What it means
A safety event in hospitals, nursing homes and mental health units. It applies to clients who lack the judgment to protect themselves, such as people with dementia, delirium or certain mental illnesses, or those under a legal hold. Once outside, they are at risk of injury, exposure to weather, missed medication or death.
For the nurse
Assess elopement risk on admission and when behavior changes, especially wandering or talk of "going home." Use the facility's measures, such as door alarms, wander-alert bracelets, a current photo on file and frequent checks, and report a missing client at once using the facility's code.
Related terms
Alzheimer disease
A brain disease that slowly destroys memory, thinking and the ability to do everyday tasks.
delirium
A sudden state of confusion and poor attention that comes and goes over hours or days.