by Phoenix, AZ – A tragic incident has stunned the community of West Valley, Arizona, following the discovery of a 75-year-old man found dead in his assisted living facility room after several days of neglect. The deceased, Gerald McClellan, was discovered by his niece, Angela Boorn, who described the grim scene as “like a skeleton in a chair.”
The heartbreaking revelation has raised serious concerns about the care standards at LifeStream at Sun City, an assisted living facility located approximately 16 miles northwest of Phoenix.
Discovery of a Neglected Resident
Angela Boorn, who had moved her uncle Gerald McClellan to LifeStream in January after the death of his wife, reported that she was devastated to find his lifeless body unattended in his room.
According to Boorn, McClellan had been dead for at least three to four days before he was found.
“It looked like a skeleton in a chair. The face — his eyes were hollowed out,” Boorn recounted. “I just remember running out of the room and running to the front desk and just asking her when was the last time you checked on him.”
Boorn emphasized that she trusted the facility’s care protocols, which included a daily check-in button for residents and daily staff visits by 10 a.m. Unfortunately, these protocols reportedly failed, leaving her uncle unattended and unmonitored for days despite attempts to contact him.
Facility Oversight and Family Concerns
- The facility charged around $1,700 monthly to care for McClellan.
- Residents like McClellan were expected to press a button each morning to confirm their well-being.
- Staff were required to reach out or visit by 10 a.m. if no button press confirmation was received.
- On at least four consecutive days, staff reportedly failed to check or enter McClellan’s room, despite unsuccessful phone attempts.
Boorn now urges other families with loved ones in the facility to be vigilant, saying, “Nobody should have to see that… People who do have family in there, check on your family member because clearly they’re not doing it.”
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Response from LifeStream at Sun City and the Community
The executive director of LifeStream at Sun City confirmed that no staff accessed McClellan’s room since the previous weekend before his discovery. The facility issued a statement expressing their sorrow, stating:
“LifeStream at Sun City is deeply saddened by the passing of one of our residents. Our heartfelt condolences and prayers go out to their family and loved ones during this difficult time. We extend our sincere gratitude to emergency responders for their compassion, professionalism, and support.”
The incident has spotlighted potential failures within assisted living care standards, raising questions about staff accountability and the adequacy of monitoring systems implemented by such facilities.
For more detailed coverage on this tragic case, visit the original report at Law&Crime.
What This Means for Assisted Living Facilities
This case underscores the critical need for stringent oversight and reliable care mechanisms in assisted living environments. Families must be aware and proactive in monitoring their loved ones’ wellbeing to prevent similar tragedies.
Key Recommendations:
- Regular in-person or virtual check-ins with residents.
- Rigorous enforcement of daily wellness confirmation protocols.
- Transparent communication channels between facility staff and family members.
- Prompt investigation and accountability when care lapses occur.
Share Your Thoughts
What do you think about this tragic discovery and the responsibilities of assisted living facilities? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
