Meltdowns prevented doctor visits, caregiver tells inquest into disabled woman’s starvation death

The tragic death of B.C. woman Florence Girard in 2018 has brought to light the challenges faced by caregivers in home-sharing arrangements for people with developmental disabilities. Astrid Dahl, the caregiver responsible for Girard’s care before her death, testified at a coroner’s inquest that she was deterred from seeking medical help for Girard due to policies about respecting the rights of individuals in such arrangements.

Dahl revealed that she was in denial about Girard’s rapid weight loss in the months leading up to her death, as Girard would have meltdowns whenever she was supposed to go to the doctor or receive medical care. This, coupled with policies emphasizing the rights of individuals under home-sharing arrangements, led Dahl to keep Girard at home instead of seeking medical help as her condition deteriorated.

Girard, who lived with Dahl under a program overseen by the Kinsight Community Society and contracted by Community Living B.C., weighed only 50 pounds before her passing. Despite reporting Girard’s outbursts and refusals of medical care to Kinsight managers, Dahl received no solutions to address Girard’s declining health.

Dahl, who was convicted in 2022 for failing to provide the necessities of life, expressed regret over her handling of Girard’s situation. She acknowledged that Girard’s aversion to doctors and hospitals, as well as her own denial, played a role in the tragic outcome.

The ongoing inquest, set to continue until January 22, aims to identify possible changes to the care system to prevent similar tragedies in the future. Girard’s sister and advocates have called for increased funding support for parents and caregivers of individuals with developmental disabilities to avoid such heartbreaking incidents.

Tamara Taggart, president of a Down syndrome advocacy group in British Columbia, emphasized the need for more financial support to cover essential services like speech therapy. Taggart shared her own family’s struggle to afford necessary therapy for her son, highlighting the financial burden on families caring for loved ones with disabilities.

The inquest into Florence Girard’s death serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by caregivers and the urgent need for systemic changes to ensure the well-being of individuals with developmental disabilities. It is crucial to address gaps in funding support and access to essential services to prevent similar tragedies and provide adequate care for vulnerable individuals.