Dementia Residents Wandering From Michigan Nursing Home
At Buckfire & Buckfire P.C., our nursing home attorneys in Michigan are experts at representing families of residents who suffer injuries or even death after wandering away from a nursing home due to dementia. We have significant experience in investigating wandering nursing home cases and use the evidence obtained to pursue a lawsuit on behalf of the family and resident.
Wandering occurs when a resident with dementia, Alzheimer’s, or other psychiatric diagnosis encounters a dangerous situation while moving around the nursing home facility unsupervised. A recent study states that 6 in 10 people with dementia will wander. A person with dementia may not remember his or her name, or address, and can become confused, even in familiar places. This is why it is very unsafe for dementia residents to wander.
It is very common among people with dementia to wander, and can happen during any stage of the disease. It is the Michigan nursing home’s responsibility to assess patients among admission, and develop care plans for at risk residents. All elderly residents who have memory problems and are able to walk are at risk for wandering. Even in the early stages of dementia, a person can become disoriented or confused for a period of time. It’s important for the Michigan nursing home to plan ahead for this type of situation and properly notify all staff of at risk residents.
Warning Signs Dementia Residents May Wander From Michigan Nursing Home
Some residents in Michigan nursing homes may experience some of the following warning signs. These signs should be documented by the nursing home staff and these patients should be provided with the appropriate supervision. These warning signs include, but not limited to:
- Returns from a regular walk or drive later than usual
- Tries to fulfill former obligations, such as going to work
- Tries or wants to “go home,” even when at home
- Is restless, paces or makes repetitive movements
- Has difficulty locating familiar places like the bathroom, bedroom or dining room
- Asks the whereabouts of current or past friends and family
- Acts as if doing a hobby or chore, but nothing gets done (e.g., moves around pots and dirt without actually planting anything)
- Appears lost in a new or changed environment
Recurring incidences of wandering resulting in a resident’s injury or death may signal nursing home neglect. Wandering should generally not occur. When it does, it should be detected early enough to avoid injury to the resident if the nursing home follows certain principles and procedures. These contain hiring the suitable staff to supervise all of the nursing home residents; train staff properly on supervising residents; install alarms, cameras, and other surveillance devices at exits and entrances as well as near restricted or dangerous locations; adequately assess the risk for elopement or wandering of each individual resident; and having a quick-response plan in place.
Our No Fee Promise for Michigan Nursing Home Dementia Resident Wandering Cases
We will represent you in your Michigan nursing home dementia resident wandering case under our NO FEE PROMISE. This means that you will not be charged any legal fees whatsoever unless we obtain a settlement or recovery for you. You have absolutely no obligation for legal fees unless we win your case. If we do not obtain a settlement for you, you owe us nothing!
Contact Your Michigan Nursing Home Dementia Resident Wandering Attorney
If a loved one has wandered due to dementia from a Michigan nursing home, call our office now at (800) 606-1717 to speak with one of our experienced Michigan nursing home neglect lawyers at Buckfire & Buckfire, P.C. We will start working on your case immediately and gather the necessary evidence to prove and win your case. We have a top track record of successful settlements and verdicts in nursing home neglect wandering cases in Michigan and we can do the same for you. Call today for your free consultation and learn your legal rights!
