- Sienna Senior Living (TSX:SIA) has implemented a range of new policies after a report highlighted dismal conditions at one of its facilities
- The Canadian Armed Forces compiled the report after coming in to assist with COVID-19 management at the company’s Altamont Care Community
- Included in the report were allegations of severe neglect, mismanagement of medication, a lack of staff, unsanitary living conditions and more
- The company has now launched an investigation, added additional healthcare expertise and tightened its standards
- Sienna Senior Living (SIA) is up 2.96 per cent and is trading at C$10.42 per share at 1:54pm EDT
Sienna Senior Living (TSX:SIA) has implemented a range of new policies after a report highlighted dismal conditions at one of its facilities.
Retirement and long-term care communities have been some of the hardest hit when it comes to COVID-19 fatalities. Consequently, in an effort to control the spread of the virus, the Canadian Armed Forces were mobilised to assist at five separate facilities in early-May.
According to a report released later in the month, CAF personnel witnessed severe instances of neglect and mistreatment at the facilities, which included Sienna Senior Living’s Altamont Care Community in Scarborough.
Among the allegations related to Altamont were cases of severe bed sores, some of which had penetrated to the bone, as well as dangerous medication errors, a dire lack of staff, and regular public arguments between employees.
The report also noted that some military personnel had brought in their own food to feed residents who were not receiving three meals per day.
In today’s announcement, the company acknowledged that the allegations were disturbing but claims the CAF report was written during the peak of a crisis. As a result, the company claims the report does not reflect the current reality at the Altamont Care Community, or any other Sienna facilities.
That said, a range of sweeping new policies have been implemented across the company. These include increased lines of communication between residents and their families and the introduction of enhanced frontline education protocols.
A zero-tolerance policy regarding inappropriate behaviour has also been initiated, along with the acceleration of staff recruitment and the on-boarding of additional healthcare expertise.
Most notably, Sienna Senior Living has hired Paul Boniferro, a former Deputy Attorney General of Ontario, to conduct an immediate investigation into the policies, culture and practices of the company.
The review is expected to assist in identifying the necessary measures required to ensure that a safe, respectful and inclusive environment exists at every community.
The company also said that it plans to provide the CAF with its own updated assessment before they depart the Altamont facility in mid-June.
Sienna Senior Living (SIA) is currently up 2.96 per cent and is trading at C$10.42 per share at 1:54pm EDT.
