"They were forgotten amid the frantic evacuation of two senior care facilities, according to state investigators, leaving the elderly women in immediate danger as the smoke and flames of the Eaton fire drew closer. In two reports published recently by the California Department of Social Services, investigators describe the harrowing circumstances of three women who were left behind in the assisted living facilities during the deadly Jan. 7 fire."
"Laura Mosqueda, a professor of family medicine and geriatrics at USC's Keck School of Medicine, said the state's findings "demonstrate many of the problems" that senior care advocates have long called on officials to address. "Absolutely it was chaotic because of the fires, and absolutely [assisted-living facilities] have a responsibility to have emergency plans and competent leadership who can follow through," Mosqueda said. "To evacuate and not have a complete list and know you've gotten everybody out ... is not OK.""
Three elderly women were left behind during frantic evacuations at two assisted-living facilities as the Eaton fire neared. State investigators published reports detailing the harrowing circumstances and cited both facilities for lapses in care, ordering improved emergency planning and training. Both facilities have appealed the findings. Nineteen people died in the Eaton fire, 18 in west Altadena where officials failed to issue timely alerts; none of the deaths were residents of the senior care homes. Investigators found that many staff at one facility lacked emergency-procedure training, and experts called for better leadership and evacuation lists.
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