Foxton, New Zealand – A man with multiple sclerosis tragically choked to death while being assisted by a caregiver at a care facility, prompting a review of the facility’s practices. A report from the Health and Disability Commissioner revealed significant concerns about the care provided to the man, referred to as Mr. B, in the months leading up to his death in May 2022.
Mr. B, who was in his late 20s, had been a resident at Lonsdale Total Care Centre for approximately six months. He required extensive support for daily activities due to his medical conditions, which included not only multiple sclerosis but also mental health challenges and visual impairment. His family raised concerns regarding the care he received, particularly questioning why he had not been given a shower during his stay.
In response, Lonsdale staff indicated that Mr. B had preferred to be washed daily rather than showered, despite their efforts to encourage him to use the shower facilities. The family also expressed concern about Mr. B’s limited mobility as a result of a broken hoist, which they believed restricted his movement and independence. Lonsdale clarified that while the hoist was operational, it was deemed unsafe to use because of Mr. B’s involuntary movements.
The choking incident itself was not entirely unexpected. Staff were aware of a previous choking episode and had developed a plan for him to eat while sitting upright to minimize the risk. However, an inquiry found that the likelihood of choking had not been sufficiently addressed in his comprehensive care plan, leading to questions about the adequacy of preventative measures.
The Health and Disability Commissioner’s findings concluded that Lonsdale was in breach of consumer rights due to the lack of earlier identification and mitigation of choking risks. The facility has since acknowledged these shortcomings. In light of the report, Mr. B’s family expressed deep regret over their decision to place him in the facility’s care.
A nurse familiar with Mr. B’s case noted that while the staff appeared to be responsive to his needs, the absence of personalized care protocols may have heightened risks, particularly for caregivers unfamiliar with Mr. B’s specific requirements.
Since the tragic incident, Lonsdale has implemented significant changes in care practices. Enhancements have been made in documentation processes and care evaluations. The facility has upgraded its patient management software, altered its medical provider to align more closely with Age-Related Residential Care Agreements, and hired a clinical manager to oversee these improvements.
Lonsdale’s general manager, Mark Buckley, expressed condolences to Mr. B’s family and reiterated the commitment to providing high-quality care. He emphasized that the team is dedicated to ensuring such an incident does not recur, reflecting on the distressing impact of this event on the entire care community.
Moving forward, Lonsdale aims to strengthen its care protocols and communication practices to safeguard the well-being of all residents. The facility remains focused on learning from this incident to enhance its overall standards of care and support.