Missing Illinois Nursing Home Resident Highlights the Dangers of Elopement

 Posted on April 07, 2021 in Wandering and Elopement

Nursing homes do not only provide important medical and daily living assistance, they also keep residents safe. Many elderly people suffer from declining cognition and reasoning skills. They may sometimes think irrationally or become confused. This mental decline is especially apparent in those with dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease. When a nursing home resident leaves a facility, they can get themselves into life-threatening situations. This is one reason that nursing home elopement is so dangerous.

State and County Officials Ask for Help Locating Missing Resident

The Illinois State Police recently issued an Endangered Missing Person Advisory for a nursing home resident who left the facility. 72-year-old Szymon Tomerski was last seen on April 2, 2021. Mr. Tomerski is a white male, approximately 5 foot, 10 inches, and 170 pounds. Officials indicate that Mr. Tomerski is a resident of a skilled nursing facility in unincorporated Maine Township in Cook County. As of this writing, the circumstances of Mr. Tomerski’s elopement from the nursing home are unknown, and he has not been located. The police are asking for the public’s assistance in finding the missing resident. 

Nursing Home Neglect is Sometimes the Cause of Elopement and Wandering

In some cases, nursing home elopement is often caused by nursing home neglect. Understaffing is a major contributor to nursing home wandering and elopement. When there is not enough staff to supervise residents, the residents may wander into hazardous areas of the facility or leave the facility without the staff’s knowledge. Another issue is non-functioning alarms and locks. Most nursing homes have alarms that sound when the door is opened – especially if there are residents with dementia. If the facility is not properly maintained and these safety mechanisms do not work as intended, residents may leave the facility unbeknownst to staff.  

Residents who elope are at risk of dehydration, heat illness, hypothermia, and injuries. This is why is it is crucial for staff to monitor residents closely. Facilities should be adequately maintained, and any broken safety equipment should be immediately repaired or replaced.

Contact a Chicago Nursing Home Neglect Lawyer

Many nursing homes are safe facilities filled with hard-working staff. Unfortunately, nursing home neglect and even intentional abuse do occur. At Schwartz Injury Law, our Cook County nursing home injury attorneys are committed to standing up for the rights of injured nursing home residents. If your loved one was injured or killed due to nursing home negligence, contact Schwartz Injury Law. We may be able to help you hold the negligent nursing home accountable for the harm your loved one suffered. You may also be entitled to monetary damages. Call our office at 312-535-4625 for a free consultation.

Source:

https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20210406/authorities-looking-for-des-plaines-area-man-missing-since-friday-night