Click To Call 24/7Lake City Care Facility Fined After Resident Dies From Choking Incident
Posted on behalf of Jeff Pitman on January 13, 2025 in Nursing Home Abuse
A 45-year-old man with an intellectual disability tragically died after choking on a piece of McDonald’s cheeseburger just one day after being admitted to Opportunity Living No. 2, a care facility in Lake City.
This incident has raised serious concerns about the welfare of residents with intellectual disabilities. He was allegedly fed the food while riding in a moving van on Nov. 27, 2024, and later died from cardiac arrest on Dec. 2. Investigators found that the man had been on a restricted diet at his previous facility, where the staff was trained to cut his food into small, soft pieces. However, Opportunity Living No. 2 failed to obtain critical information regarding the man’s diet and care plan from his previous facility.
The incident led to a $10,000 fine and a review of the facility’s admission process, highlighting the need to adhere to safety standards and staff training in residential care settings. This tragic event underscores the importance of ensuring care facilities are equipped to meet their residents’ specific needs, especially regarding dietary restrictions and proper staff communication during transitions.
Facility’s Previous Violations and Corrective Actions
Iowa Capital Dispatch recounts that Opportunity Living No. 2 had previously faced two fines in 2023 for violations related to resident procedures. In October 2023, the facility was fined $3,250 for failing to ensure staff adhered to proper transportation procedures. Additionally, in July 2023, the facility was cited for not reporting a suspected abuse case involving a resident with a fractured clavicle.
Following the recent incident, Opportunity Living No. 2 has revised its admission process and introduced new protocols, including requiring two workers in vehicles during transport and prohibiting meals in moving vehicles. The facility has also committed to retraining staff on first aid procedures.
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