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