The Senior’s Advocate is aware of an incident at a long-term care facility in Carbonear that left one resident with serious injuries.
Albert Sparkes of Brigus was left battered and bruised when another patient on the dementia ward attacked him.
The assault left him with cuts and bruises, and the injuries to his mouth left him unable to use a straw because of the pain he’s experiencing.
(Seniors’ Advocate Susan Walsh.)
While Seniors’ Advocate Susan Walsh says she cannot comment on individual cases, incidents like the one raised by Sparkes’ daughter Stacey LeShane are not indicative of the care seniors deserve.
She says incidents like the one described are the result of a system not well designed to meet the individual and unique needs of people with dementia. She cites it as another example of the reason why a review has been called into Long Term and Personal Care homes in the province.
She’s asking people to show compassion and remember that the two people involved in the situation deserve an appropriate level of care that meets their needs.
Meanwhile, Eastern Health say it is aware of the situation and is completing a thorough review of the incident, however the unable to publicly discuss an individual case.
In a statement to VOCM News, the health authority says it takes any matter of this nature seriously and work with law enforcement when necessary to ensure a resident’s rights, care and safety needs are met.
The health authority is reviewing current practices, policies and procedures to ensure they meet the safety requirements of residents.
