GUELPH/ERAMOSA – A personal support worker (PSW) accused of taking intimate images of a long-term care resident at Eden House Care Facility is facing voyeurism charges.
Wellington County OPP officials say they started an investigation on Sept. 7 into “allegations of inappropriate behaviour at a long-term care home in Guelph/Eramosa Township” after receiving reports that a PSW “had taken intimate images of a vulnerable resident.”
“Upon becoming aware of the allegation, we immediately commenced an investigation and notified the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care,” said Eden House administrator Lisa Holisek in an Oct. 6 email to the Advertiser.
“We have and continue to work with the resident and their family to ensure that they are supported and we will continue to do everything in our power to protect the residents under our care,” Holisek added.
Kyla Elizabeth Skjonsby, 22, of Cambridge, was charged by police with voyeurism and distributing voyeurism material.
She is no longer employed by Eden House and is scheduled to appear in Guelph court on Oct. 29.
Ministry of Long-Term Care spokesperson Mark Nesbitt had little to say over email beyond stating the “matter is under police investigation” and that the ministry would not be saying anything else.
Long-term care minister Rod Phillips, asked about the situation by a reporter during a press conference on Oct. 6, said, in part, “of course the reports are very upsetting; now it is a matter that the police are dealing with … the right authorities are involved and of course ourselves and the home will cooperate in that regard, but no one can hear that story without being very upset by it and it’s important that we let the legal authorities take the steps they need.”
Anyone with information about this incident can contact the Wellington County OPP at 1-888-310-1122.
To remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit a tip online at www.csgw.tips.
