Emails

Since We Launched jeanwarden.com we have started to receive a number of emails. Please feel free to read them. Each Of These Fine Individuals Have Authorized Their use

This is the story of Carol Wodak's Mom

----- Original Message -----

From: Sheila May Cox

To: Premier@gov.ab.ca

Cc: Iris Evans@assembly.ab.ca ; calgary cross@assembly.ab.ca ; calgary glenmore@assembly.ab.ca ; LT Gov@gov.ab.ca

Sent: Thursday, November 17, 2005 9:56 AM

Subject: Elder Abuse

Thursday, November 18, 2005

Dear Mr. Klein

Yesterday evening, I heard Leslie Primeau on 630 CHED interview Robert Warden about the recent death of his mother at an Edmonton care facility. I think it is simply appalling that you and fellow officials have not even troubled yourselves to reply to Mr. Warden's letters to you regarding the tragic loss of his Mom because of what is clearly criminal neglect at a local nursing home. It would appear that you do not take this matter very seriously and I wonder if you are underestimating the level of public awareness and outrage. I, too, had to remove my mother from the same facility; some of the things that were done to her were almost unbelievable and certainly were well within the range of criminal neglect, although right now I haven't the resources to take action because my time and energy is currently being taken up with looking after my Mom. I literally fled from there in order to keep her safe and fortunately got her out before serious damage was done to her health.

Is that why there is no accountability on the part of those entrusted with care of our elders--because most of us struggling with this issue cannot find time and/or energy to speak up? It would appear that this is indeed the truth. If you were doing your jobs no one should have to write a letter like this. If those of you who were elected or chosen to look after public welfare are going to continue to sit on your hands, who is to look after these very vulnerable members of society. Your inaction is a reflection on all of Alberta. Shame on you, all of you!!

Sheila Cox

cc: Iris Evans - Minister of Health and Wellness

Yvonne Fritz - Minister of Seniors

Norman Kwong - Lieutenant Governor

___________________________________________________________________

From: Sheila May Cox [@shaw.ca]
Sent: October 21, 2005 6:00 PM
To: info@jeanwarden.com
Subject: Your Mom

My sincere condolences for your loss. The presentation on your website is beautiful and very moving and my heart goes out to you all.

My mom was also at the same facility until last Monday, October 17. In fact I am sure I saw your lovely mom on a few occasions. If I am not mistaken she lived on the first floor. I will keep her in my prayers along with all of you. I greatly admire your wonderful tribute.

My mother had been there since May 27, 2005. Ironically enough, I had brought her here from the States so that she would have good, safe care. But after discovering that the care at the facility was sporadic and--judging from the frequent mishaps we experienced there--sometimes unsafe to the point of endangerment, I made the commitment to go in and be with Mom every day. Fortunately I am retired and have the time, an advantage not enjoyed by all families. It was often exhausting, but I was able to make certain that she was hydrated and given enough care and attention to keep her reasonably healthy. Some of the attendants there were wonderful. I am still most grateful for their hard work and kindness and have written them letters of thanks where possible. But others were indifferent and even lazy and not well trained, if at all. In any event, no one appeared to be keeping track of any of them. Lack of adequate staff, unsupervised staff, and poorly trained or completely untrained staff indicated to me that management was not taking its mission very seriously...and for this, my mother was charged $5,750 every month.

I now have my mother in a private group facility called Mirkacare Services. They are very good indeed and for the first time in months I can take days off without worrying.

Please allow me to offer my support to you in any way that I can. I believe that speaking out is one of the few effective means available to ordinary citizens. I will be doing things on my own, but let me know if I can help you in any way..

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