REGINA – A sweeping investigation into seniors care in Saskatchewan is nearly complete.
Saskatchewan ombudsman Mary McFadyen said the number of complaints has reached 79.
McFadyen released her annual report Thursday, detailing cases where she intervened to solve a large, unexpected SaskEnergy bill or made recommendations to cover gaps in social services.
The probe into long-term care issues is expected to be released this spring.
She said families have been coming forward from across the province.
“There were issues with respect to care in general,” McFadyen said. “Were there enough staff people? Were the standards of care met?”
READ MORE: Does Saskatchewan need a seniors advocate?
Recommendations to follow are also expected to improve the process for making complaints if someone is concerned about the care of a family member, though McFadyen said it is too early to comment specifically on her findings.
The investigation was sparked by the death of Margaret Warholm, 74, in October 2013.
Her family came forward in November 2014, saying Warholm was neglected while living at Santa Maria Senior Citizens Home.
Medical records show Warholm had become malnourished and developed large bedsores.
Since the investigation began, many more families have come forward with seniors care complaints.
McFadyen said the process has also resulted in issues with other elements of the long-term care system, such as placement.
Comments