An Atria Senior Living resident in California has died after having a “negative reaction” to something he ingested.
The death of Constantine Canoun, a 94-year-old resident of Atria Walnut Creek in Walnut Creek, CA, came two days after a resident at another Atria community in California died after reportedly mistakenly being served dishwashing liquid instead of juice.
Canoun passed away Aug. 31 after what appeared to be a “negative reaction” on Aug. 23. Atria believes likely is food-related, although Canoun’s son told local media that he believes that his father, who has dementia, drank cleaning fluid while unattended at lunch in the dining room.
An Atria spokesperson told McKnight’s Senior Living that staff “immediately contacted 911, alerted the resident’s family, and the resident was transferred to the hospital.”
“It is uncertain what caused the resident’s reaction, and at this time we believe it was likely food related,” the spokesperson said. “We are completing our internal investigation and await the official cause of death. We are reviewing all of our relevant policies and procedures and have conducted additional trainings across our communities.”
The spokesperson added that Atria initially was notified that the resident was doing well but had since passed away.
“Our sincerest condolences are with his family and loved ones,” the spokesperson said, adding that staff members involved have been suspended. “The health and safety of our residents are our highest priorities.”
Canoun’s death follows the accidental poisoning of 93-year-old Trudy F. Maxwell, an Atria Park of San Mateo resident who mistakenly was served dishwashing liquid instead of juice on Aug. 29. Two other Atria Park of San Mateo residents who also drank the liquid were hospitalized.
The spokesperson said that Atria continues to work with law enforcement and the California Department of Social Services to fully review and assess that incident.
“Our ongoing internal investigation has determined that a staff member filled a pitcher with dishwashing liquid with the intention of dispensing the liquid into the dishwashing machine,” the spokesperson said. “Another staff member picked it up, mistaking it for juice, and served it to three residents. One resident has since passed away, and our sincerest condolences are with the family.”
The employees involved in the San Mateo incident will remain suspended until the investigation is concluded. Out of respect for the privacy of the two recovering residents, Atria indicated that it will not share details on their conditions, adding that the “safety and well-being of our residents remain our top priority at all times.”
