Marietta nursing home under scrutiny after elderly resident's disappearance, death
Nursing home scrutinized after 89-year-old's death
New revelations surrounding the disappearance of an elderly woman in Marietta, who was found dead days later. State regulators say workers at the nursing home where the 89-year-old woman lived failed to check on her for hours before she wandered away.
MARIETTA, Ga. - The disappearance, and subsequent death, of 89-year-old Patricia Miele, is sparking a larger discussion on staffing issues in senior care facilities.
A new report from state regulators alleges that the nursing home failed to check in on her hours before her disappearance.
Patricia Miele (Credit: Marietta Police Department)
What we know:
Miele, a resident of Greenwood Place in Marietta, went missing in early November.
The Georgia Department of Community Health's report indicates that the nursing home staff did not check on her for hours before she wandered off.
When they discovered her absence the next morning, they waited nearly two hours to notify the police.
Her body was later found in a nearby lake by a couple walking through Kennesaw Memorial Park.
Missing Marietta woman, 89, found dead in pond
A tragic discovery in Marietta Monday after an extensive multiday search for a missing elderly woman. Police say a couple found the body of 89-year-old Patricia Miele floating in a pond Monday morning.
What we don't know:
The state report does not specify any sanctions that Greenwood Place might face due to Miele's death. Additionally, the nursing home has not commented on the specifics of the case, citing confidentiality obligations.
What they're saying:
Miele's disappearance prompted a significant response from Marietta police.
Melanie McNeil, Georgia’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman, says short-staffing is a common problem in senior care facilities across the state.
"This is what happens when there's not enough staff. People wander off," she said. "It's not just in the metro area. Other parts of the state are experiencing the same thing. Residents wandering off and the staff just don't realize it."
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She advises families to regularly visit their loved ones in care facilities to ensure their safety and well-being.
The other side:
Meanwhile, Greenwood Place has stated that any findings from the Department of Community Health are "are taken very seriously and are addressed, acted upon swiftly and remedied to the satisfaction of the state."
In an email to FOX 5, Laura Lepore, a Greenwood Place spokesperson declined to comment on the specifics of Miele’s case, citing confidentiality obligations.
She wrote, "Greenwood Place continues to be saddened by the passing of one of our assisted living residents last year. Our hearts and thoughts remain with the family and their loved ones. The health, safety, and well-being of our community residents and team members remain our highest priority."
Lepore added that the state visits them regularly.
"Surveys from the Department of Community Health occur annually as a normal course of business," Lepore said. "Any findings are taken very seriously and are addressed, acted upon swiftly and remedied to the satisfaction of the state. We take our responsibility as a care provider very seriously and are committed to meeting the highest standards of care. We remain dedicated to providing a safe, supportive, and compassionate environment for all those we serve."
McNeil emphasized that staffing shortages are not unique to this facility or the region.
"It’s not just in the metro area. Other parts of the state are experiencing the same thing—residents wandering off and the staff just don't realize it," she said.
She urged families to be proactive in monitoring their loved ones' care.
"Just go and visit. Lay eyes on your loved one or your friend. Be there. The more people that are in the building watching what's happening, I think the care tends to be better."
What's next:
There is concern over a pending change to state regulations that would lower mandatory minimum staffing levels in nursing homes, which McNeil fears could exacerbate the issue. The situation remains under review, and further developments are awaited.
The Source: This article is based on a report from the Georgia Department of Community Health and statements from Melanie McNeil, Georgia’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman, during an interview with FOX 5 Atlanta reporter Rob DiRienzo. Additional information was provided by a spokesperson from Greenwood Place.