Choking Death Exposes Staffing Crisis | Milwaukee News

An 89-year-old man choked to death during breakfast at a Port Washington assisted living facility after being left alone — despite his care plan requiring staff supervision and finely chopped food. His family called 911 when no help arrived, and the medical examiner ruled it an accident. The facility, Lincoln Village, was understaffed that day — three caregivers were absent — leaving one staff member overwhelmed. This wasn’t his first choking incident; he’d choked on a hamburger just two days prior, prompting updated care plans. Yet, he was served his meal unattended again. State inspectors found four employees had left shifts without ensuring coverage, revealing systemic understaffing across Wisconsin facilities. Four staff faced discipline, the facility was fined $3,500, and this follows a prior wrongful death lawsuit against the same facility. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/0bd643be2ec83476