HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) – A Henderson woman was charged with neglect of a dependent causing death last week following an investigation into the death of a woman that was under her care.
According to an affidavit, Siobhan Swanigan, 44, was employed as a care taker providing direct care services to two residents at a supported living apartment on Lenape Lane in Evansville. One of the two residents was 66-year-old Nancy Grisham, who authorities say was autistic, developmentally delayed and diagnosed with dysphagia, which created a high risk of choking when she ate. Grisham’s care plan indicated she was to be on a pureed diet to the consistency of applesauce.
Authorities say Swanigan gave Grisham a whole danish without preparing it on January 27, causing her to choke and go into cardiac arrest. While on the phone with a 911 operator reporting the choking, Swanigan was also on the phone with her supervisor to report the incident. During the call, Swanigan reportedly admitted she did not prepare the danish before giving it to Grisham.