Seniors home launching investigation into death of resident

VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – A seniors home in North Vancouver has launched an internal investigation into the death of a 76-year-old woman with dementia.

Joan Warren’s body was found near the Lynn Valley Suspension Bridge yesterday, two days after she wandered away from Sunrise of Lynn Valley.

Sunrise Senior Living says its deeply saddened by the loss and its sympathies go out to Warren’s family and friends.

The home also says it will continue to take every precaution to make sure all of its residents are safe.

Jose Dino is Joan Warren’s son-in-law and is hoping for a thorough review at Sunrise. “The reason that I say that is whatever happened or didn’t happen, unfortunately Joan is no longer with us and she is leaving behind a loving daughter, grandchildren, another daughter and a son-in law. It’s been very difficult for us.”

Vancouver Coastal Health will be sending inspectors to the Sunrise of Lynn Valley to see if the privately-funded home followed BC’s Community Care and Assisted Living Act.

The BC Coroners Service is also investigating the death of Warren who likely died of hypothermia.

BC’s Health Minister is sending condolences to the family of Joan Warren in this statement.

“Our sincere condolences to the family of this individual in what must be an extraordinarily difficult time. The number one priority shared by the Ministry of Health and health authorities is patient safety and security. Sunrise of Lynn Valley is a privately-funded and privately-owned seniors’ care home, which is licensed by Vancouver Coastal Health. Vancouver Coastal Health’s licensing department has commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident, as has the provincial Coroner’s Service. The Ministry of Health, along with the health authorities who license these residential care facilities, take this situation extremely seriously. Health authorities monitor licensed community-care facilities to ensure they comply with provincial adult care regulations, which include requirements for care plans to be in place for vulnerable patients, including those at risk of leaving facilities unannounced. The Ministry of Health will await the results of these investigations by the coroner’s service and Vancouver Coastal Health and will ensure that measures identified to prevent tragic incidents such as this from occurring in the future are acted upon.”