Friends of a disabled man who choked at his nursing home have expressed their heartbreak at the "tragic waste" of his death.
Jimmy Billingsley, who had Down's Syndrome, died on Christmas Eve 2021 six days after choking on a "fist-sized" mass of sausage rolls left over from a staff Christmas party at Naylorsfield care home, where he lived.
The vulnerable 55-year-old was placed on a speech and language therapist (SALT) plan due to a high risk of choking, and was supposed to be served soft food cut into 2cm chunks and supervised as he ate. But on December 18, he was seated alone with another disabled resident when an unknown member of staff served up a bowl of leftover party food.
READ MORE: Disabled man choked on leftover sausage rolls from care home's staff party
He was taken to Whiston Hospital, where he died of a hypoxic-ischaemic brain injury due to a cardiac arrest, caused by choking, on December 24. Last Monday, May 22, an inquest reached a conclusion of accidental death contributed to by neglect by his care home.
Following the report, former carers paid their respects to Jimmy, who lived for 20 years at Acrefield House in Prenton before being moved to Rockfield on West Derby Road, Anfield.
Jane Brand said: "I was a support worker at Acrefield in the early 90s and remember Jimmy fondly. My dad used to pick me up and Jimmy would come to meet him and shake his hand after every shift."
Lis Lowe said: "Jimmy was a neighbour of ours when he was at Acrefield House. Always had a smile for us when he passed by, except when the dogs barked because it hurt his ears. Rest in peace Jimmy."
Jimmy moved to Naylorsfield in Belle Vale in November 2021, shortly after his family were told by social workers that his placement at Rockfield had become too expensive. He tragically died just six weeks later.
Sharon Rober said: "My daughter and son in law cared for Jimmy in Acrefield for over seven years, along with many other support staff over the years. This is a tragedy that should never have happened in the home he was moved to and should have been equally cared for! Heartbreaking."
Barry Lithgow said: "I cared for Jimmy in a residential home until the social worker decided he should be moved. He was happy and well looked after, everyone in the home liked Jimmy, he was a great character, very funny. R.I.P JIMMY."
Rachel Bycroft said: "Absolutely unnecessary tragic waste of this man’s life. If he has to be watched while eating and they’re aware of the risks then no food should have been left where he could access so in my eyes massive failings in his care. Sending love to his family."
Rosie Jackson said: "This is why it’s vitally important to always read care plans of people you're supporting and be aware of any updates entered in it. If the staff at this young man’s home had done this he would still be alive now; it’s so very sad."
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