REGINA – The Saskatchewan ombudsman office is trying to determine if there are “system-wide” problems in seniors care.
The office confirmed Friday there have been 16 complaints about long term care issues, with 10 of those files coming in the last month. 13 complaints were reported in 2013.
Nature of the complaints includes placement, funding, quality of care and access to family members, the office said.
“This is an issue of vital importance to families in Saskatchewan,” ombudsman Mary McFadyen said in a news release. “It is my intention that this review be timely and the results made public.”
A family came forward on November 19 saying Margaret Warholm, 74, became malnourished, developed large bedsores, and was otherwise neglected while staying at Santa Maria Senior Citizens Home in Regina.
The next day, health minister Dustin Duncan asked the ombudsman to look into whether the province’s care home guidelines were followed.
Several more seniors care complaints have come up in the recent week, with opposition critics demanding minimum care standards and creation of a seniors advocate position.
The ombudsman’s office expects “to be able to make recommendations that will affect the quality of long term care in the province.”
It hasn’t been decided if the names of facilities involved will be released.
READ BELOW: Ombudsman’s notice of investigation delivered to Santa Maria Senior Citizens Home
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