Three employees at Dosberg Manor, a Getzville, New York Assisted Living Facility, have been disciplined after a Department of Health investigation found that each employee noticed that a 93 year-old resident was missing, but failed to report it. The resident either fell or jumped to his death from the window in his second floor room at some point during the time-period in question. His whereabouts were not known for over an 11 hours. His body was found the next morning.
The Department of Health investigation found that an employee noticed that the resident’s walker was found next to an open window, but failed to inquire into his whereabouts. The same employee then lied to investigators regarding the incident.
Investigators also found that two other employees were aware that the resident was missing, but did not notify facility administration or the proper authorities. Finally, adding insult to injury, there is documentation in the facility records indicating the resident was administered medications while he was missing (and most likely deceased at the time).
Website Resources:
Nursing home fatality leads to discipline for 3, The Buffalo News, Stephen T. Watson, May 20, 2009.
