A Shakopee assisted-care facility is responsible for neglect in the death last year of a resident who drank a lethal amount of dishwasher detergent left unattended, according to findings in a report issued by the Minnesota Department of Health last week.

Augustana Emerald Crest “is responsible for neglect by leaving corrosive chemical detergent unattended and within the reach of a client with impaired decision-making ability,” an investigation determined, according to the report. The Health Department said Augustana “failed to ensure all personnel were trained on the safety procedures for chemical use and storage.”

“An unfortunate accident occurred last year involving a resident at our Shakopee location who mistakenly ingested a liquid cleanser and later passed away,” said Augustana vice president of marketing and public relations Dave Saemrow in a statement. “Liquid cleansers are kept locked up; however, early in the morning while the old cleanser was being changed out for a new one, a staff member momentarily left the old cleanser unattended. This tragedy affected everyone deeply and our primary concern is for the resident’s family. We want to express our sorrow on behalf of everyone at Augustana Care.”

Saemrow added that Augusta has reviewed its safety policies and procedures and retrained staff members.

The incident occurred on Feb. 4 last year when the resident, who had moved to the facility about two years earlier and suffered from dementia and other cognitive issues, poured liquid detergent in a glass and drank it, according to the report. The resident had a habit of taking food and drinks from the kitchen, which forced staff to lock cupboards. The liquid that the resident drank was from a container left by a staff maintenance worker on the cupboard while replacing an empty dishwasher detergent container.

A few hours later, the resident became ill, spitting up phlegm and blood, and was taken to a hospital. The resident was hospitalized for 13 days for pneumonia and difficulty swallowing. Unable “to eat or drink to sustain life,” the resident died from what the death certificate listed as sodium hydroxide detergent ingestion, the report said.

Emerald Crest Memory Care is located at 1855 10th Ave. W., in Shakopee. Augustana Emerald Crest has other facilities in Burnsville, Minnetonka and Victoria.