Assisted Living Provider Apologizes for Elderly Resident’s Six-Month Cold Shower Ordeal

An apology has been issued by an assisted living provider to an elderly individual suffering from dementia, who experienced six months of cold showers. The family of Ruby Harrod, aged 88, stated that the conditions at Clement House in Bracknell, Berkshire, resulted in her having “no quality of life”. Despite six individuals being dispatched to address the issue, no resolution was achieved, as each claimed the necessity of purchasing additional components. Abri, formed by a merger with Silva Homes last year, confirmed that the problem has been rectified and announced intentions to replace all showers within the building. Ms. Harrod has resided in her one-bedroom flat for nearly 10 years. Madeleine McClurg, her daughter, stated: “[My mother] has dementia, heart failure… the only thing she looks forward to is a hot shower.” Mrs. McClurg reiterated that the issue had deprived her mother of “no quality of life.” She also reported hearing “several” other residents voice comparable concerns, including a neighbor who had lacked hot water in his shower for a year. Following contact with Abri regarding these allegations last week, Mrs. McClurg verified that her mother’s shower had been repaired. She added that the unnamed neighbor was also scheduled to have his shower fixed. An Abri spokeswoman offered an apology for the “delays in resolving the hot water issues.” She mentioned that guest suite showers were provided when feasible and affirmed their commitment to the health, safety, and wellbeing of their customers. She further stated: “We will monitor the performance of the newly installed showers and are progressing with plans to replace all showers in the block as part of our ongoing property investment programme.” Silva Homes has faced prior criticism concerning comparable maintenance deficiencies. During September 2023, Jonathan Godsell, a tenant residing at The Croft in Priestwood, reported a three-month period without a shower due to the discovery of mold behind his bathroom walls. The subsequent month, Jerry Brombley, a cancer patient living in Toll Gardens in Bracknell, stated that Silva Homes declined to rehome him, despite his flat being mouldy “in every room”. The housing association indicated at that time that it was endeavoring to address a backlog of repairs that had accumulated during the pandemic. BBC Berkshire can be followed on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not accountable for the content of external sites. Information regarding their approach to external linking is available.