State cites Marietta assisted living facility after residents death

The Georgia Department of Community Health has cited Greenwood Place, an assisted living facility in Marietta, after the tragic death of 89-year-old resident Patricia Miele, who wandered away and was later found deceased in a nearby pond. Miele, who had dementia, was reported missing on November 9, 2024, and her body was discovered two days later, raising serious concerns about the facility's safety protocols. A state inspection revealed numerous violations, including inadequate staffing levels that left 26 residents unsupervised during the overnight shift and a failure to perform safety checks on Miele. Furthermore, staff members delayed nearly two hours before notifying law enforcement of her disappearance, violating state regulations. Investigators also identified multiple unsecured exit points and a lack of security measures, which contributed to the incident.

Miele's family is now calling for greater oversight of assisted living facilities to prevent future tragedies like this one. In response, Greenwood Place expressed their condolences but did not address the specific violations. This incident highlights the critical need for stringent regulations and oversight in the care of vulnerable populations.