An 85-year-old volunteer has been charged with attempted murder after allegedly attacking a female staff member with a knife at an Adelaide aged care home.
Police and emergency services were called to the House of Saint Hilarion, also known as St Hilarions Residential Care and Nursing Home, in Seaton shortly after 9.30am on Friday, 18 September.
South Australia Police said a male volunteer in his 80s had allegedly assaulted a female staff member in her 60s. Both were taken to the Royal Adelaide Hospital for treatment.
The woman suffered upper body injuries, including injuries to her neck. Her injuries were not considered life-threatening, although reports said emergency crews had described her as having a “difficult airway”. She was recovering in hospital.
The 85-year-old man was also treated for injuries to his neck and arms, which police described as self-inflicted. Those injuries were not considered life-threatening.
Police have since charged the man with attempted murder. He is undergoing a medical assessment and a court date has not yet been set. As the matter is before the courts, the allegations have not been tested.
Police said no residents were injured or threatened during the incident.
A resident from the wing where the alleged assault occurred was evacuated while emergency services responded and police examined the scene. Crime Scene Investigators attended the facility as part of the investigation.
The circumstances leading up to the alleged assault have not been publicly detailed. Police initially said investigations were continuing and that they did not believe the incident involved a random attack.
Reports have identified the alleged weapon as a Stanley knife, although police have not publicly provided details about how the weapon came to be at the facility or what preceded the alleged assault.
The investigation will now consider the circumstances surrounding the alleged attack, while the accused undergoes medical assessment.
