When you think of neglect in nursing homes, you may think of patients with bedsores or those who aren’t given sufficient food, water or medication. One thing you don’t often hear about is wandering or elopement in nursing homes. Wandering refers to walking around inside the nursing home, while elopement refers to leaving the facility in an attempt to run away.

Wandering and elopement are both especially common among seniors with dementia. It is estimated that as many as 70 percent of elderly Americans with dementia have wandered at least once. Up to 31 percent of nursing home residents have wandered.

Both wandering and elopement can be dangerous, but elopement is especially serious because it often leads to death. Many nursing home residents who attempt to elope don’t just simply walk out of the nursing home. They use motorized wheelchairs and are often mistaken as guests. They then exit the facility without permission or supervision. Sometimes a staff member finds them before they injure themselves. In some cases, though, they cross a street or stay outside in inclement weather. By the time they are found, it is too late.