If you are placing your loved-one in a nursing home or assisted living facility, make sure the security at the facility is excellent. These facilities must ensure that the premises are secured. If not, residents are at risk of elder abuse and wandering. Below, our San Jose elder neglect lawyers discuss the importance of security in nursing homes and assisted living facilities.
What Are the Dangers of Lack of Security in Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Facilities?
Wandering and Elopement
Residents with Alzheimer’s, dementia or other mental disabilities are most susceptible to wandering off or elopement. Wandering may include the resident leaving his or her safe environment within the facility. Elopement, on the other hand, is a form of unsupervised wandering that leads to the resident leaving the facility altogether.
A resident is more likely to wander and leave the premises if there is a lack of supervision and security. It is very important that there is adequate staffing and security measures in place to mitigate these risks. Risks of wandering and elopement may include, but are not limited to:
- Dehydration
- Malnutrition
- Falls
- Severe weather exposure
- Getting struck by a vehicle
- Injuries, such as broken bones
- Wrongful death
Elder Abuse
In addition to keeping residents safely on the premises, security measures also keep strangers from walking undetected into the facility. There are many cases of strangers walking into facilities undetected and abusing residents. Generally, inadequate security may increase the risk for elder sexual abuse by strangers.
Types of Security to Look for in Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Facilities
Facilities should have tailored security and care plans in place for at-risk residents. However, a few common security measures include, but are not limited to:
- Visitor check-in and identification. Is there a check-in process when you arrive at the facility? Does the facility require photo identification to check-in?
- Video surveillance. Facilities should have video surveillance systems placed throughout the facility, including at any exit doors.
- Alarm and device systems. Facilities should have alarms and device systems, like wander guard, that notify staff when at-risk individuals exit their rooms or the facility.
- Proper staffing. Inadequate staffing is a common reason for elder abuse and/or neglect. Adequate staffing allows the facility to regularly attend to its residents.
Contact Our San Jose Elder Neglect Lawyers About Your Unique Situation
If your loved one was abused, injured or killed due to inadequate security at his or her nursing home or assisted living facility in the Bay Area, we encourage you to speak to an experienced elder neglect lawyer. We may be able to help you hold the negligent facility accountable. Contact us at (408) 716-1668 or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation to discuss your unique situation. We can help you to understand your best potential legal options and how we may be able to help you.