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
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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.
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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.
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Diversional Activities
- Encourage the resident to participate in diversional activities to reduce restlessness and wandering.
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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.
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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.
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Emergency Procedures
- Notify authorities immediately if the resident successfully leaves the building unescorted to ensure their safe return.
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Regular Assessments
- Perform an elopement risk assessment on admission and quarterly to identify changes in risk and adjust care plans accordingly.
Rationale
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Monitoring and Supervision
- Constant monitoring and escorting during transitions prevent the resident from wandering off unnoticed.
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Education and Awareness
- Educating family and staff ensures everyone involved is aware of the risks and understands their roles in preventing elopement.
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Diversional Activities
- Engaging the resident in activities can reduce the likelihood of wandering by keeping them occupied and content.
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Alert Systems and Identification
- Alert systems and identification measures help quickly locate and return the resident if they attempt to elope.
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Environmental Safety
- Securing the environment reduces the opportunities for the resident to exit the facility unsupervised.
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Emergency Procedures
- Immediate notification to authorities ensures a quick response to elopement, increasing the chances of a safe return.
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Regular Assessments
- Regular risk assessments ensure the care plan is up-to-date and responsive to any changes in the resident’s condition.
Actions
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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.
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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.
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Diversional Activities
- Offer and encourage participation in various activities to keep the resident engaged and reduce restlessness.
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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.
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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.
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Emergency Procedures
- Develop and follow a protocol for immediate notification to authorities if the resident elopes, documenting the incident and response.
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Regular Assessments
- Perform elopement risk assessments on admission and quarterly, documenting findings and updating the care plan as needed.