A seniors advocate following the fatality inquiry into the scalding death of a frail 90-year-old

Edmonton woman says it’s outrageous nursing home attendants need be trained in compassion.

“All this money spent (on a fatality inquiry) discussing something that should simply be understood:

ethical, compassionate care,” said Ruth Adria, a spokesman for Elder Advocates of Alberta Society.

Nelson died in January 2004 after receiving second-degree burns to 25% of her body at Jubilee Lodge

Nursing Home in Edmonton.

Neither of the two attendants involved checked the bath-water manually beforehand.

Staff have now been ordered to use three methods to test the water following the fatal bath.

1)They must check the bath temperature with the gauge on the tub.

2) Check the temperature of the water with a thermometer.

3) Check the temperature manual by immersing an arm.

The inquiry heard yesterday that after Nelson was scalded, some of the tubs in the lodge were

replaced with tubs that shut off automatically if running water shoots past 41 C.

Tests showed the hot water flowing into Nelson’s tub was likely as hot as 55 C.

The inquiry earlier heard the ambulance attendants who picked up Nelson reported she had burns from

her feet to her waist, and skin was peeling from her legs. She was bleeding from her toe nails

and flailing violently.

Tags: scalding

December 2, 2005