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What Happens When a Resident Leaves the Facility Unnoticed? The Crucial Steps for Safety and Prevention

According to a 2023 Washington Post investigation, over 2,000 residents wandered away from senior living communities since 2018, with tragic outcomes including 98 deaths. This highlights the grave dangers when a resident leaves the facility unnoticed, an event formally known as elopement. For care facilities, having a clear and well-rehearsed protocol is not just a regulatory requirement but a life-saving necessity.