Elopement risk refers to the risk of a person leaving a facility or hospital without supervision or notice, which can pose a threat to their health and safety. This can happen due to various reasons, such as impaired mental function, confusion, or a desire to go home. Elopement can occur in nursing homes, hospitals, and other facilities, and it can lead to exposure to extreme weather, fall risks, car accident risks, injury, and the risk of becoming lost.

Certain individuals are more likely to elope than others, such as those with impaired mental function or those who have a history of wandering or elopement. To prevent elopement, facilities can take measures such as monitoring patients closely, using alarms or tracking devices, and providing staff with proper training and vigilance. In hospitals, patients deemed at risk for elopement may wear yellow gowns, and elopement signs may be placed on their room doors and nursing unit doors.

It is important to understand elopement and the risks associated with it to prevent it from happening and keep individuals safe.