Florida continues to have a high percentage of its elderly population that resides in either an assisted living facility or a skilled nursing home. Although not one of the most prevalent occurrences in the nursing home setting, elopement and/or wandering cases still occur despite numerous measures that can be implemented by the nursing home staff. Our Tampa Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers handle cases throughout Florida that involve wandering and elopement issues. Our nursing home attorneys remain updated on the various regulations and ordinances which control long-term care facilities within Florida.

It is rather common for some nursing home residents to be incapable of protecting themselves from harm based upon their decline in cognitive abilities. Alzheimer's and dementia are often the leading causes of residents with impairment issues. Nursing homes are required to conduct medical examinations of the residents that are admitted into their facilities, a portion of which involves mental capacity/cognitive ability. Some nursing homes have specialized dementia wings which are more secure to prevent the residents from leaving the facility and/or entering other parts of the facility.

An elopement occurs once a resident who is incapable of protecting himself from harm leaves the facility unnoticed. Wandering occurs when a resident who is incapable of protecting himself enters portions of the facility which contain dangers that they cannot appreciate. Elopement and wandering prevention should be considered strongly by the long-term care facility as it can lead to serious injury or death.

Our long-term care lawyers continue to handle nursing home and assisted living cases throughout Florida, including Hernando County, Hillsborough County, Pasco County, Pinellas County, Manatee County, Polk County, Orange County and Sarasota County. Should you have any questions regarding Tampa nursing home neglect and/or elopement – wandering issues, please contact us, your Tampa Personal Injury Lawyers.