35 new complaints received about seniors homes, ombudsman says

While Ombudsman Mary McFadyen investigates a Regina seniors home, her office has received dozens of other complaints about Saskatchewan long-term care facilities.

Last fall, the family of Margaret Warholm raised concerns. Warholm, 74, died in hospital after being a resident at Santa Maria. Family members believe her care at the seniors home was a factor in her death.

Health Minister Dustin Duncan asked McFadyen to investigate in response to the Warholm case.

Since an investigation was launched, new problems have emerged at Santa Maria. Police charged a staff member with assault following an incident that's not connected to the Warholm case.

McFadyen said in a news release Tuesday she is making progress on her investigation.

She also said her office has received 35 complaints about resident care at long-term care facilities.

"The issues being raised include poor quality of care, low staff-to-resident ratios, a poor organizational culture within facilities, lack of communications with families and residents, and a long-term care system lacking in accountability," McFadyen said in the release.

Some of the new complaints will be addressed individually and others will be included in the current investigation, she said.

McFadyen said she hoped to complete her investigation into Santa Maria in the spring.