Reykjavik faces criticism over communication failures following injuries to disabled resident in group home

Reykjavik City has faced criticism for its lack of communication regarding a disabled resident at a group home who suffered two serious injuries in August. The individual, who relies entirely on others for daily needs and has lived in the group home since 2009, was involved in two incidents that resulted in injury. On August 7, he fell while being transferred from a bath to his wheelchair. Ten days later, on August 17, he fell from his wheelchair after a staff member pushed it down a set of stone stairs, leading to a shoulder fracture, despite safety measures.

Gunnar Örlygur Gunnarsson, the man’s brother and spokesperson, highlighted severe staffing shortages at the group home, claiming 40% of the staff was absent at the time of the incidents. He expressed concern that this situation isn’t isolated and raised doubts about the city’s welfare department’s awareness of the ongoing issues at the facility, noting the absence of service evaluations or oversight since 2009. The family had been by the man’s side for over a month following the accidents, but they reported receiving no communication from the welfare department.

In a statement, Rannveig Einarsdóttir, head of Reykjavik’s welfare department, indicated that the department does not comment on cases concerning specific clients. This situation raises questions about the handling of care for vulnerable individuals within municipal facilities.