Nursing homes have become a vital part of the society. It is a great way to ensure care for your loved ones. However, the alarming number of negligent incidents can be problematic. One such incident is wandering among residents suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s. Even in the early stages, these conditions can cause the person to forget their way home.
One of the reasons to place a loved one in a nursing home is to protect them from getting lost. Therefore, it is expected that the staff there takes proper care. Unfortunately, nursing home elopement often occurs due to understaffing. You should not have to undergo a difficult time due to someone else’s negligence. Consider speaking to a Cedar Rapids nursing home injury lawyer today.
Are wandering incidents in nursing homes that common?
About 50% of people residing in nursing homes suffer from some form of memory problems or dementia. Of these, half of the individuals wander. However, this would not happen if the staff were more responsible. The staff can learn about the resident’s medical history, routines, preferences, etc., to understand them better. It also helps the residents feel much more secure. It is also vital to remember who has dementia and who has other conditions with confusing symptoms.
“Wandering comes in many forms”- What does this mean?
There is not one type of wandering. They are categorized by intent and cause. Common types and reasons for wandering include:
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- Reminiscent or fantasy wandering- attempting to go somewhere visited in the past.
- Agitated purposeful wandering- occurs when patients are scared, confused, and combative.
- Environmentally-cued wandering- wandering in response to something the patient sees or hears in their surroundings.
- Tactile wandering- patients using their hands to explore their surroundings.
- Recreational wandering- occurs from a lack of exercise or boredom.
- Elopement- the most dangerous where wandering includes going out of the facility.
Why are wandering cases increasing in nursing homes?
There may be several factors contributing to the rise of wandering/elopement cases. Here are some of them:
- Increased prevalence of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease in elderly people.
- There is a smaller number of staff members than residents.
- Undertrained staffing.
- Design problems. Some facilities are not designed with wandering patients in mind.
Risks associated with wandering
Wandering dangers include the following:
- Higher risks of injuries, falls, and complications.
- Elopement risks, where patients become prone to traffic accidents.
- Emotional distress, anxiety, and confusion for the residents and their loved ones.
- When residents wander, they may not receive the care they need.
