Nursing Home Elopement Lawyer

You spent a lot of time researching a trusted facility to care for your elderly loved one. Choosing a nursing home is never an easy decision, but you did what you thought was best to keep them safe and well looked after.

Then one day, out of the blue, you get a call. Your loved one is missing. They walked out of the facility alone. No one noticed right away. No one stopped them.

This is what’s known as nursing home elopement, and it's more common than you might think. When nursing homes fail to prevent it, vulnerable residents can suffer serious injuries or even lose their lives.

If your loved one was injured, went missing, or worse after wandering from a nursing home, you are not alone. With over 30+ years of combined experience, the team at Pierce Skrabanek has made it our mission to give a voice to the voiceless, including vulnerable seniors who have been failed by the very facilities trusted to protect them.

Reach out to Pierce Skrabanek online or by calling (832) 690-7000 to learn how we can help you hold negligent nursing homes accountable for what your loved one suffered and protect future residents from experiencing the same harm.

“Mr. Skrabanek and his team are all very diligent, thorough, and hard-working. For my first time ever needing a lawyer, I had a great experience. They walked me through the process and answered all of my questions along the way, and in a timely manner. I greatly appreciate all of their help!”

- Tori P. | Client

What Is Nursing Home Elopement?

Nursing home elopement happens when a resident leaves a care facility without staff knowing or stopping them. This means they walk out alone, without supervision or safety measures in place to protect them. 

It’s important to understand that not all wandering is dangerous. Some residents are encouraged to walk around safely within designated areas of the facility, or some residents may be permitted to take authorized leave. 

However, when someone with cognitive impairments, like Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, or other memory-related conditions, manages to leave the facility without anyone noticing, that’s called elopement. These residents often don’t realize they are lost or in danger, and they may be unable to find their way back or ask for help. 

Staff should be trained to recognize when a resident is likely to wander and have a plan in place to keep them safe. When they fail to do that, and a resident elopes, it’s often a sign that something has gone wrong with their care.

Who Is Most at Risk of Elopement in a Nursing Home?

Certain residents are more likely to wander or attempt to leave a care facility, especially those struggling with memory loss or confusion. Understanding these risk factors is an important part of prevention and something nursing homes should take seriously when developing care plans.

Common risk factors for elopement include: 

• Cognitive Conditions: Residents with dementia or Alzheimer’s may not understand where they are or why they are there in the first place. They might believe they need to "go home" or think they have somewhere else to be.
• Mental Health Struggles: Residents who have depression, anxiety, or paranoia may be more prone to experiencing confusion, agitation, and an overall desire to escape the facility.
• History of Elopement or Wandering: This is often a red flag that a resident may try to leave again. It signals the need for closer supervision. 
• New Admissions or Changes In Routine: Being in a new environment or experiencing a sudden change in care can increase feelings of confusion or restlessness, especially in residents with cognitive challenges. 

Facilities have a responsibility to identify these risks early and put proper safety provisions in motion. That means taking the time to truly understand each resident, such as their medical conditions, mental health struggles, and personal history. 

When a nursing home treats someone as just another bed to fill, instead of a person in need of care and protection, that is not just poor care. It is neglect, and a nursing home elopement attorney can help your loved one.

Injuries and Harm Caused by Elopement 

Elopement doesn’t mean a peaceful walk through nearby streets. When a nursing home resident leaves unsupervised, especially if they are confused or physically fragile, they can quickly find themselves in dangerous situations that can lead to severe injury or even death.

Injuries that we often see in elopement cases include: 

• Falls: Falls are the leading cause of injury for adults aged 65 years and older. Without proper supervision, residents may trip, fall, or become disoriented, leading to broken bones or head injuries.
• Exposure to the Elements: Already physically compromised individuals may end up in extreme temperatures, risking heatstroke or hypothermia. Furthermore, residents may suffer scrapes or cuts in the outdoors, leading to infections.
• Malnutrition or Dehydration: A resident who becomes lost or disoriented may not be able to find food or water. 
• Traffic Accidents: If a resident is able to leave the facility and wander onto busy streets, they risk being hit by a vehicle.
• Physical Assault: Being outside without supervision exposes residents to the possibility of assault, theft, or other harmful situations.
• Psychological Trauma: Elopement doesn’t just harm the body. The trauma of being lost, scared, and exposed can take a huge emotional toll on the person who eloped.

In the worst cases, the consequences can be fatal. Serious injuries, long-term health complications, or even death can result from the failure to prevent elopement. If you believe you have found any instances of abuse or neglect that could contribute to elopement, you should report it.

The weight of knowing that a nursing home didn’t look after your loved one is crushing. Know that you do not have to go through this alone. Reach out to Pierce Skrabanek today online or at (832) 690-7000 so that a nursing home elopement lawyer can help you understand your legal options going forward.