Patrick Administration Plans To Close Group Homes After 2 Deaths

BOSTON (AP) - The deaths of two men with developmental disabilities at group homes have advocates questioning the Patrick administration's plans to close four of the state's six institutions for people with developmental disabilities.

According to reports from the state's Disabled Persons Protection Commission obtained by The Associated Press, two men died at separate group homes last month. One man died after swallowing a plastic shopping bag; the other died after collapsing at the facility.

Advocates say the deaths raise questions about the amount of supervision at group homes as patients from institutions slated to close are transferred to new facilities.

The Department of Developmental Services said it is investigating the deaths of two patients.

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