After being admitted to a continuing care facility in central Alberta, Norma Wensley’s family was initially relieved that she was placed close to home. However, they now express deep concerns over her 10-month stay at Bethany Meadows in Camrose, Alta., where they claim her essential needs such as hygiene, quality of life, and comfort were often neglected. Sadly, the 88-year-old passed away on February 11 due to septic shock resulting from an untreated bladder infection.
Following Wensley’s case, investigations and audits were launched at Bethany Meadows, an accredited continuing care home managed by The Bethany Group. Her children, along with advocates and health-care critics, are advocating for stricter enforcement of continuing care standards in Alberta and enhanced legislation to protect the elderly.
Wensley’s daughter, Leona Heisler, criticized the broken state of Alberta’s continuing care system, highlighting the lack of operator accountability. She is calling for faster and more transparent investigations into care standards, as well as stronger penalties for violations.
In response to the family’s concerns, Alberta’s Assisted Living and Social Services Ministry defended the care standards, mentioning improvements since the implementation of the new act. The ministry assured that care hours are regulated through government funding agreements, with each resident requiring between 3.07 and 3.7 worked care hours, depending on the facility type.
Despite the family’s complaints and failed inspections, Bethany Meadows management declined to comment on Wensley’s case due to patient confidentiality. However, they emphasized their commitment to providing top-notch care to residents.
Chris Gallaway, the executive director of Friends of Medicare, highlighted the widespread issues of poor care standards within continuing care facilities across Alberta. He pointed out chronic understaffing and underfunding as major contributors to the systemic problems in meeting residents’ needs.
An investigation under Alberta Health’s continuing care health service standards revealed several non-compliance infractions at Bethany Meadows, including deficiencies in infection control protocols, basic hygiene practices, and care documentation. The facility was instructed to address these issues through specific action plans.
The family’s complaints have also been lodged with Alberta’s Protection for Persons in Care office and Patient Relations Department at Alberta Health Services. While the ministry and facility have responded to some of the allegations raised, the family awaits a formal response regarding the investigations conducted.
The situation surrounding Norma Wensley’s care has stirred a debate on the adequacy of care standards in Alberta’s continuing care system, emphasizing the importance of ensuring the well-being and dignity of elderly residents in such facilities.