A retirement home in the east end of Kingston found to be "neglecting" residents has had its licence revoked by its governing body.

The Retirement Homes Regulatory Authority’s registrar on Tuesday, June 26, ordered Fairfield Manor East’s licence to be revoked and for the home on MacLean Court, off Gore Road, to cease operations by Oct. 31.

"The registrar has reasonable grounds to believe that the licensee [Q & Sons Management] no longer meets the licensing criteria under the Retirement Homes Act, 2010," a special public advisory from the regulatory authority reads.

"In making his decision, the registrar considered recent RHRA inspection reports which resulted in findings of neglect, a registrar’s compliance order issued on May 11, an Ontario Superior Court Order issued on June 8, and the licensee’s past conduct and competence to operate the home in a manner consistent with the Retirement Homes Act and all applicable legislation."

During numerous spring inspections completed by the regulatory authority, it was found that residents had been neglected by not receiving their medication. It stated that not enough staff were assigned to work on some overnight shifts and on weekends.

Some residents who did not receive their medication during one of the weekends had to be taken to hospital for treatment. The next weekend there still was not enough staff, resulting in a government agency having to step in to help.

Mohammad Qazi, owner of Q & Sons Management, said on Wednesday that his lawyer has filed an appeal against the authority’s ruling. He is so confident that the appeal will be accepted that he’ll be hosting an open house for friends, family and the community at the end of August at Fairfield Manor East.

"The regulatory authority, they’re listening to everyone and then taking action without any evidence, without any consideration for the other point of view," said Qazi, who did not wish to speak further without his lawyer present.

The date of the open house has yet to be assigned. He was adamant when he said he wanted to host the open house to show how well the retirement home is doing.

"Because I know I will reverse the order," Qazi said. "Because this order is based on incorrect information."

In mid-June, the Ministry of Labour confirmed it had received eight complaints from employees at Fairfield. The complaints were in relation to unpaid wages, termination pay, vacation pay and public holiday pay. An employment standard officer is investigating six of the complaints, one was withdrawn and one was forwarded to the Ministry of Finance for collection.

Rana Linden-Wright was hired as an activities lead at the home in late May. She said on Wednesday that staff were notified of the licence being revoked after it was posted on their bulletin board. Now staff are leaving the home and doing their best to find new jobs.

"A lot of the girls are wondering what they’re going to do for work," Linden-Wright said. "Same with me. What am I going to do for work? We’re obviously not going to have a job here anymore."

Other residential retirement homes have said they’ll be trying to take in some of the residents from Fairfield Manor East, but they are all on the other side of the city, Linden-Wright said. Another company has even gone to the home to hand out pamphlets, but its prices are more expensive, she said. Currently there are 33 residents at Fairfield, all of whom will be looking for new places to live.

Linden-Wright said that since the state of the home was reported in the media in mid-June, Qazi, based in Mississauga, has been around the home doing maintenance and speaking with staff and residents. The hole in the wall at the front of the building, caused by a car being driven into it, has been filled.

"I’m still looking for work at other places," Linden-Wright said. "The future is still so uncertain — whether this guy is going to do right by the people here."

She added that if any employers have personal support worker or activities lead positions available, staff are looking. Potential employers can contact Linden-Wright at ranalinden@gmail.com.

scrosier@postmedia.com

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