MDH cites Golden Valley senior home after fatal fall
The Minnesota Department of Health cited Meadow Ridge Senior Living in Golden Valley for neglect and fined it $5,000 after 79-year-old resident Larry Thompson slowly fell from his electric scooter and suffocated while staff, following a 'no touch after a fall' policy, failed to assist. Surveillance and body-camera video show staff delayed aid until first responders arrived; the state long‑term care ombudsman warned such 'no touch/no lift' policies pose serious risks.
📌 Key Facts
- Incident at Meadow Ridge Senior Living (Golden Valley) led to the death of Larry Thompson, 79, from positional asphyxiation after a slow fall.
- MDH found neglect and imposed a $5,000 fine; the facility’s policy directed staff to call 911 and not touch residents after a fall.
- No licensed nurse was in the dining room at the time; a staffer identified in records as Angela Ramnarine watched without rendering aid before calling 911.
- State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Cheryl Hennen criticized 'no touch/no lift' policies as dangerous; the facility declined comment.