CALGARY- A recent move to shut down a home for severely developmentally disabled people has left many Alberta families scrambling for a solution.
The provincial government has decided to close the Michener Centre in Red Deer, meaning 125 residents will be moved into community homes—something families aren’t happy about.
“She spent eight years out in the community, and I watched her go from happy go lucky to ridden with anxiety,” says Okotoks resident Lee Kvern, whose sister Jody has been living at the Michener Centre. “The crowning moment was when she tried to rip apart a gas stove. It took four RCMP officers to restrain her. It was horrible.”
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She adds the nurturing environment of Michener doesn’t compare to the alternative.
“Most people aren’t trained. They scalded another person with disabilities.
“How are they gonna be cared for if you can’t even bathe them?”
Kvern has since launched an online petition, to try and protect residents from the disruptive move.
At this point there is no plan to reverse the decision.
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