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Third Scalding Of Persons With Developmental Disabilities At Alberta Facilities In 16 Months

Developmentally Disabled Person Scalded
The Huffington Post Alberta
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Alamy

An investigation is underway after a third person with developmental disabilities was scalded by bath water at a care home operated under the Alberta government.

The scalding, which happened at a group home in Calgary on March 9, is the third bath scalding in Alberta over the last 16 months.

According to CBC Calgary, a man received minor burns to his feet.

Frank Oberle, associate minister for persons with disabilities told the Calgary Herald he is dismayed another person was burned.

"I am extremely frustrated that such an incident could happen yet again."

"I offer my most sincere apologies to the individual who was injured and the individual's family. This is not acceptable."

Story continues after slideshow

Tips For Choosing An Elderly Caregiver
Review The Agency Checklist(01 of05)
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One of the first decisions in choosing an elderly caregiver is deciding whether to interview independent candidates or look to a caregiving agency, according to Caring.com. If you choose the later, it's best to choose a leading national or regional chain that is well known for it's professionalism and training. Run through a caregiving checklist, such as The Caregiver Partnership's 10 important caregiver criteria, which covers specific needs including language requirements, memory care, nutrition needs and transportation, or ask the 10 crucial questions proposed by Lee Lindquist of Northwestern Memorial Hospital. (credit:Alamy)
Set Clear Expectations(02 of05)
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Before interviewing a caregiver candidate set clear job expectations and tailor interview questions to assess the candidate's experience carrying out tasks that will be required, Caring.com recommends. Inside Elder Care suggests creating a timeline of daily activities so the potential caregiver will be fully aware and prepared for any and all day-to-day duties. (credit:Getty)
Include Patient In Interview(03 of05)
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When looking for someone to care for your parent day in and day out it's best to include your senior in the interview process, according to Caring.com."Having shared interests can make a big difference," Jacqueline Dollar, a geriatric care manager, said. "One of my clients loved NASCAR and found a home health aide who did, too. They immediately hit it off." (credit:Getty)
Assess The Degree Of Speciality(04 of05)
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Make sure your parents receive the appropriate amount of care by assessing the caregiver's degree of speciality, Inside Elder Care recommends. If the patient requires special treatment for a particular ailment, make sure that the caregiving candidate is properly trained and well versed in that area. (credit:Getty)
Ask For References(05 of05)
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Whether you choose an agency or not, checking into a caregiver's background is a must. Asking for references can provide insight into the caregiver's past experience and training. Conducting an independent background check may also be useful to ensure that a caregiver is properly vetted. (credit:Shutterstock)

In late 2011, Seniors Minister George VanderBurg ordered all agencies to review their safety practices and check hot-water heaters, after a scalding incident lead to the death of 35-year-old David Holmes.

Following Holmes' death the government paid for temperature sensors to be installed in more than 1,000 group homes and spent more than $2 million training employees to use them.

A second victim was burned in March 2012, when employees at a group home in Medicine Hat failed to test the water after a temperature control valve broke.

In this latest incident, the Herald reports, a staff member tested the bathwater by hand but did not mix the water evenly or check the temperature with a thermometer.

Oberle told the Herald agencies could expect more spot checks and ordered another review into bathing protocols at provincial facilities.

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