Wandering & Elopement

Unsupervised Leave from Nursing Home

When used in the context of a nursing home or a long-term care facility, “wandering” and “elopement” refer to an unplanned and unsupervised leave of the facility by a resident.  Wandering and elopement are serious because a resident can very easily become injured or even killed, such as if he or she walks into a busy street.

Nursing homes and long-term care facilities generally have a duty to ensure that residents do not leave the facility without notice.  Therefore, they should closely monitor their premises and residents to make sure that residents do not inadvertently leave the grounds.   They should also ensure that adequate safeguards are in place, such as ensuring staffing at all times at any desk by the main entrance.

When Nursing Homes and Long-Term Care Facilities Fail to Notice When a Resident Leaves and the Resident Is Injured, They May Have Legal Liability for the Resulting Injuries

If a parent or loved one has sustained injuries as the result of wandering or elopement from a nursing home or long-term care facility, please call us.  We will meet with you for a no-risk, no-obligation consultation.  We can then learn about your case, and you can learn how we may be able to help you and your parent or loved one recover damages for their injuries at your convenience.