Investigators investigate the tragedy at the Social Services House in Włocławek, where an 84-year-old resident died of cooling after the undetected went out into the cold at night in her pajamas alone.
The 84-year-old ward of the Social Services House at Nowomiejska Street in Włocławek left the building in the evening dressed only in pyjamas or nightgown. There was a strong frost in the region, and the senior was suffering from dementia, which may have hindered her risk assessment.
Investigators investigate the circumstances of death
Preliminary autopsy results indicate 84 years old died of cooling the body, i.e. Hypothermia.
Investigators announce the hearing of DPS staff, the analysis of on-calls, and whether the applicable procedures have been followed. It will be crucial to determine whether there is a causal link between a possible failure to fulfil duties and the death of a senior.
How the Tragedy Could Happen
According to relatives, the night shift was supposed to start the rounds as usual at the ground floor, while Mrs. Janina occupied the room on the top floor of the resort. Her babysitter's room wasn't supposed to reach until around 10:00 when they noticed the bed was empty, and the senior is gone.
Babysitters change at 7:00. There are two on the shift. That first shift fed her and put her to bed at nineteen. She was already in her nightgown in bed — say family members in conversation with ddwloclawek.pl
After discovering her absence, the staff first began searching the area of the facility, and then alerted the police of her disappearance.
The police officer actually found her, lying in bushes outside the building. The doctor said he was killed because he didn't know if it was hypothermia or something else-reporting the family
Officers eventually found the body of a woman on the fence/in the property, when it was too late for rescue.
Authorities' reactions and possible consequences
– The investigation is ongoing in the case of manslaughter and direct risk of loss of life or health. For this act he threatens from three months to five years in prison – said Prosecutor Chechła.
President Włocławka ordered a check at the Social Welfare House to check, among others, the standards of care, documentation and compliance with procedures on the day of the tragedy. The results of the checks may translate into staff changes, penalties for the facility, as well as tightening requirements for similar homes throughout the region.
If the prosecution shows gross negligence, the employees responsible for the care of the senior may be charged with criminal charges. Regardless of the decision of the court, the case already becomes a warning to other DPS that the safety of people with dementia must be regarded as a priority rather than an element "on paper".
