After ‘suspicious’ death, B.C.-funded private care home boosts safety measures

Abbotsford police remain tight-lipped about why they were called in when two care home residents were transferred to hospital but confirm one of the seniors has

A privately-operated Christian care home in B.C.’s Fraser Valley has increased safety measures as police investigate the “suspicious” death of a resident.

Authorities said two people were transferred from Menno Home to Abbotsford Regional Hospital on July 6 after both experienced medical emergencies.

One of them died days later, on July 10.

Few other details have been shared with the public, but the Abbotsford Police Department said the medical emergencies “raised concerns due to their suspicious nature.”

“Detectives are currently in the early stages of this complex case and are working closely with Menno Home and other relevant stakeholders to uncover the circumstances surrounding these medical events,” the department said Wednesday, in a news release.

The Abbotsford care home, operated by the Mennonite Benevolent Society, has since posted a statement on its website providing assurances to residents’ families.

“Upon becoming aware of the situation, we immediately implemented additional safety measures to keep your loved one safe,” wrote CEO Sujata Connors, on behalf of the facility’s board and executive team.

“As a long-standing part of the Abbotsford community, we remain dedicated to maintaining the trust that families have placed in us for generations.”

CTV News has reached out to Menno Home for more information on those safety measures.

The region’s health authority said it has launched a licensing investigation into the incident as well, with Menno Home’s co-operation.

Fraser Health’s Community Care Facilities Licensing “follows up on reportable incidents as per regulatory requirements,” a spokesperson said in an email.

Fraser Health funds 196 beds at the care home.

“We share people’s concern about this situation,” the spokesperson said.

“We have high expectations about the safety of individuals in the care of our contracted service providers.”

Menno Home welcomes residents of “all ethnic and faith backgrounds,” according to its website.