Just 36 hours after moving into Preston Special Care Home in Saskatoon, William Cone wandered out of the facility completely unnoticed on October 11.
Cone had Alzheimer's and a door at the government-run facility had been left propped open without any monitoring by staff, security cameras or alarms.0
“This should never happen in Saskatchewan, especially in a facility operated by the provincial government,” said Keith Jorgenson, Saskatchewan NDP Shadow Minister for Seniors.
“When we put our loved ones in the care of the provincial government, we expect that safety and security should be a top priority.
Earlier this year, ninety-six-year-old William Hastie passed away under very similar circumstances in a care home that the SHA had failed to inspect for three years. According to Minister Carr, care homes are supposed to be inspected every year.
“I have talked to other people whose family members with Alzheimer's, they get out of their care homes all the time,” said Bailie Smith, granddaughter of William Cone. “This is a widespread problem and we need change to make sure this never happens to anyone every again.”
“We’ve seen too many similar tragedies like this in our province in just the last few months,” said Jorgenson. “I seriously question whether Lorr Carr is up to the task of being a minister.
“Seniors built this province. Supporting them is part of how we build a bright future for Saskatchewan.”
Cone’s family came to the Legislature today to make sure what happened to William never happens to another senior, after unhelpful conversations with SHA officials and Minister Carr.
-30-
Carla Beck’s Team Calls On Scott Moe, Sask. Party Break Vicious Cycle By Investing In Supports and Intervention For Young Victims
REGINA – Carla Beck’s team is calling on Scott Moe and the Sask. Party to provide significantly more support for child and youth victims of violent crime after a new Statistics Canada study found Saskatchewan had the highest provincial rate in Canada of youth victims later encountering police as accused persons.
Saskatoon Fire Report 680 Overdoses In April, More Than 22 Per Day
SASKATOON – Critical first responders continue to urge the provincial government to provide additional support for local organizations working to address Saskatoon’s toxic drug crisis.
Pembina Analysis Comes As Medical Experts Across Canada Also Warn About Impacts of Backwards Sask. Party Plan
REGINA – Independent analysis from the Pembina Institute estimates that Scott Moe’s catastrophic $26-billion coal plan could cost Saskatchewan over $100 million in additional healthcare costs.