Home / Health / Home Abandons Man with Down Syndrome at Hospital
Home Abandons Man with Down Syndrome at Hospital
17 Feb
Summary
- A man with Down syndrome was left at hospital after his care home refused to take him back.
- The care home cited staff exhaustion and safety concerns for their refusal.
- The family believes this action constitutes discrimination against a vulnerable individual.
Brent Beaton, a 60-year-old man with Down syndrome, has been left at the Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital since December 22, 2025, after his small option home, Koster Huis, refused to accept him back. Beaton, a resident of Koster Huis for 20 years, was taken to the hospital due to fluctuating temperature and other concerns. Hospital staff determined he was well enough to return home, but Koster Huis administration declined his readmission.
His sister, Laureen Murphy, stated that the home cited staff being "mentally and physically exhausted" from caring for Beaton, alongside unspecified safety concerns. Murphy argues these reasons are insufficient, especially as Beaton has not required medical treatment during his hospital stay. She believes the refusal constitutes discrimination and is a violation of the goals of the Nova Scotia Human Rights Remedy, which aims to support individuals with disabilities in community homes.
Koster Huis, operated by the County of Inverness Municipal Housing Corporation, stated that small option homes are not equipped for complex medical needs. However, Murphy countered that Beaton's current situation does not involve complex medical issues. Despite offers of additional resources, including more staff, Koster Huis did not request them. Beaton's family is now seeking placement for him in long-term care while he remains at the hospital, uncertain of his future.
