Independent Living Resident Dies After Unanswered Call for Help
The Milwuakee Wisconsin Journal Sentinel reported this disturbing story. A woman died after bleeding to death when her emergency pull cord located in her “independent living” apartment went unanswered for four hours. Apparently the nurse aide who was working at the time shut off the sound alarm, disregarded a phone call from another resident who heard the alarm, and went back to watching television while the woman was bleeding to death.
What is also remarkable about this story is that the woman lived in what was deemed an “independent living” building. The same facility also included assisted living units and a nursing home. The state Department of Health Services was asked if they were getting involved in the case. Unfortunately, that agency does not oversee “independent living” apartments. Since the District Attorney did not find any crime they could prosecute, it appears that the only one who can punish this facility is the family suing.
