Understanding the Risk of Elopement in Long-Term Care: How Families Can Help
Ensuring the safety and well-being of residents is a top priority at the Pines. One important safety concern is elopement, which occurs when a resident leaves a safe area without staff awareness or supervision. This can place individuals at risk, particularly those living with cognitive impairments such as dementia.
What is Elopement and Why Does It Happen?
Elopement is often unintentional and typically linked to a resident’s unmet needs or confusion. Residents may try to leave because they are:
- Looking for familiar places or people
- Experiencing anxiety, restlessness, or boredom
- Trying to maintain a sense of independence
- Responding to environmental triggers or routines from their past
Understanding that these behaviours often have meaning behind them helps shift the focus from “preventing wandering” to supporting the person’s needs safely and compassionately.
How The Pines Supports Prevention
The Pines take many steps to reduce the risk of elopement, including:
- Secured entrances and exits
- Individualized care plans and risk assessments
- Monitoring systems and alert devices (Roam Alert)
- Structured routines and meaningful activities
- Staff training on responsive behaviours
However, preventing elopement is a shared responsibility—and families play a key role in supporting these efforts.
The Important Role of Families
Families bring invaluable knowledge about their loved one’s history, habits, and preferences. This information helps staff create personalized approaches to care. Here’s how families can support:
1. Share Personal Insights
Provide details about past routines, favourite places, occupations, and triggers. For example, a resident who always “went to work” at a certain time may need structured activities during that period.
2. Communicate Changes
Let staff know about any noticeable changes in behaviour, mood, or health. Even small updates can help adjust care strategies early.
3. Support Care Planning
Participate in care conferences and discussions about safety measures. Your input helps ensure plans reflect the resident’s needs and preferences.
4. Bring Familiar Comforts
Photos, meaningful objects, or familiar items can reduce anxiety and help residents feel more at ease in their environment.
5. Encourage Engagement
Encouraging involvement in social and recreational activities can reduce restlessness and provide a sense of purpose and belonging.
6. Follow Safety Practices During Visits
Be mindful of secure entry/exit procedures when visiting. Always ensure that doors close properly and notify staff when leaving with or returning a resident.
Working Together for Safety and Quality of Life
Preventing elopement is not only about safety—it is also about respecting dignity, independence, and quality of life. By working in partnership, families and care teams can better understand each resident’s needs and create supportive environments that reduce risk.
Together, through communication, collaboration, and shared commitment, we can ensure residents remain safe while continuing to feel valued, understood, and at home.
