A family is requesting an inquiry following the passing of a mentally disabled man under care at a group home in Manitoba, where he succumbed to severe malnutrition.
Sean Feldsted, aged 54, passed away in early 2024 at a hospital in Winnipeg, a month after his sister discovered him at his Gimli group home — appearing frail, emaciated, and with a full catheter bag.
Shelley Shultz, his sister, expressed deep shock over his condition, recalling the disturbing sight that will forever stay with her. Shultz, who resided in British Columbia at the time, rushed back to Winnipeg in December 2023 upon learning of Sean’s illness from their father.
She vividly described Sean’s skeletal appearance, highlighting the drastic deterioration in his physical state.
Sean had been a resident at the Gimli group home in Manitoba’s Interlake region for many years. The family had been instrumental in establishing the home to ensure continuous round-the-clock care for Sean, who was predominantly non-verbal, beyond his 18th birthday. Ownership of the home was later transferred to Community Bridges, a non-profit organization catering to individuals with intellectual disabilities.
It took over two years for the family to receive the autopsy report, which revealed Sean’s severe malnutrition upon admission to the Winnipeg hospital. The autopsy identified sepsis as the cause of death, with malnutrition contributing to the fatal outcome.
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Following CBC’s intervention with provincial authorities, Shultz gained access to the internal investigation report on her brother’s demise.
The internal inquiry conducted by Manitoba’s provincial investigative unit, a branch of the Department of Families tasked with probing reports of neglect and abuse involving adults with intellectual disabilities, concluded that neglect did not occur at the group home. However, it criticized the decisions made at the Gimli hospital leading up to Sean’s passing.
The investigation highlighted Community Bridges’ efforts to assist Sean by engaging occupational therapists, dietitians, and making multiple hospital visits.
‘Fears of Tragedy’
During Shultz’s visit to the group home on December 10, 2023, staff alerted her to Sean’s grave condition.
Sean was found lying on a mattress on the floor due to frequent falls from his bed. His sparsely furnished room lacked personal items like stuffed animals or toys, as they posed tripping hazards, according to reports.
Shultz’s son, Damon, noted Sean’s resemblance to someone suffering from anorexia or severe malnutrition.
Upon reuniting with his sister, Sean displayed relief and happiness, emphasizing the emotional impact of their connection.
Reports indicated that Sean’s bedding on the floor was due to his frequent bed falls, while personal items were removed to avoid accidents.
Shultz contacted her 82-year-old father, acting as Sean’s substitute decision maker, to decide on transferring Sean to the hospital.
Sean was subsequently transported by ambulance to Selkirk hospital, then transferred to Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg on December 14, 2023. Shortly after, he was placed under palliative care and passed away on January 19, 2024.
Despite being six feet tall and naturally slender, Sean weighed a mere 92 pounds at the time of his demise.
Shultz, having agreed not to disclose the investigation findings, revealed that CBC was granted access to the report for reference purposes.
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