When a resident has been entrusted to a nursing home, a family member should reasonably expect that the loved one will be kept safely inside of the facility.  Often, however, the resident is confused and has some level of dementia, and will elope or wander out of the facility. An elopement is usually a purposeful and the resident will frequently attempt to leave the unit, building or premises. Eloping residents frequently believe they need to go somewhere or to accomplish a task.

Wandering is locomotion without discernable, rational purpose in situations where the resident may be oblivious to physical or safety needs.

Both situations can be life-threatening if the resident is not able to take care of themselves or is unable to remember how to return to the facility.  Nursing homes should take precautions to prevent elopement and wandering.