I was driving down the 9 when I saw an elderly woman, probably in her 90s walking against traffic with a walker.
I tried slowing down to offer her a ride but was unable to without putting myself at risk.
I then called the (moderated) because it seemed like she was coming from there, I spoke to the woman at the front desk which said that she had warned the the woman that it is unsafe to venture outdoors in current conditions, she added that she cannot restrain her.
I had asked to speak to a supervisor to which she said that no one was there and she did what she could.
No other resident should go out in this weather when there are no sidewalks and streets are not properly cleared.
If anyone knows who this may be and can be of help please reach out to ————- .
The Lakewood Courtyard submitted the following:
Dear Concerned Party:
We appreciate you expressing concern over one of our residents who you saw walking along Route 9 today. We are well aware of where each of residents are and knew that this lady was out for a walk. This particular resident is 100% cognitive, and therefore, according to the State of New Jersey’s Residents Rights in Assisted Living, she has every right to leave the community at her own discretion. That being said, we did encourage her on multiple occasions not to leave the building due to inclement weather.
We always provide our residents with their dignity, independence, and individuality while guiding them on the best protocol for their overall healthy and safety. In additions, we have 24 hour nursing and team member support including Managers on Duty for the weekend. We are not obligated to discuss the residents personal status as it breaches HIPPA, therefore, a letter such as this has not merit of being posted.
Respectfully,
Lakewood Courtyard Management
Unless the resident has dementia or similar condition a facility can’t restrain a resident from leaving. Silly law, but that’s the law.
Silly law? Are you going to advocate locked-in or stay-at-home mandates?
Even dementia-the law is that you cannot restrain an individual EVEN FOR THEIR OWN SAFETY unless doctors give clearance. This basically puts the doctor at risk as well and it can often take hours to get the orders in place…a lifetime for a nurse trying to keep someone from breaking their hip or worse, from a fall.
Silly law??? Do you want to be locked up once you turn 75???
A resident of sound mind is a citizen like anyone else and free to do as they please.
I’m sure there are many people that believe walking to Shul in a blizzard is “Not normal” and should be banned.
Trampling of peoples rights, even with the best intentions leads to the trampling of YOUR rights.
I hope you almost didn’t cause an accident, with your best intentions.
When nursing homes and assisted living facilities tried to protect their residents by banning visitors during COVID, people totally freaked out and were screaming that these facilities had no right to do what they did. Now when they let the resident make her own decision, people are upset with them. You can’t please all the people all the time….
Couldn’t they have sent someone out together with the resident to ensure her safety on her walk?
Maybe the residents don’t want to be policed rather than just be left alone.
I’m reading these comments and noticing wow people in Lakewood are really bored.