What action should staff take if a resident attempts to leave the facility unsafely?

The appropriate action for staff when a resident attempts to leave the facility unsafely is to intervene to ensure the resident's safety and assess their mental state. This response emphasizes the duty of care staff have towards residents, who may be vulnerable or in crisis.

Intervening helps to prevent potential risks associated with unsupervised departure, which could include physical harm to the resident, danger to others, or escalating a mental health crisis. By assessing the resident's mental state, staff can determine if there are underlying issues needing immediate attention, such as psychological distress or suicidal thoughts, allowing for proper intervention.

The other options do not prioritize the safety and well-being of the resident adequately. Allowing the resident to leave unsafely neglects the responsibility to protect individuals from potential harm. Informing the family of a situation may be appropriate later, but it does not address the immediate safety concerns. Calling emergency services might be necessary in severe situations, but the initial step should always involve direct intervention and assessment by trained staff, ensuring that residents receive the appropriate response in a timely manner.