March 29, 2012

W5 Investigates Violent Attacks in Nursing Homes, Saturday on CTV

– CTV’s Sandie Rinaldo reports on shocking rates of violence and the changing population in long-term care facilities March 31 –
– Also, famed Canadian actor William Shatner gets the W5 star treatment ahead of his JUNO hosting duties –

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Toronto, ON (March 29, 2012) – In an all-new investigation, W5 explores the shocking number of assaults in Ontario seniors’ homes. On Saturday, March 31 at 7 p.m. ET on CTV and CTV Mobile TV, “Senior’s Moments” reveals that in just one year, there have been a staggering 1,788 resident-to-resident attacks in extended care facilities in Ontario. W5 further uncovers the changing face of nursing home patients: elderly and frail, near end-of-life patients are now living in mixed populations with patients aged 18 years and older. With the systemic closure of psychiatric hospitals in Ontario, long-term care facilities have become a dumping ground for violent patients in need of psychiatric care.

In the second story of the evening, W5 takes an in-depth look at the life and times of William Shatner. The iconic Canadian actor has a career on stage, screen, as a writer and director that spans seven decades and is still going strong. “Star’s Trek” features an insightful and candid interview and key moments from Shatner’s career. The W5 profile airs on the eve of Shatner’s role as host THE 2012 JUNO AWARDS the next night, Sunday, April 1 at 8 p.m. ET on CTV.

W5 also airs Sundays on CP24 at 1 p.m. ET, and then on demand on the CTV News Video Player at CTVNews.ca (visit CTV.ca for local listings).

The life of Sandra Croteau’s brother Keith came to a tragic end when he was brutally assaulted by his roommate at located nursing home in Sudbury, Ontario. The 50-year-old, developmentally-delayed Croteau was admitted by his sister when his health started to deteriorate following the death of their mother. On January 24, 2007, police were called after Croteau was repeatedly struck on the temples. His injuries were fatal - Croteau died the next day of a massive brain hemorrhage. W5’s investigation reveals what Sandra Croteau did not know: her brother’s roommate was a chronic schizophrenic with a psychopathic personality disorder, who also a lengthy criminal record with 37 convictions.

W5’s disturbing investigation reveals that attacks in nursing homes are an astounding four times higher than assaults in the population at large. W5 dispatches hidden cameras inside Ontario nursing homes to see the mixed populations firsthand, and discovers young and old, ailing, and psychiatric patients – living together in for-profit, long-term care facilities. W5 shows viewers a disturbing glimpse of facilities that are short-staffed, where many of the personal support workers (PSWs) do not have the time or adequate training to deal with this new, dangerous patient mix. PSWs tell W5 of dealing with residents suffering with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and alcohol or drug detox. Dealing with aggressive and violent residents, young and old, has become the new normal in nursing homes.

In W5’s second story, CTV’s Los Angeles Bureau Chief Tom Walters, sits down for a wide-ranging and intimate interview with William Shatner. The Canadian actor rocketed to fame as Captain Kirk, becoming a cultural icon and international star for his role on the 1960s sci-fi classic STAR TREK and its spinoff movies. Shatner’s star continued to shine in television series T.J. HOOKER, RESCUE 911, and his recent starring role as Denny Crane in THE PRACTICE and its spinoff BOSTON LEGAL, for which he earned two Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe. W5’s interview airs on the eve of Shatner’s latest gig as host of THE 2012 JUNO AWARDS, airing Sunday, April 1 at 8 p.m. ET on CTV.


Social Media Links:
W5 Twitter @CTVW5
Anton Koschany, Executive Producer @koschany

With an ongoing commitment to covering tough, relevant stories with fair and responsible reporting, W5 is in its 46th season of investigative journalism. Hosted by Lloyd Robertson, the award-winning series is the most-watched documentary program in Canada. Anton Koschany is Executive Producer of W5. Brett Mitchell is Senior Producer. Wendy Freeman is President of CTV News.

CTV, Canada’s Olympic Network is also Canada's largest private broadcaster. Featuring a wide range of quality news, sports, information, and entertainment programming, CTV is Canada’s most-watched television network and lead broadcaster of the London 2012 Olympic Games. CTV is a division of Bell Media, Canada’s premier multimedia company with leading assets in television, radio and digital. Bell Media is owned by BCE Inc. (TSX, NYSE: BCE), Canada’s largest communications company. More information about CTV can be found on the network’s website at ctv.ca.

-CTV-

For more information, contact:
Patricia Garcia, CTV Inc., 416.384.2645 or patricia.garcia@bellmedia.ca
Emily Young Lee, CTV Inc., 416.384.3004 or emily.younglee@bellmedia.ca

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