Manitoba to replace vulnerable persons office after audit finds abuse in care homes
Posted July 26, 2023 10:13 am.
Last Updated July 26, 2023 7:39 pm.
The Manitoba government says it will disband an office that oversees services to vulnerable people, following a damning report on abuse in personal care homes.
The report, from auditor general Tyson Shtykalo, says some care home residents have been punched, slapped and assaulted, but no action was taken by the Protection for Persons in Care Office.
The office is part of the health department and is charged with investigating allegations of abuse and neglect.
The report says the office decided some allegations did not meet the definition of abuse.
One case involved an elderly resident who was held down on a bed and threatened with death.
The report also says there is a backlog of complaints dating back to 2018, and some investigations don’t start for more than three years.
Manitoba Justice Minister Kelvin Goertzen says the office will be eliminated and replaced with a new independent body that will report directly to the legislature.
