Police investigate Alzheimer’s patient’s death

Police are investigating the injuries of an Alzheimer’s patient who died this week.

The patient, 80-year-old Robert Winfield, died Tuesday, but his cause of death is pending, according to the Montgomery County Coroner’s Office.

Miami Twp. police Sgt. Jay Phares said Winfield was hurt Oct. 5 while he was a patient at the Wood Glen Alzheimer’s Community, 3800 Summit Glen Drive in Miami Twp.

Officers were first called the next day to Sycamore Hospital, where the U.S. Army veteran from Centerville was being treated for his injuries.

“From there, we have been investigating why this has happened to him or what happened to him,” Phares said.

While police know Winfield was seriously hurt, they don’t yet know whether his injuries led to his death. “That’s going to be up to the coroner to … give us better indication on that,” the sergeant said.

The coroner’s office conducted an autopsy Wednesday, but the results are pending.

Phares said detectives have spoken to “persons of interest” but would not name any suspects.

“We’re looking at the people that work there, that were responsible for his care. That’s the first place we have to start with talking to individuals,” Phares said.

The Wood Glen Alzheimer’s care facility on Friday released a statement: “The management and staff at Wood Glen deeply regret what has transpired at our facility. We are cooperating with law enforcement authorities who are conducting a thorough investigation. At this time, we can provide no additional information due to the ongoing investigation by our local law enforcement authorities. Wood Glen will continue its history of delivering the highest quality of care to the residents of our community.”

Representatives from the Ohio Department of Health, which licenses care facilities and is investigating Winfield’s case, did not return calls seeking comment. However, Wood Glen’s online nursing home profile on the state’s website shows it has 148 certified beds and has an overall rating of much below average comprised of scores indicating much below average staffing levels; below average health inspection and above average quality measures.

Winfield’s family members were not available today for comment.