If I were looking for a retirement home for an elder family member who may or may not be in the best of health, I would think long and hard before considering The Glen Garden retirement homes.
With nurses on hand, an ailing senior died because of Glen Garden’s policy, which prevented the on hand staff from helping an 87- year old woman, Lorraine Bayless who collapsed in the dining room and later died at a nearby hospital.
After the woman collapsed 911 was immediately called and dispatcher Tracy Halvorson took the call. Halvorson asked the nurse, who did not identify herself,
"Is there anybody willing to help this woman and not let her die," and the shocking responds was, "Not at this time,"
Desperate to find help for the woman Halvorson asked the nurse if she would try to flag down a stranger on the street to see if they would help as the woman’s condition grew worse.
Although I believe, her actions were cold and callous the nurse was simply following the policy of the facility, which prohibited her from giving medical help.
According to Jeffrey Toomer, the executive director of Glen Gardens, the nurse’s action was right and in line with the facilities policy. He offered the family of the woman his condolences and said that an internal review of the incident would be conducted.
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