Risk of Elopement, Wandering Rises for Nursing Home Patients in VA

We recently read about a new study done by the Alzheimer's Association that shows that the incidence of Alzheimer's disease - a form of dementia and leading cause of nursing home elopement and wandering - has grown by 30% since 2000 in Virginia. Also, the disease will impact even more seniors aged 65 and older in the coming years. According to the study, 100,000 seniors were diagnosed with Alzheimer's in Virginia in 2000. Sadly, there will be 160,000 seniors with the disease by 2025.

Elopement commonly happens when a senior citizen with dementia, or otherwise unable to care for themselves, leaves a nursing home without nursing supervision. Wandering occurs when a cognitively-impaired patient leaves his or her room and wanders around inside the nursing home. Both wandering and elopement can happen if a nursing home's staff is not paying proper attention to at-risk patients. We've handled many cases for folks whose beloved has been hurt by wandering and elopement as a result of nursing home neglect. We can help you now. Call us today at 1-800-690-0235.