REGINA – The head of the Santa Maria Senior Citizens Home addressed allegations, police say they will be investigating, that a resident was neglected and assaulted while in care.
The incident (or incidents) was recorded on video, which was then sent to the patient representative office at the Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region by the victim’s family, according to John Kelly, executive director of the home.
Kelly, who saw the video, described his reaction to it as “disappointed, and I’ll leave it that.”
Santa Maria was made aware of the video “late Thursday,” he added.
What exactly transpired in the video, when it was shot, and the names of those involved is not being released by the home.
“Immediately, when we heard of the allegations, we took action,” said Kelly, who added that the home and RQHR have an external investigator looking at the allegations.
That action included suspending at least two employees without pay.
This is the second time in weeks that allegations of neglect have been made against the home.
“While instances of violence are isolated, instances of neglect are not,” said NDP leader Cam Broten at his constituency office in Saskatoon.
The opposition leader said the newest allegations renew the need for an independent seniors advocate in Saskatchewan.
“The government has its head in the sand when it comes to the overall need in our care system,” he said.
In a statement issued on Friday, Duncan said he was “appalled” by the new allegations at the home.
“I have directed the Ministry of Health to examine what options are available for either the Ministry or the Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region to step in and take a more active role in the day-to-day operations of Santa Maria until we are confident that concerns with this facility have been resolved,” his statement read.
Family members of the 147 residents were sent a letter or email Saturday about the situation.
The home employs 270 people.
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