Manitoba’s Liberal Party is calling on the province to better protect senior citizens living in person care homesIn view of an abuse investigation in Expansion Oakview Care Home in Winnipeg.
liberal leader dougald lamonte said on Tuesday that the scandal – in which 15 residents are accused of being abused by two staff members at the care home – is completely unacceptable.
“We need to call it what it is – corruption and a cover-up Elder abuseAnd it should not be tolerated,” Lamont said.
“We hope that the government will invite people to come forward with their knowledge, and provide them assurance that they will not face retaliation or blacklisting for having the courage to do wrong.”
Lamont said a ‘culture of neglect’ has existed in Manitoba for years, despite the efforts of good people to do their best, as well as the whistleblowers who spoke in this instance.
Diana Klaasen’s father died in January at the age of 92, after living in Oakview Place for nearly four years. She said the family received a devastating call the day after Father’s Day, informing them that he was one of 15 residents who were allegedly abused.
“Imagine how shocked our family must have been when it learned that a man who died in January was being abused before he passed away. So this has clearly been going on for some time.
“These are our elders – these are the people who raised us, who loved us and supported us, and we were out there trying to support them, only to find out that they were horribly abused after the fact. Was doing.”
Klaasen said she knows Extendicare has multiple care workers, and doesn’t want all home care workers to paint with the same brush, but that the company and the accused must be held accountable.
Liberals are also calling for a review of licenses in Oakview Place, and that the province implement whistleblower protections so that more people feel safe coming forward in situations like these.
In an emailed statement Tuesday afternoon, a provincial spokesman said they take the well-being of Manitoba’s senior citizens seriously.
“Our government remains committed to full cooperation in all investigations related to the horrific allegations made at Oakview Place Personal Care Home and will act on any recommendations arising from these investigations to protect seniors in care. Upon learning of the allegations, the WHRA immediately contacted the Winnipeg Police Service, who launched a criminal investigation,” the spokesperson said.
“As the investigation continues, it would be inappropriate for our government to comment further. The Protection for Persons in Care Office has also been notified and will conduct its own investigation at the conclusion of the criminal investigation.
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