By Kevin Martel

Another family speaks out after a senior dies at Regina care home

Nov 27, 2014 | 6:21 AM

Another person is coming forward to speak out on how the Government of Saskatchewan needs to do something to improve the quality of standards in continuing care home facilities.

Jackie Lewis’ 87-year-old mother-in-law Jessie Sellwood was a resident of the Extendicare Sunset home in Regina last December. Lewis explained how Sellwood had mobility issues and went to be carried to the bathroom on Dec. 24—by just one person. Sellwood was dropped and taken to hospital with a cut on her leg.

Sellwood was eventually brought back to the care home where she complained about her other leg being sore. She was taken back to hospital where she was found to have a broken leg. Her family maintains she was in extreme pain. On Dec. 27, Sellwood was found dead in her room at the Sunset.

“She’s my mother-in-law but I loved her dearly and knew her for over 40 years,” said Lewis.

The coroner initially ruled the cause of death as natural, but that was eventually switched to accidental. When the 87 year old entered Sunset she was classified as a “Minimum Assistance” in terms of the Transfer, Lift, Reposition (TLR) protocol. That means only one person would move her compared to two people using a mechanical lift. However, despite her deteriorating condition, family claims she was never reassessed.

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“Nobody’s accountable. I’ve just heard ‘I’m sorry’ 5,000 times. I’m done. I’m sick of sorry,” said a frustrated Lewis. “It’s not right…these homes are not accountable.”

Lewis would like to see more staffing at nursing homes. She would know since she has worked at several homes, including the Santa Maria — the same place that’s come under fire for the alleged mistreatment of a patient. 

Three anonymous employees of Santa Maria have shared their story, further painting a picture of crisis at the home. 

“Jessie’s family is here today because they want accountability for her and they want the system to be fixed. I hope that this government will finally, finally listen,” said provincial NDP Leader Cam Broten.

Broten is again renewing his call for minimum standards in the province. 

Health Minister Dustin Duncan said he’s concerned with this latest development and admits he has very limited information on the matter at this time.

“Our only information at this point is that Regina-Qu’Appelle (Health Region) have classified it as a critical incident and they’re looking into it further through the Quality of Care Co-ordinators,” said Duncan.

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To see a copy of the letter from the coroner’s office, click here.