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The man was found wandering the streets of San Diego and the San Diego Police brought him to the UC San Diego Medical Center because police officials thought the man was disoriented. The hospital reached out to the media in order to help find the man’s family, but they had no leads. Then the situation took a turn for the best when the elderly man was able to remember that he was from Mexico City and notified one of the nurses looking after him. The nurse got in contact with his family, who were worried and sad when they were unable to find him in Mexico. The elderly man is currently with his daughter in Los Angeles and they will fly back to Mexico City in a few days.

Elderly folks who suffer from ailments like dementia often have wandering and then becoming disoriented when they are in an unfamiliar place. It is important to ensure that your loved one’s are being watched at all times and that they have identifying information on them in case they wander. Caretakers, nurses, and even family members are responsible for their loved one’s safety. If your loved one was harmed or lost, then the parties responsible should be held accountable.
 

Supporters of the bill state that it would greatly help in cases that the elderly wander off or get disoriented and separate from their loved ones.  There are many states that already have this type of system already implemented which include: Texas, West Virginia, North Carolina and Illinois. 

It is important for more states to implement these types of laws because it can help bring keep the elderly safe.  It only takes a minute for a caretaker, family member, nurse or medical worker to neglect to pay attention to your loved one and then cause for them to wander off.  If these laws were in place in more states, these types of occurrences would be less. Your loved one would be less vulnerable for any physical abuse, financial exploitation that could occur if they wander off. 

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.