Senior hospitalized with multiple infections suffered neglect in care home, children allege

A 74-year-old woman with dementia who was admitted to hospital with multiple serious infections suffered medical neglect at a nursing home in Barrhead, her children allege.

The woman, Patricia Knebel, was hospitalized on Christmas Day 2023 after developing the infections. Her children say that staff at the Barrhead Continuing Care Centre failed to meet her basic needs and monitor her health.

Knebel's children allege that staff did not check on her regularly, did not give her enough food, and ignored her requests for help. They also allege that staff lied about Knebel's health.

Alberta Health Services (AHS), which operates the care home, is investigating the Knebel family's allegations. AHS said in a statement that "serious action will be taken to ensure that all residents of the Barrhead Continuing Care Centre are properly cared for."

This is not the first time that AHS has been investigated for breaches of care standards at care homes under its control. In 2018, a board that investigates complaints about care for seniors in Alberta found AHS guilty of breaches of care standards at 21 different care homes.

The Barrhead Continuing Care Centre has also been criticized in the past. In 2020, CBC reported that the care home was under investigation for failing to properly care for a 90-year-old resident who died.

The Knebel family says that they plan to file a formal complaint against AHS. They also say that they plan to work with local and provincial officials to make changes to the long-term care system in Alberta.

Here are some of the specific allegations that the Knebel family makes:

• Knebel was not checked on regularly by staff.

• Knebel was not given enough food.

• Knebel's requests for help were ignored.

• Staff lied about Knebel's health.

The Knebel family's allegations are serious and should be investigated thoroughly. If they are true, they point to a disturbing pattern of neglect at the Barrhead Continuing Care Centre.

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