Elopement
Definition: A situation where a resident who is cognitively impaired or otherwise at risk leaves the facility or a designated safe area without staff knowledge or authorization.
In Practice
Elopement is one of the most serious safety events in a nursing home and frequently results in Immediate Jeopardy citations. Facilities must assess each resident's elopement risk, implement appropriate interventions (secured units, alarms, supervision), and have policies for responding to elopement events.