Allegations Surface Against Richfield Nursing Home Staff Over Patient’s Death

Nursing home staff caring for a patient in distress.

Staff members at The Villas at Richfield are under investigation for allegedly delaying their response to a dying resident and subsequently forging a do-not-resuscitate (DNR) directive. The case has raised serious concerns about patient care and ethical practices in nursing homes.

Key Takeaways

  • Incident Overview: Candace Columbus, a 55-year-old resident, died on October 2, 2024, shortly after being transferred to the nursing home.
  • Delayed Response: Staff reportedly suspected Columbus was dying but failed to check on her or call for emergency assistance promptly.
  • Forged Documents: Allegations include staff filling out a DNR form after the fact, without a physician's signature.
  • Ongoing Investigation: Richfield police are conducting a thorough investigation, including reviewing medical records and surveillance footage.

Incident Details

On October 2, 2024, Candace Columbus was admitted to The Villas at Richfield for recovery after being transferred from a Duluth hospital. Just a day later, she was reported to be in critical condition. According to a search warrant affidavit, nursing home staff suspected she was dying but did not act quickly enough to call 911.

First responders were eventually summoned, but by that time, Columbus had already succumbed to her condition. The staff claimed that a DNR directive was on file, but they were unable to produce it when requested by emergency personnel.

Allegations of Forgery

The situation escalated when first responders observed nursing home staff filling out a DNR form while on the phone with someone they believed to be the facility manager. This raised suspicions of document forgery, as no physician was present to sign the form, which is a requirement for such directives.

A DNR is a legal document that instructs medical personnel not to perform CPR if a patient’s heart stops or if they stop breathing. The implications of forging such a document are severe, as it directly impacts the care and treatment a patient receives in critical moments.

Response from Authorities

The Hennepin County Medical Examiner's Office later confirmed that Columbus died from natural causes, including chronic respiratory failure and COVID-19, but the death was not reported to their office as required. This oversight has prompted further scrutiny of the nursing home's practices.

Paxton Wiffler, the Chief Operating Officer of Monarch Healthcare Management, which owns The Villas, stated that the company takes these allegations seriously and has conducted an internal review. He noted that the Minnesota Department of Health had also reviewed the incident and found no deficiencies in practice.

Community Concerns

The allegations have sparked outrage among family members and the community. Columbus's uncle expressed his disbelief at the circumstances surrounding her death, stating, "Something smells fishy."

As the investigation continues, the Richfield Police Department has requested all relevant medical records, video surveillance, and the identities of staff involved in Columbus's care. The outcome of this investigation could have significant implications for the nursing home and its staff, as well as for the broader community's trust in healthcare facilities.

Conclusion

The tragic case of Candace Columbus highlights critical issues within nursing home care, particularly regarding timely medical response and ethical documentation practices. As investigations unfold, it remains crucial for families to advocate for transparency and accountability in healthcare settings.

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