Citation

Woolford MH, Weller C, Ibrahim JE. J. Am. Med. Dir. Assoc. 2017; 18(4): 366.e1-366.e15.

Affiliation

Health Law and Ageing Research Unit, Department of Forensic Medicine, Monash University School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Southbank, Victoria, Australia; Health Law and Ageing Research Unit, Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Southbank, Victoria, Australia.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

10.1016/j.jamda.2017.01.007

PMID

28242190

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Unexplained absence of nursing home (NH) residents is one of the most challenging issues related to the care of older people. The aim of this review was to examine the death and injury outcomes of unexplained absence of NH residents.

METHOD: We searched MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, PsycINFO, AgeLine, and Cochrane Library to identify qualitative and quantitative studies published in the English language. Data on death and injury were collated, and aggregate proportions were calculated where possible.

RESULTS: Nine studies were identified; most (n = 6) were conducted in the United States. Persons with dementia formed the study population in all studies. There were 1440 individual unexplained absences reported across the 9 studies. We calculated a rate of 82 deaths and 61 injuries per 1000 incidents of unexplained absence. Extreme temperatures were the most common cause of death. Most individuals left by foot, and were found within a 1-mile radius of place last seen in green vegetation and waterways.

CONCLUSION: This review provides valuable insight into death and injury outcomes. Further studies are recommended to improve understanding and prevent adverse outcomes.

Copyright © 2017 AMDA – The Society for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Language: en

Keywords

Elopement; absconding; dementia; dignity; residential aged care; wandering