Wandering
Definition: Locomotion behavior in cognitively impaired residents that may be aimless, repetitive, or purposeful but unsafe, posing risks of elopement, falls, or entering unsafe areas of the facility.
In Practice
Facilities must assess each resident for wandering behavior, implement individualized interventions (wander guards, secured areas, redirection techniques), and monitor effectiveness. Wandering that leads to elopement or injury is a serious safety concern and frequently results in high-severity citations.