West Columbia Care Center Faces Wrongful Death Lawsuit
WEST COLUMBIA — A tragic incident has led to a wrongful death lawsuit against an assisted living facility that many in the community trust. The Colonial Gardens Alzheimer’s Special Care Center is under fire after a former resident, 77-year-old Raymond W. Sikes Sr., choked to death in 2022. His daughter, Betina Keller, is stepping up to hold the facility accountable, claiming negligence on the part of the care center and others involved.
What Happened?
According to the details that have surfaced, on November 2, 2022, Raymond was dining in the communal eating area of the Colonial Gardens when he suddenly began to choke. Reports indicate that while staff members did attempt to perform the Heimlich maneuver, they called for emergency services without taking further immediate action to save his life.
The lawsuit details how, upon the arrival of emergency medical services from Lexington and Richland counties at approximately 5:13 p.m., there was a noticeable delay before any lifesaving measures were taken. Sadly, despite their attempts, Sikes became unresponsive and tragically passed away that same day.
The Lawsuit’s Claims
The lawsuit isn’t just targeting the Colonial Gardens facility; it also names Sunshine Retirement Living and Caddy LLC—companies that oversee the management and operation of the care center. Keller argues that all parties involved, including the local emergency management services, failed in their duty to properly assess and mitigate the risks associated with choking for elderly patients.
Keller’s claim emphasizes that appropriate care was not provided to her father, pointing out that facilities catering to those with Alzheimer’s and dementia should be fully equipped to handle such emergencies. She believes that the procedures in place were inadequate and led directly to her father’s untimely death.
The Community Reaction
Residents of West Columbia are understandably shaken by the news of this lawsuit. For many families, choosing an assisted living facility often comes with the belief that their loved ones will receive the best possible care. Incidents like this raise serious concerns about the standard of care being provided in these facilities, especially for vulnerable populations.
The Colonial Gardens Alzheimer’s Special Care Center, meant to be a sanctuary for those suffering from cognitive impairments, now finds itself at the center of a storm of questions regarding its practices and safety protocols. Community members are left wondering how such a horror could take place in a facility designed to care for individuals in need.
Next Steps
As the case unfolds, the involved parties have been tight-lipped. Attempts to reach a representative from Colonial Gardens for a comment were unsuccessful, and both Lexington and Richland county officials refrained from offering any statements about the ongoing legal battle.
This lawsuit serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and advocacy, especially for families entrusting their loved ones to assisted living facilities. As the community eagerly anticipates further developments, it remains to be seen how this tragic event will impact regulations and practices within assisted living centers across the area.
A Time for Reflection
The heartbreaking loss of Raymond W. Sikes Sr. is not just a family tragedy—it resonates through the fabric of West Columbia, reminding us all about the fragility of life and the trust we place in care services. As the legal process moves forward, many hope it will not only bring justice for the Sikes family but also improve safety standards for all elderly residents in care facilities.
