Kamloops RCMP investigating allegations a caretaker neglected a severely disabled woman

A representative from Community Living British Columbia (CLBC) reported to Kamloops RCMP on May 10 that a client was admitted to hospital after “inadequate care” from her home share provider.

She had been admitted to hospital on May 6 at the direction of her doctor, and was found to be emaciated, malnourished, dehydrated and possibly sexually abused.

The doctor had contacted the woman’s care provider after noting he had not seen the woman in two years.

When she presented at RIH, the woman was estimated to weigh 79 lbs. In 2013, a nutritionist had suggested her weight should be 130 to 135 lbs. According to the search warrant, the CLBC is concerned over the care provided by Thompson Community Services (TCS) because the level of malnutrition the woman was exhibiting would have “taken months.”

A CLBC representative had a meeting with a doctor at RIH, and learned there was not any medical reason for the woman’s condition other than a lack of nutrition and food, the search warrant states. She allegedly had pressure spots from not being turned or moved on her legs, buttocks, ankle area, and wounds on her scalp.

“(She) was so hungry upon admittance to the hospital that she was trying to suck on the thermometer when they put it in her mouth,” the search warrant states. “(The doctor) regretted not taking pictures of (her) when she was admitted, as her condition was very poor.”

TCS officials were responsible for conducting home visits, and found during the visits that the care provider was allegedly falsifying medical documents.

When the TCS community services manager first met the woman, she thought she looked thin but couldn’t quite tell because of a blanket covering her. She did note that the home smelled of urine.

According to the search warrant, the caretaker only provided two months of medical records, and said the rest were in her basement locked up, where her son was sleeping.

The search warrant was granted for police to retrieve the remainder of the documents.

“It is obvious that the physical state (she) is in, that she has not been provided 24-hour care by (her caretaker) as per the TCS contract,” the warrant states.

In a statement to CFJC Today, CLBC says it is concerned about the allegations, takes them very seriously, and is actively reviewing this and will fully cooperate with any investigation.

A request for comment to TCS has not been returned.

Kamloops RCMP say the investigation is ongoing and charges have not been laid at this point.

None of the allegations have been proven in court.

by Ashley Legassic

Kamloops RCMP investigating allegations a caretaker neglected a severely disabled woman

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