Elopement Risk

Care Plan for Managing Elopement Risk

Category / Primary Body System

• Safety and Security

Problem

• Resident is at risk for elopement.

Goal

• Resident will not leave the facility without a responsible person accompanying them for the next 90 days.

Plan/Approach

1. Monitoring and Supervision

   • Monitor the resident’s whereabouts at all times to ensure safety and prevent elopement.
   • Escort the resident to and from activities and the dining room to maintain supervision during transitions.

2. Education and Awareness

   • Educate the resident’s family about elopement risks and document this education in the LOA book.
   • Ensure all staff are aware of the resident’s elopement risk and understand their role in monitoring and preventing elopement.

3. Diversional Activities

   • Encourage the resident to participate in diversional activities to reduce restlessness and wandering.

4. Alert Systems and Identification

   • Alert receptionists and other frontline staff about the resident’s potential to elope.
   • Keep an up-to-date photo of the resident at the front desk for quick identification.
   • Ensure the resident wears a wander guard bracelet at all times, checking regularly for proper functioning according to manufacturer guidelines.

5. Environmental Safety

   • Monitor exit doors, windows, and elevators to ensure they are secure and alarmed if necessary.
   • Redirect the resident if they are confused and wandering, providing reassurance and guidance.

6. Emergency Procedures

   • Notify authorities immediately if the resident successfully leaves the building unescorted to ensure their safe return.

7. Regular Assessments

   • Perform an elopement risk assessment on admission and quarterly to identify changes in risk and adjust care plans accordingly.

Rationale

1. Monitoring and Supervision

   • Constant monitoring and escorting during transitions prevent the resident from wandering off unnoticed.

2. Education and Awareness

   • Educating family and staff ensures everyone involved is aware of the risks and understands their roles in preventing elopement.

3. Diversional Activities

   • Engaging the resident in activities can reduce the likelihood of wandering by keeping them occupied and content.

4. Alert Systems and Identification

   • Alert systems and identification measures help quickly locate and return the resident if they attempt to elope.

5. Environmental Safety

   • Securing the environment reduces the opportunities for the resident to exit the facility unsupervised.

6. Emergency Procedures

   • Immediate notification to authorities ensures a quick response to elopement, increasing the chances of a safe return.

7. Regular Assessments

   • Regular risk assessments ensure the care plan is up-to-date and responsive to any changes in the resident’s condition.

Actions

1. Monitoring and Supervision

   • Assign staff to monitor the resident’s whereabouts at all times and document observations.
   • Escort the resident to and from activities and dining areas, ensuring they are supervised during transitions.

2. Education and Awareness

   • Provide education sessions for the resident’s family about elopement risks and document in the LOA book.
   • Conduct staff briefings to ensure everyone is aware of the resident’s elopement risk and their responsibilities.

3. Diversional Activities

   • Offer and encourage participation in various activities to keep the resident engaged and reduce restlessness.

4. Alert Systems and Identification

   • Notify receptionists and other key staff about the resident’s elopement risk.
   • Keep an updated photo of the resident at the front desk for easy identification.
   • Check the functionality of the wander guard bracelet regularly and replace as needed according to manufacturer guidelines.

5. Environmental Safety

   • Regularly inspect exit doors, windows, and elevators to ensure they are secure and alarms are functioning.
   • Redirect and reassure the resident if they appear confused and begin to wander.

6. Emergency Procedures

   • Develop and follow a protocol for immediate notification to authorities if the resident elopes, documenting the incident and response.

7. Regular Assessments

   • Perform elopement risk assessments on admission and quarterly, documenting findings and updating the care plan as needed.