’s tend to wander off the most. Some dangerous situations that a resident can get into include:
- They can drown
- They may trip and fall
- They might suffer from a panic or anxiety attack
- They might get hit by a car
- Someone may physically or sexually assault them
- They may be deprived of their needed medications; and
- Many more situations
Who Should be Monitored More Closely?
Patients who are at high risk for wandering off should be monitored more closely than others. Residents with the following conditions should be looked after:
- Who has dementia
- Who has Alzheimer’s
- Who express confusion
- Who express disorientation
- Who lose their memory
- Who experience anxiety; and
- More
To ensure that these residents with these medical conditions do not wander off, a plan should be created especially for them.
Nursing Home and Residents Who Wander Off Data
- At least once during the stay of a dementia resident, 20% will wander off
- The group of residents who wander off more frequently is Alzheimer’s and Dementia residents
Negligent Nursing Home Facility Causing Resident to Wander Off
When a nursing home facility is negligent under the supervision of a resident that is at high risk for wandering off, they could be held accountable if the resident acquires any damages during that occurrence. A skilled lawyer from Percy Martinez’s Law firm in Orlando for wandered resident negligence will uncover exactly why the resident was able to wander off and who will be responsible for the damages that were endured during the wandering off occurrence.