theglobeandmail.com
Inquest investigates death of woman with Down syndrome who starved under home care
Florence Girard, a woman with Down syndrome, starved to death in October 2018 at age 38, weighing 50 pounds, under the care of Astrid Dahl in Port Coquitlam, B.C.; a coroner's inquest is investigating failures in oversight by Kinsight Community Society, which contracted with Community Living BC.
- What immediate actions or changes could have prevented Florence Girard's death?
- Florence Girard, a woman with Down syndrome, died in October 2018 weighing approximately 50 pounds due to starvation while under the care of Astrid Dahl. A coroner's inquest heard testimony from Krista Maniezzo, a former Kinsight coordinator, who admitted to missing an opportunity to check on Girard during a visit in August 2018, stating that she didn't perceive it as her responsibility.
- What systemic changes are needed to prevent similar tragedies involving vulnerable individuals in home care settings?
- The inquest highlights the need for improved monitoring and communication protocols in home care for vulnerable individuals. Future preventative measures should include more frequent and thorough check-ins, improved communication between caregivers and oversight organizations, and increased support for home-share providers to ensure timely intervention when concerns arise. The case underscores the potential consequences of inadequate support systems for both caregivers and care recipients.
- How did systemic issues within Kinsight Community Society and the communication breakdowns between caregivers and the organization contribute to Girard's death?
- Maniezzo's testimony reveals systemic failures in oversight of Girard's care. Her heavy workload and the lack of immediate alarm bells, combined with Dahl's increasing resistance to care requirements and difficulties in communication, contributed to the tragedy. Dahl was later convicted of failing to provide necessaries of life.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The framing emphasizes individual responsibility, particularly Maniezzo's statement of 'hindsight is 20/20'. While acknowledging the inquest's non-blame assignment, the repeated use of this phrase and focus on Maniezzo's actions and workload might unintentionally deflect attention from broader systemic issues within Kinsight and Community Living BC's home-care system. The headline (if any) could further influence this perception.
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral, employing direct quotes and factual reporting. The phrase 'slipping through the cracks' might carry a slightly negative connotation, suggesting a lack of attention rather than a description of the administrative processes. The repeated use of "hindsight is 20/20" could be considered a deflection of responsibility rather than impartial reporting.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the testimony of Krista Maniezzo and the inquest, but omits perspectives from other Kinsight staff, Girard's family (beyond a mention of the sister's difficulty contacting Dahl), and potentially from Community Living BC representatives beyond the lawyer's questioning. The lack of diverse perspectives limits a complete understanding of the systemic failures that may have contributed to Girard's death. Omission of details regarding Kinsight's internal policies and procedures related to home-care oversight also impacts the analysis.
False Dichotomy
The narrative doesn't explicitly present a false dichotomy, but it subtly frames the situation as individual negligence rather than a potential systemic issue within Kinsight or Community Living BC. The emphasis on Maniezzo's workload and 'missed opportunity' might overshadow broader questions about resource allocation, training protocols, and the effectiveness of the oversight system.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights a case where a woman with Down syndrome, Florence Girard, died of starvation under the care of a home-sharing provider. This tragic event points to failures in the system designed to ensure her well-being, including inadequate monitoring and lack of access to necessary medication. The lack of proper oversight and communication between care providers and the overseeing organization directly contributed to her death, representing a significant negative impact on her health and well-being and exposing serious flaws in the care system.