The controversy continues over the impending closure of the Autumn Lodge in the Village of Berwyn.
The lodge is set to shut down by April 30, 2018.
Autumn Lodge in the Village of Berwyn. (Photo/North Peace Housing Foundation)
In a recent media release, the Elder Advocates of Alberta Society alleges that a senior has taken his life at the lodge itself. As well, it is alleged that everyone at the lodge, including staff and first responders among others, were strongly instructed to not discuss the matter with resident seniors, being told that it was a matter under the Freedom of Information & Protection of Privacy (FOIP) Act.
As well, the release alleges that a family member of another resident was called by the resident’s doctor, and told that her mother was seriously suicidal.
The society also says that Berwyn citizens paid $50 to attend a meet-and-greet with Seniors & Housing Minister Lori Sigurdson, but were unable to hold a meeting regarding the Autumn Lodge.
The Trending 55 Newsroom did reach out to the North Peace Housing Foundation, which runs the lodge itself, and we did receive a response.
In an email, Tammy Menssa, the foundation’s Director of Human Resources & Housing Operations, confirmed that they did, in fact, have an Autumn Lodge resident pass away, but that there was no indication that the death had anything to do with the closure of Autumn Lodge.
As well, Menssa also confirmed that the foundation is investigating the allegations that another resident at the lodge was suicidal, and that they’ll be taking appropriate action to make sure the resident receives the care that’s required.
She says that nobody will be asked to leave the lodge before the April 30 closure, and that anyone who does do so before that date will be doing so voluntarily. As well, Menssa says that the foundation has assured that every resident wanting to stay within one of their buildings will have a room at one of the other facilities.
– Posted by BET
