‘It’s supposed to be a veterans facility’: Resident, widow share concerns about Calgary care home

It’s one of the troublesome selections a household may be compelled to make — placing an getting older dad or mum or different beloved one in a long-term care facility.

In Calgary, some seniors and their households say they’re dropping belief within the people who find themselves speculated to look after them.

They’re coming ahead with allegations of negligence on the Colonel Belcher retirement residence, operated by Carewest — and so they say drastic adjustments are wanted on the facility.

“It was the Taj Mahal and as a veteran I mentioned that if I ever need to go in a house there’s the place I wish to be,” Colonel Belcher resident Bob Gray instructed International Information.

Opened in 2003, the power was designed to be a long-term care residence for veterans.

Gray moved in on November 13, 2024 – however a month later he was looking for a brand new place to name residence.

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He cited issues with upkeep, staffing and negligence in care — allegations Global News has reported before.

Christine Prosser, whose husband died whereas he was residing at Colonel Belcher, says he handed away the day earlier than their twenty ninth anniversary.

Prosser says he died in ache, days after a foul fall that she claims occurred after workers didn’t comply with protocol to stop it.

Alberta Well being Providers is investigating his dying.

Carewest replied to an inquiry from International Information’ by saying “this incident has been reviewed internally and with Alberta Well being and we’re following up on their suggestions,” including “Carewest makes use of person-centered care planning to deal with fall dangers and has applied focused interventions for residents who fall regularly.”

“I trusted that they might do the fitting factor for my husband and that’s my one huge remorse,” mentioned Prosser.

International Information has since realized of one other dying on December 23, 2024 that’s additionally beneath investigation by Alberta Well being Providers.

Households have additionally raised considerations a couple of third dying in January 2024, after one household alleged {that a} affected person died after the resident’s oxygen tank ran empty.

“Whereas we can’t touch upon particular circumstances as a result of privateness concerns, we take any considerations very severely. Every concern is completely reviewed and investigated and encourage households to comply with up in the event that they really feel their considerations haven’t been addressed,” Carewest mentioned in an announcement Thursday.

Alberta Well being tells International Information it’s actively working with Colonel Belcher to deal with excellent care considerations, including it would proceed to carry operators accountable to make sure Albertans obtain the care they deserve.

Alberta Minister of Well being, Adriana LaGrange, promised in May 2024 to investigate rising considerations about care on the facility — however residents like Gray say they’re nonetheless ready for motion.

Residents who spoke to International Information say the issues at Colonel Belcher began through the pandemic, and though Alberta’s Well being Minister promised to research, they’re nonetheless ready for motion.

“It’s speculated to be a veteran’s facility, however there are only a few veterans right here,” mentioned Gray, who claims cafeteria hours have additionally been decreased and programming minimize.

He says even the family-room has been closed – one other symbolic loss on the as soon as revered care residence.

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