Sask. ombudsman says an apology is required after the death of a senior in a Regina care home

According to the Saskatchewan ombudsman, a Regina care home owes the family of a senior who fell and later died an apology.

Eighty-seven-year-old Jessie Sellwood was living and being cared for at the Extendicare Sunset home when she fell in Dec. 2013.

Taken to hospital, she was given pain medication and sent back to the home.

Two days later, having complained of pain and swelling she returned to the hospital and diagnosed with a broken leg.

She died two days later on Dec. 27, 2013.

Her case was highlighted in the Saskatchewan legislature when a series of cases were brought forward about the standard of care being provided in long-term care facilities.

Her case was referred to the ombudsman, Mary McFadyen, by then Health Minister Dustin Duncan.

In her report, McFadyen ruled the care home did not follow policy and did report the series of events to the health region or coroner as a “critical incident.”

A number of recommendations are being made, including that the Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region review all unexplained deaths in long-term care.