WARREN, Ohio (AP) -- A nursing home resident with Alzheimer's disease burned himself to death after an employee left a cigarette lighter within his reach, state investigators said.
One nursing staff employee was suspended and then fired, said Michelle LoParo, spokeswoman for the Ohio Department of Health. The nursing home also required all staff to attend safety training.
Charles Battaglia, 77, of West Farmington, set his clothes on fire at the nursing station Nov. 20 at Ridgecrest Care Center. He was flown to the burn unit at Akron Children's Hospital but later died of severe burns.
The state investigation cited the facility for not meeting state standards for quality of care. LoParo said the nursing home can dispute the citation, have a hearing and present a plan to correct the problem.
A message requesting comment was left Friday for Ridgecrest administrator David Ferrebee.
The state report said a nursing assistant found Battaglia in his wheelchair in a hallway with his shirt on fire. A fire extinguisher was used to put out the flames. Workers found the lighter on the floor next to Battaglia's chair.
