Staffing Levels and Elopement Risk in Elderly Care: An In-Depth Look at Nursing Homes

Staffing Levels and Elopement Risk in Elderly Care: An In-Depth Look at Nursing Homes

Date: 24 October 2023 | Blog | Nursing Home Neglect | Elopement | By: Sanga Turnbull

When entrusting the care of an elderly family member to a nursing home, the number one concern is often safety. One safety issue that doesn't get the attention it deserves, yet has potentially serious consequences, is the risk of elopement—defined as an unauthorized or unsupervised departure from the facility by a resident. While multiple factors can contribute to the risk of elopement, this article aims to specifically spotlight the role of staffing levels in nursing homes as a major determinant of this risk.

The Importance of Staffing Levels

When we talk about nursing home care, staffing levels serve as a direct indicator of the quality of care residents receive. Unfortunately, the correlation between low staffing levels and increased risk of elopement is a distressing reality. The fewer staff members available to monitor residents, the higher the likelihood of elopement incidents.

Evidence-Based Analysis

According to a study published in the Healthcare Management Review, nursing homes with lower staff-to-resident ratios had a 40% higher incidence of elopement. Notably, this study highlighted that adequate staffing went beyond merely having bodies in the building—it also involved having sufficiently trained staff.

• Source: Healthcare Management Review, "Staffing Ratios and Elopement," 2020.

Why Does Staffing Matter?

Supervision and Monitoring

The most immediate and apparent reason staffing levels matter is the need for adequate supervision. Well-staffed facilities are better equipped to monitor residents continuously, especially those identified as high-risk for elopement.

Effective Communication

A high staff-to-resident ratio facilitates better communication among team members, which is crucial for preventing elopement. For example, if a resident who's known for wandering starts showing restless behavior, this information can quickly be relayed to all team members when staffing is adequate.

Emotional and Psychological Care

More staff members allow for more personalized care. Often, the triggers for elopement are emotional or psychological—feelings of loneliness, confusion, or anxiety. A strong staff presence ensures that emotional needs are not neglected, thereby reducing potential triggers for elopement.

Conclusion

The issue of elopement in nursing homes is a complex, multi-faceted problem. However, one of the most straightforward and effective preventive measures is maintaining adequate staffing levels. Ensuring that nursing homes are well-staffed not only improves the overall quality of life for residents but also significantly diminishes the risk of such distressing incidents.

Call 407.612.6464 • 863.324.3500 today to speak with an experienced Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Lawyer who proudly serves Lakeland, Orlando, and throughout the State of Florida.