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Several search teams had been formed to search for the man on the ground while the police helicopter searched from above. There is no information in the report how the man ended up in the drain in the first place.

The report stated that the man was discovered semi-conscious in the drain. This incident could easily have been much worse if the search teams involved in the rescue effort had not found the elderly man in time. Although Warrander was semi-conscious when he was found, it still says a lot about the efforts to rescue him. If the search had gone on for a lengthy period of time, it is likely that rescue efforts could have been abandoned under the belief that he could not possibly be found. However, it is fortunate that Warrander will likely recover from any injuries he may have suffered and from the hypothermic conditions he was found in.
 

He was also able to manage his finances on his own volition as well. According to the report, Wilson was reported missing on Thursday and police discovered his body in the river late Friday evening. The report states that police are unsure as to how Wilson managed to get to the river since he normally used a cane and had a hard time walking steadily.

It is unclear as to why Wilson was allowed to leave the facility on his own volition. Even if an elderly individual shows no signs of cognitive disabilities and was not specifically committed to the nursing home facility, the fact that he was even a temporary resident in the facility is enough to warrant some sort of monitoring. Every resident, whether they are temporary or not, should constantly be monitored to prevent any sort of dangerous situation. 

Elopement and wandering off is a serious problem at group homes and nursing homes.  It happens more often than reported and can expose residents to a wide range of dangers:

• Dehydration and malnutrition
• Heat stroke/exposure to the elements
• Medication-related illness or injury
• Falls
• Personal injury or death in traffic
• Physical abuse
• Sexual abuse

Wandering off happens for many reasons in group homes — none of them acceptable. Facilities are often inadequately staffed for the level of care their residents need, which can lead to improper supervision. When improper supervision is combined with broken door alarms or unsupervised exits, confused and vulnerable residents are at risk.

For more information on elopement and wandering off at group homes, visit Solomon & Relihan's Elopement/Wandering Off Information page.