Victoria Police have tragically discovered the body of a missing 73-year-old man in Melbourne’s east after he went missing from a residential aged care home.
The man was living with dementia, yet some reports suggest staff didn’t realise he never returned from his daily walk until 12 hours after he disappeared.
Thomas regularly went for a solo walk around his local Ringwood area, suggesting staff were comfortable with his cognitive ability.
However, local residents are concerned about the fact that no one raised the alarm until that evening, when it was too late to help.
The search began once it was dark, with police officers checking nearby hospitals and properties throughout the night.
His body was found near the Mullum Mullum Creek Trail the next morning as SES volunteers stepped in to help. He was found less than one kilometre from where he was last seen.
A community member told 7NEWS that “Somebody isn’t doing their job” after hearing the news about the Olivet Aged Care resident.
“They should have somebody monitoring that sort of thing. If one can do it, many more can do it,” he added.
Olivet Aged Care Chief Executive Officer Colin Foley released a statement on Saturday shortly after Thomas’ body was found.
“This is a tragic accident and everyone in the Olivet community is completely devastated,” he said.
“Our main focus is the family and friends, our residents and staff in this distressing time. We’ve been in constant communication with the family and our impacted community and have offered them all emotional care.
“Extra staff have come in to support the community this weekend. I’d like to commend my staff for the incredible job they’re doing in the most distressing of circumstances.
“There is a lot I can’t say, but this is a tragic accident, and all of our staff, residents and families are banding together, crying together and trying to get through this together.
“We’ve been working closely with Victoria Police, the aged care commission and will soon engage with Ageing Australia. We’re committed to working closely with all authorities during the coroner’s process.”
Police said the death is not being treated as suspicious and a report will be prepared for the coroner.
An awful tragedy . Condolences to family friends and staff . Thomas obviously enjoyed his walk every day but on this occasion something went wrong. Very very sad
So nobody thought this person hasent been in dinning room for meals. Im a age care nurse we prepare meals in dinning room or take meals to room.
If you work in aged care you will know that many residents exercise their right to leave the residence during the day, and that providers are not permitted to keep doors locked. Providers are required to honour the resident’s dignity of risk.
This is a tragic end to a life, but please let’s not over react. This sort of death at an aged care facility is rare. Aged care facilities have a difficult time managing independence against risk. Can we wait until all the information is in before passing judgement?