When Leslie Troy Ovens was just nine years old, he was diagnosed with Friedreich’s Ataxia, a genetically inherited condition that affects a person’s nervous system and causes problems in mobility and movement.
People who suffer from Friedreich’s Ataxia generally experience a worsening of this condition over time, going from just a decrease in muscle coordination to situations as severe as loss of speech, or even loss of hearing and vision.
By the time Ovens was 15, he was forced to spend his time in an electric wheelchair. Over time, he came to rely on carers around the clock. But even as his physical condition deteriorated, Ovens “was a very bright man. He did understand his situation.”
After growing up, Ovens, now 32, came to live by himself in a purpose-built home. His parents arranged for carers from Cam Can and Associates, an organization that cares specifically for people with disabilities, to visit him twice each day.
Every morning and night, Ovens would be tended to by carers who would help him with physical activities around the house.
Then, one night, Ovens’ carer didn’t show up.
That was also the night Ovens fell from his wheelchair and landed on his face. He was unable to move himself, and no one ever came to check up on him.
Ovens ultimately suffocated on the floor overnight. His body was discovered the following morning, by the next carer.
According to Cam Can, there had been a scheduling mix-up. The miscommunication that followed led to no one stopping by Ovens’ place that night until it was too late.
Ovens’ mother, Marilyn Townsend, realizes that the carer’s visit could, potentially, not have changed her son’s fate, but she insists that the organization’s lack of care is such an indignity.
“I still believe that a carer should have come,” Townsend insisted, “Even if he was dead, (they should have) just taken him to the hospital or cleaned him up.” She can’t get rid of the thought of her son’s body potentially “laying there for hours,” disrespected, and uncared for.
The court is currently investigating whether Cam Can and Associates will be charged for Ovens’ death.
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