An 87-year-old woman has died after collapsing at one of Bakersfield's most prestigious senior living communities. City fire department reports confirm the staff refused to even try to resuscitate her.
Lorraine Bayless collapsed Tuesday in the dining room of the independent senior living apartments at Glenwood Gardens. But, the staff at the facility didn't perform CPR because of Glenwood's policy.
Glenwood Gardens on Calloway Drive in southwest Bakersfield consists of three buildings. There is an assisted living facility, a skilled nursing facility and a senior living community.
Bayless collapsed at the senior living area, an independent living area, much like an apartment complex, for seniors.
Jeffrey Toomer, the Executive Director of Glenwood Gardens, told 17 News it is the facility's policy to not perform CPR in that building and wait for paramedics instead.
In a report from the Bakersfield City Fire Department, emergency personnel wrote that Bayless was in apparent cardiac arrest and was unconscious with "ineffective breathing."
The report states that dispatchers told firefighters the facility was "refusing to initiate CPR."
Toomer sent 17 News a statement on behalf of Glenwood Gardens. It said, "First and foremost, we extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to this individual's family on the passing of their loved one. We also appreciate the assistance of emergency personnel who arrived immediately to assist in rendering first aid. In the event of a health emergency at this independent living community our practice is to immediately call emergency medical personnel for assistance and to wait with the individual needing attention until such personnel arrives. That is the protocol we followed. As with any incident involving a resident, we will conduct a thorough internal review of this matter, but we have no further comments at this time."
Bayless died Tuesday at Mercy Hospital Southwest. She was 87.
17 News contacted the family of Lorraine Bayless. Her daughter said she has no problem with the care her mother received at Glenwood Gardens.
17 News requested the 911 tapes, but we were told they will not be available until Friday.
