May 18, 2023

95-year-old dementia aged care resident tasered by police

Untitled design (5)
Clare Nowland was taken to Cooma District Hospital where her condition is being monitored. [Source: NSW Health]

A 95-year-old aged care resident with dementia is in hospital following a “critical incident” that caused police to taser her. 

Facility staff at Yallambee Lodge, near Cooma, called police on Wednesday when resident Clare Nowland was seen with a knife.

7NEWS reported that Ms Nowland was holding a knife while using her walking frame which prompted attending police to use their Taser to disarm her.

Ms Nowland was taken to Cooma District Hospital where her condition is being monitored.

“A critical incident team will now investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.”

“That investigation will be subject to independent review.”

A spokesperson of the family, Andrew Thaler, pondered whether the police actions were appropriate considering the age of Ms Nowland. 

The facility’s local council district, Snowy Manaro Regional Council, runs the facility and released a statement that said staff, other residents and Ms Nowland’s family were being supported “during this difficult time”.

Its Chief Operating Officer (COO), Jeff Morgan, told The Daily Telegraph the facility’s carers and nurses followed procedures during the incident and did what was needed in the circumstances.

He said the incident would also need to be reported to the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  1. 95 year old frail lady. The risk assessment waa flawed terriblythe staff need training i doubt anyinveatigation will save her life nowjust horrirrendous

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

“Complete waste of time”: Peak body calls out government to focus on areas of aged care not working

A new plan to put Australia’s aged care assessments out to tender could see the services privatised – resulting in a “dumbed down” workforce and missed dementia diagnoses, Australia’s peak medical body has warned. Read More

Aged care nurse charged for working while COVID-19 positive

Victorian workplace safety watchdog, WorkSafe, has charged an aged care nurse for working while COVID-19 positive and potentially putting residents at risk. Read More

Maggie Beer forges new path to improve nutrition in aged care

Australian food icon Maggie Beer is back in front of a camera as part of her new show dedicated to remould and raise awareness about nutrition and food delivery in aged care. Read More
Advertisement