Family Sides with Retirement Home in Not Performing CPR

By now I’m sure you’ve all read or watched the news story about  87-year-old Lorraine Bayless who collapsed in her retirement home and, after an employee there refused to perform CPR, subsequently died. Now the family of that woman has made a statement and are siding with the retirement home. From AP:

Bayless’ family said she was aware that Glenwood Gardens did not offer trained medical staff, yet opted to live there anyway. “It was our beloved mother and grandmother’s wish to die naturally and without any kind of life prolonging intervention,” said the statement. “We understand that the 911 tape of this event has caused concern, but our family knows that mom had full knowledge of the limitations of Glenwood Gardens and is at peace.”

The family said it would not sue or try to profit from the death, and called it “a lesson we can all learn from.”

“We regret that this private and most personal time has been escalated by the media,” the statement said.

The AP report does go on to say that the employee apparently didn’t fully understand the policy of the facility on emergency care:

The home’s parent company, Brookdale Senior Living, later said, “This incident resulted from a complete misunderstanding of our practice with regards to emergency medical care for our residents. Glenwood Gardens is conducting a full internal investigation.” The company said the employee was on voluntary leave during the process.

It’s pretty obvious that there is some disconnect between what the actual policy is and this employee’s understanding of same. All I know is, whatever that policy is, they need to get it fixed and make sure everyone understands it, is on the same page, and is doing the right thing. I mean, come on, we’re dealing with people’s lives here.

The retirement home should consider themselves fortunate this occurred with someone who didn’t want any extraordinary measures taken and has an understanding family who is choosing to honor those wishes now. That being said, they absolutely have to get themselves together on this and talk to all residents and their families before an unthinkable tragedy occurs.