Nursing Home Wandering, Elopement, and Escape in Ohio

There might not be a more terrifying call to get from a nursing home than this: “We can’t find your mom.” Families choose nursing homes for the promise of safety, especially for relatives with dementia or Alzheimer’s who may not fully understand the dangers around them. These individuals may be more likely to wander or leave a facility unsupervised and unnoticed, suffering tragic consequences. Nursing home escape, wandering, or elopement can be a devastating sign of neglect.

As a nursing home neglect lawyer serving Ohio, I represent families in cases involving injuries or wrongful death due to wandering, elopement, or escape incidents caused by nursing home negligence. Many of these tragedies occur when nursing homes fail to properly assess residents’ risks or neglect to implement essential safety measures—such as secure access controls, alert systems, or comprehensive care plans—to prevent such incidents. I can help you understand if your loved one’s wandering or escape was a result of neglect and guide you through your legal options.

Call for a Free Consultation to Learn How I Can Help

With over 30 years of experience as a nursing home injury lawyer, I know how hard facilities try to avoid responsibility when their negligence leads to harm. My firm is committed to uncovering the truth and holding them accountable.

As a nursing home wandering, elopement, and escape attorney, I fight for families whose loved ones have suffered due to inadequate care. Nursing homes are responsible for providing a safe environment—when they fail, families deserve answers. The Nancy C. Iler Law Firm is here to help you seek justice and compensation when a facility neglects its duty to protect residents.

We handle all cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win compensation for you. Our firm represents clients throughout Ohio, including Dayton, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, and Springfield.

Understanding Nursing Home Wandering, Elopement, and Escape

For those with cognitive impairments, such as dementia or Alzheimer’s, wandering means moving aimlessly about the facility without regard for personal safety—leaving rooms, exploring hallways, or getting on elevators. Elopement or escape takes this one step further: residents leave the facility completely unsupervised.

Both wandering and elopement pose significant risks to residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities. When a resident leaves the safety of the facility, it can be incredibly challenging to locate them because there’s often no clear indication of where they’re headed. For example, a resident might mistakenly believe they’re returning home to care for their family—recalling a time and place from decades past—without realizing the danger. Tragically, these missteps can lead to falls, accidents in traffic, exposure to harsh weather conditions, or even worse.

Who Is at Risk of Wandering and Escape? Recognizing the Warning Signs

Research shows that up to 31% of nursing home residents and up to 70% of community-dwelling older adults with dementia wander at least once.[1] Those who wander face twice the risk of fractures[2]. Worse, a one-third of elopements end in death.[3] Certain factors can increase the risk:

New admissions: Many wandering incidents occur within the first 48 hours of admission.[4]
Cognitive impairments: Residents with dementia or Alzheimer’s are especially vulnerable.
Subtle cues: Comments like “I need to go home” or “I must feed my dog” may be early indicators of a potential escape.
Previous wandering incidents: A history of wandering is a strong predictor of future episodes.
Sensory impairments: Issues like poor vision or hearing can contribute to confusion and disorientation.
Medication side effects: Some medications may lead to confusion or increased agitation, heightening the risk.
Emotional distress: Anxiety, depression, or agitation can prompt residents to leave familiar surroundings.
Environmental factors: Unsecured areas, lack of clear signage, or a confusing layout can also trigger wandering behavior.

By paying close attention to these signs, caregivers and facility staff can take action before a wandering incident turns into a tragedy.

Preventing Wandering & Escape: The Nursing Home’s Duty

Nursing homes in Ohio are expected to create a secure environment for all residents. This starts with a thorough assessment upon admission and the development of an individualized comprehensive care plan by a dedicated team—including nurses, caregivers, and security staff. Effective safety measures to minimize wandering for “at-risk” residents might include:

Alert technologies: Devices like alert bracelets (like Wanderguard) and door alarms can immediately notify staff when a resident leaves a designated area.
Controlled access: Secure entryways and locked memory care areas help prevent unsupervised exits.
Security cameras: Cameras in hallways and other areas where residents should not be roaming can be installed.
Engagement programs: Non-technological interventions such as structured activities and social engagement can reduce anxiety and lessen the desire to wander.
Environmental modifications: Incorporate clear signage, color-coded hallways, and familiar decor to help orient residents and reduce confusion.
Regular staff training: Provide ongoing education and drills to keep staff informed about best practices in managing and preventing wandering.
Adequate staffing: Ensuring enough compassionate, trained staff are present during key times can make all the difference.
Routine safety audits: Conduct periodic reviews of security protocols and facility layouts to ensure that preventive measures remain effective and up-to-date.

Nursing homes must strike a delicate balance between providing a secure and safe home for residents and not restricting their movements so much that they are more like prisoners than residents.

The Role of Staffing Shortages in Ohio Nursing Home Wandering, Elopement and Escape

Staffing challenges have plagued nursing homes for years, made worse by the COVID-19 pandemic. Many facilities struggle to maintain adequate staff-to-resident ratios, leaving gaps in monitoring and care. The American Health Care Association (AHCA) recently reported that two-thirds of nursing homes face persistent staffing shortages, which increase the risk of wandering incidents.

Understaffed facilities often rely on temporary workers, many of whom lack the training necessary to manage high-risk residents. This creates an unsafe environment for residents and overwhelming workloads for staff.

Is a Nursing Home Liable for Wandering, Elopement, or Escape?

In many cases, yes.

When precautions are consistently enforced, the risk of wandering—and the potential for harm—can be significantly reduced. However, when a facility in Ohio cuts corners or fails to act, your loved one’s safety is compromised, and the nursing home may be held accountable. A nursing home neglect lawyer can help you understand if negligence played a role in your loved one’s escape.

Call for a Free Consultation

If your loved one has wandered or escaped from an Ohio nursing home, you deserve clarity and justice. I invite you to reach out for a free consultation. I’m here to listen, understand your concerns, and help guide you through your options for holding negligent facilities accountable. Your family’s peace of mind is too important to wait. Don’t hesitate to contact my office today to discuss your case.

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[1] Annals of Long-Term Care: Wandering and Elopement in Nursing Homes
[2] The Consultant Pharmacist: Aimless Excursions: Wandering in the Elderly
[3] US News & World Report: Wandering and Elopement in Nursing Homes: What to Know
[4] American Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease & Other Dementias: Dangerous wandering: Elopements of older adults with dementia from long-term care facilities