Elopement usually conjures up visions of secret excursions or maybe even the Elvis Chapel in Las Vegas. But elopement is also used to describe what happens when someone with dementia or cognitive loss leaves a safe area, such as a home or care facility, without supervision or awareness of the potential dangers. In dementia care facilities, it is a heartbreaking reality that needs urgent attention.

With over 30 years of experience as an occupational-therapist-turned-dementia-coach and 5 years of being a daughter-of-dementia, our guest, Lizette Cloete OTR/L, CADDCT, CDP, shares her first-hand, personal experience with elopement, how it can lead to accidents, injuries, and even death as a result of hypothermia, malnutrition, and weight loss, and why there is a huge need to protect vulnerable residents living in long term facilities. Lizette is the owner of “Think Different” Dementia, helping families navigate dementia together, using science-backed strategies, has become a sought-after speaker on dementia-related topics, both nationally and internationally. Her podcast, Christian Dementia Caregiving, is a key resource for connecting and sharing her valuable insights.

In 2023, Lizette was awarded a grant to create an online education and coaching community for family care partners. She is truly a fount of information and support for our caregiving community. We recount personal stories, including a tragic incident from 1994, highlighting the dire consequences of inadequate staffing and training in these facilities. By sharing these narratives, we stress the critical need for improvements in care and safety measures to protect vulnerable individuals. The broader implications of facility understaffing reveal a pressing need for vigilance and proactive strategies to prevent similar tragedies.

Understanding and managing dementia-related wandering is a complex challenge for caregivers and families. From unpredictable behaviors to ethical dilemmas around monitoring technology, we discuss real-life anecdotes that underscore the relentless nature of wandering. With hopes pinned on proactive engagement and innovative solutions, we aim to inspire meaningful change in caregiving practices, ensuring the safety and well-being of loved ones.

Connect with Lizette: Think Different Dementia
Christian Dementia Caregiving

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