Crisis of care

The family of a 69-year-old woman with developmental disabilities contacted the Ombudsman because they could no longer care for her. She was in hospital after she was assaulted at her day program, but would have nowhere to live after she was discharged.

The family of a 69-year-old woman with developmental disabilities contacted the Ombudsman because they could no longer care for her. She was in hospital after she was assaulted at her day program, but would have nowhere to live after she was discharged.

Ombudsman staff followed up with DSO and the Ministry of Community and Social Services, and a crisis worker was assigned for the woman. She was provided with emergency funding for support workers for the rest of her hospital stay, and given a temporary placement at a respite home.

The local Community Care Access Centre was also made aware of the situation, found a placement for the woman at a long-term care home, and put her on a waiting list for a residential care facility. She was able to continue her day program and received $11,000 per year in additional support through the Passport program.