What is nursing home elopement?

A: Nursing home elopement, also known as nursing home wandering, occurs when adult care facility residents wander either from their rooms or from the grounds without permission or assistance. Nursing home elopement can be common among nursing home patients who suffer from dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, other memory problems or mental health issues. Elopement can be dangerous, as the confused elderly can easily fall, become the victim of a pedestrian accident, or even suffer from exposure. Many nursing homes guard against elopement and wandering with door alarms and well-trained staff. An elopement case that ends in serious injury or death can lead to a nursing home neglect lawsuit.