Nursing Home Neglect Results in Death

A wrongful death suit has been filed on the behalf of a 72-year-old Stillwater, Minnesota man. Dean Cole spent 21 days in the Golden Living Center Greeley before he died of extreme dehydration. Mr. Cole lost 20 pounds in 20 days and lost 10 liters of water. The deprivation of food and water caused Mr. Cole’s kidneys and brain to shut down.

Mark Wandersee of the Eldercare Rights Alliance believes the Nursing Home staff could have prevented Mr. Cole’s death by more attentively monitoring his meals. Mr. Cole suffered from Dementia, which impaired his ability to engage in ordinary activities, such as eating. The nursing staff was well aware that Mr. Cole was not eating. In fact, the staff made several notations in his file that indicated that the "resident picks at food," "needed to be fed for supper," was "not eating well." and that he was "refusing to eat."

To ensure the safety and well-being of your loved ones, it is essential to research the quality and reputation of the nursing home in which you wish to place them. Every facility is different and treatment varies from home to home. InjuryBoard has provided a helpful article indicating ways to prevent unfortunate instances such as those that tragically ended Mr. Cole’s life. The article advises with regard to: how to choose the right facility; how to prevent abuse and neglect; how to identify elder neglect; the steps to take after discovering abuse or neglect; and the various legal issues that arise from abuse and neglect.