From The Boston Globe · · 1m 40s
Heat Deaths at Golden Pond Assisted Living
Eighty-six-year-old woman dies in 99-degree room at Golden Pond assisted living facility after heat-related incidents spike.
In brief
Eighty-six-year-old woman dies in 99-degree room at Golden Pond assisted living facility after heat-related incidents spike. Eighty-six-year-old Sheila Szczypinski died in a 99-degree room at Golden Pond assisted living facility after heat-related incidents forced 36 residents to be transferred out. Originally…
Heat Death at Golden Pond
Eighty-six-year-old Sheila Szczypinski died in a room that registered 99 degrees.
“Sheila Szczypinski was found unresponsive in her bed in stifling heat.”
36 Residents Transferred
At least 36 residents were transferred from Golden Pond between Oct. 1 and Oct. 17 due to heat concerns.
“In all, three dozen people were transferred from the Communities at Golden Pond between Oct. 1 and Oct. 17 following the death of Sheila Szczypinski.”
State Audit Underway
The state’s Executive Office of Aging and Independence is auditing Golden Pond to address heat issues.
“The state’s Executive Office of Aging and Independence was conducting a full audit of Golden Pond and that he was also awaiting a report from the facility.”
No Heat Logs Found
Health inspectors found no records of heat conditions or safety precautions in staff communication logs.
“When state inspectors visited Golden Pond after Szczypinski’s death, they found there was no information in the communication log for staff about heat conditions or resident safety precautions.”
HVAC System Issues
Golden Pond’s HVAC system was malfunctioning, with temperatures in rooms reaching 90 degrees.
“At one point, the temperature in his room reached 90 degrees, he said, and turning off the vent didn’t seem to stop the sweltering gusts of air.”
Thermostat Problems
Residents reported locked thermostats and inability to adjust temperatures without staff assistance.
“After Szczypinski’s death, Williams, the daughter of the resident with MS, said her mother asked her for a portable heater because Golden Pond had locked down the residents’ thermostat controls.”
Health Impact
A resident with multiple sclerosis experienced a hospitalization due to temperature fluctuations.
“Her mother ended up in the hospital the next week with a flare-up of MS.”
State Violations
Golden Pond has been suspended by the state from accepting new residents three times and faced a seven-week ban last year.
“Golden Pond has a history of violations and has been suspended by the state from accepting new residents at least three times.”
Investigation Ongoing
The Middlesex District Attorney’s Office is investigating the death of Sheila Szczypinski.
“The Middlesex District Attorney’s Office said it is investigating Szczypinski’s death.”
Heat-Related Emergencies
Emergency responders were called multiple times for heat-related issues after the death.
“A number of 911 calls were made from the property in the days following Szczypinski’s death. One, on Oct. 2, was about the heat.”
Thermostat Failures
Residents reported twice that the locking mechanism on their unit’s door failed, locking them out.
“Twice, the locking mechanism on his unit’s door failed and locked him out.”
State Monitoring
State inspectors are monitoring Golden Pond’s corrections to heat issues.
“Golden Pond’s HVAC system is now working, said a spokesperson for the state agency, Eleanor Romano, and inspectors were there again on Tuesday.”
The short version
Eighty-six-year-old Sheila Szczypinski died in a 99-degree room at Golden Pond assisted living facility after heat-related incidents forced 36 residents to be transferred out.
