Retirement Village management should review residents' circumstances face-to-face every two years, coroner Ian Smith says (File)
A
coroner has suggested retirement villages make regular checks on
residents' wellbeing after an elderly resident was found in his
apartment up to two weeks after he died.
Coroner
Ian Smith found that 85-year-old Richard William Giese died of natural
causes in his Kilbirnie apartment at the Rita Angus Retirement Village
between February 23 and March 8, 2010.
His body was found in his apartment, which is run by Ryman Healthcare Group, on March 8.
Mr
Smith suggested residents should have to opt out of a check up rather
than opting in, which appeared to be the policy of some retirement
villages. He also suggested next of kin be notified of the resident's
choice.
Village management should
review residents' circumstances face-to-face every two years, but for
residents aged 80 or older it should be done every year, he said.
Mr
Smith said demand for retirement villages will grow as baby-boomers get
older and "it is imperative that the providers of such facilities
continue to ensure that residents, both dependent and independent, have
access to all facilities, including access to medical care and
residential care".
"In this instance, I am
satisfied that the Rita Angus complex provided a good service to its
residence, and it is clear that Mr Giese was a man who led an
independent life."
Mr Giese was "well aware" of the services provided by Ryman Healthcare, he said.
He
said it was "unacceptable" that someone could lie dead in their home
for several weeks and anything which could prevent a repeat situation
must be explored.
3 News Fri, 14 Jun 2013 12:55p.m.
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