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Scalding in Canada SNF prompts safety inquiry

LTC Liability Monitor, December 8, 2005

An inquiry into the fatal scalding of an Edmonton SNF resident revealed that the tub she was placed in did not have an anti-scalding device, according to Canada's National Post. The resident, who was 90 years old with Alzheimer's, died in January 2004 after an old tub's faulty temperature gauge resulted in second-degree burns to much of her body. The inquiry names two certified nursing assistants who helped the resident with her bath, and neither reportedly checked the water manually.

After the scalding, three of the SNF's five tubs were replaced with new ones equipped with anti-scalding devices, the Post reported. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends stateside facilities change their tubs every 10 years.

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