Island Health takes control of seniors care home after more than 40 complaints

Island Health is now in charge ofa seniors care facility in Courtenay, B.C., after numerous complaints from residents' family members that included emotional and physical abuse.

The health authority has appointed an administrator to oversee day-to-day operations at theComox Valley Senior Village after the facility was found non-compliant with the province'sCommunity Care and Assisted Living Act.

Between Mar. 1 and Aug. 23, inspectors visited the site 45 times, responding to abuse allegations, as well as complaints about disease outbreaks and neglect.

Mark Blandford, Island Health's executive director of primary care and seniors health, said the volume and nature of the complaints prompted the decision to placeSusan Abermann, formerly Island Health's lead for residential care services, in charge for the next six months.

"We don't think anyone in the facility is at risk at this time," said Blanford in an interview with CBC's On The Island,but noted there are concerns at a couple of other sites managed by the same company that are now under investigation.

The facility is owned by Retirement Concepts but was acquired by Cedar Tree in 2017, part of the Angbang Insurance Group, whosefounder was convicted of fraud in China in May 2018.

Cedar Tree contractedThe Pacific Reach Seniors Housing Management leadership team tomanage day-to-day operations.

Blanfordsaid Abermann'sfirst priority is to stabilize staffing at the Courtenay facility, which has had high employee turnover and no director of care since September2018.

"It's not acceptable and we certainly need to do more in the future to ensure that we have oversight," said Blanford, adding Island Health has learned from this situationto closely scrutinizesites when leadership is fluctuating.

Abermann's appointment was based upon a recommendation from North Island Medical Health Officer Charmaine Enns.

Ennsalso has thepower to revoke the operating licence for the 136-bed long-term care facility if the situation at the facility does not improve under Abermann's watch.

To hear the complete interview withMark Blandford, see the audio link below: