The possibility of having a loved one go into a nursing home at some point is a very real possibility for many of us. If and when that time comes, it is crucial that we have the confidence in the care providers to take care of our loved ones, particularly if they might be prone to wandering and elopement.
A recent incident at a nursing home in the Bronx is the sort of thing that can disrupt that confidence. A 96-year-old woman walked out of her care facility without anyone on the staff noticing what had happened. She had apparently gotten dressed as if she was planning to go outside; she was wearing a hat and a jacket, as seen in images from the nursing home’s security camera. She hasn’t been heard from since.
It isn’t clear if the woman had dementia or some other kind of condition that would lead her to wander off from the home. If that is the case, then employees at the facility should have been keeping a close eye on her in case something like this was likely.
In any case, officials are concerned about the woman’s welfare. Most people who have reached her age might have difficulty getting around anyway; if she has been living in the home for some time, she might not be equipped to deal with the rigors of an urban neighborhood.
We certainly hope that this story has a happy ending. It represents the sort of case that could lead to an experienced nursing home abuse and neglect attorney getting involved, regardless of the outcome.
Source: CBS New York, “96-Year-Old Woman Disappears From Nursing Home In The Bronx,” May 5, 2014