A Tragic Incident in a Nursing Home: A Foreign Caregiver Allegedly Smothers a Resident
A 53-year-old man named Mr. Sun died in a nursing home in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, in April 2023, just a month after he moved in. His family received a notification of his death and reviewed the surveillance footage, which showed a foreign caregiver feeding Mr. Sun and allegedly smothering him. The family has accused the facility of failing to follow proper emergency response procedures.
According to the family, Mr. Sun was admitted to the nursing home on March 25, 2023, after his brother applied for long-term care services for him. He was supposed to be discharged on April 17, but his brother received a notification of his death on April 16.
The surveillance footage showed a foreign caregiver feeding Mr. Sun and helping him clear his throat. During the feeding process, Mr. Sun showed signs of wanting to vomit twice, but the caregiver continued to feed him until he choked and his head tilted back. The caregiver then called for a nurse.
A forensic examination revealed that Mr. Sun’s airway and esophagus were filled with food, and the family questioned why the nurse did not perform the Heimlich maneuver to save him. Instead, the nurse continued to clear his throat and did not call for an ambulance in a timely manner, leading to Mr. Sun’s untimely death.
The police have launched an investigation and have questioned the nurse and caregiver involved. The facility’s contract with the long-term care service has been suspended, and the caregiver has been found to have violated regulations by performing suctioning without proper qualifications. The caregiver faces a maximum fine of NT$150,000 (approximately SGD 6,800) and up to three years in prison. The facility also faces a fine of up to NT$300,000 (approximately SGD 13,600) for failing to supervise the caregiver.
This tragic incident highlights the importance of proper training and supervision of caregivers in nursing homes. It also underscores the need for prompt and appropriate emergency response procedures to ensure the safety and well-being of residents. The family of Mr. Sun has called for accountability and transparency in the investigation and has expressed their grief and shock at the loss of their loved one