In life, we often encounter a range of challenges, changes, and at times, even cruel circumstances.

Unfortunately, this was the heartbreaking reality faced by the late Clare Nowland.

Clare, a 95-year-old proud matriarch to eight children, 24 grandchildren, and 29 great-grandchildren, sadly met an untimely end following an incident in her care home, instigating a distraught family to take on the task of suing the NSW Government.

Clare Nowland's passing is a profound loss, and her life and legacy will be remembered with love and admiration. Source: Facebook/Older Women’s Network NSW

This chain of events began in an aged care community dubbed Yallambee Lodge, situated in NSW.

It was here that Clare, who suffered from dementia and weighed just 43 kilograms, faced the police.

But it wasn't your casual visit by the local constable but a disturbing scenario involving a Taser.

The use of a Taser in such circumstances is indeed concerning. In this case, Clare Nowland, who relied on a walking frame for support and held a steak knife, was subjected to the use of a Taser. You can read more about it here.

As a result, she fell, hitting her head on the ground and ultimately fighting for her life for a week following the incident. Despite her resilience, Clare sadly passed away while surrounded by her loved ones at Cooma Base Hospital.

The impact of Clare's untimely death has been significant, prompting her grieving family to take legal action against the NSW Government. The lawsuit aims to hold the government accountable for the events that transpired.

This was tabled before the Bega District Court, with Clare Margaret Nowland listed as the plaintiff.

Society should prioritise the well-being of our seniors by implementing comprehensive care policies and ensuring proper training for caregivers to address the specific needs and challenges faced by seniors, especially those with conditions like dementia. Image by tingeyinjurylawfirm from unsplash

The case was initially filed while Clare was still receiving treatment in Cooma Hospital.

After her passing in May, the family has conserved the momentum, seeking justice for their beloved family matriarch.

This legal battle is scheduled to continue with a pre-trial conference slated for August 24.

Adding more dimensions to the saga, Senior Constable Kristian White is facing serious charges, amongst them recklessly causing grievous bodily harm and common assault.

Following Clare's passing, her loved ones held a soulful farewell at the St Patrick's Catholic Church, teeming with grieving community members.

But Clare's family hasn't been alone in their quest for justice.

This narrative of vulnerability and injustice serves as a powerful reminder of the profound complexities and challenges that come with ageing.

It emphasises the critical importance of treating Australia’s ageing population, especially those facing debilitating conditions like dementia, with the utmost dignity, respect, and care they deserve.

Key Takeaways

• The family of a 95-year-old woman, Clare Margaret Nowland, who died after she was tasered by police in an aged care home, is suing the NSW government.
  
• The civil proceedings were initially filed while Nowland was still in the hospital, with the family now pursuing the case post her death in May.
  
• Senior Constable Kristian White was charged with recklessly causing grievous bodily harm, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and common assault following the incident.
  
• Nowland, who had dementia and was a mother of eight, grandmother of 24, and great-grandmother of 29, was a much-loved community member.

We offer our deepest condolences to Clare's family during this difficult time and hope they find the justice they are seeking.

Members, what are your thoughts on the tragic incident involving Clare Nowland? Do you believe the government should be held accountable for the events that transpired? Please share your opinions and thoughts on this matter.

 

[Phantom55]

I cant believe this cop needed a laser stun gun to put down a 95 yo lady in a walking frame (and there was 2 of them) A .laser should NEVER be used on anyone over60 or under15. this cop should never ever hold a badge, totally unsuitable mentally.I hope they get sued for millions (I know it comes out of the taxpayers pocket, but so does paying for weapons for the euchrain war and pollies perks and paying for parliamentary rape victims) Our uniformed cops are the best in the world and one rotten apple should not be allowed to defame them ,THIS 'COP'MUST GO. He has to live with what he has done but our police force doesn't...(unless they reinstate him)

 

[Toyo]

I think the nursing home should be held 100% accountable (and be sued she was in their care) for what happened it seems to be a case of staff who were not trained properly to care for the well being of dementia patients. I don't agree with suing the Govt, perhaps if the officer didn't know how to handle the situation he/she should have asked for help from someone more senior after all I'm sure a 42kg lady on a walking frame hardly constitutes a life threatening situation.

 

[Loubeauxarts]

Interestingly, I recall reading at the time that the officer in question had something of a bully boy reputation and had been reprimanded, prior to this occasion, on use of excessive force more than once. He can't be charged with murder, as it obviously wasn't premeditated, but should be charged with manslaughter. If found guilty I feel certain that he will receive a warm welcome in the prison system from his fellow prisoners

 

[Ricki]

Leave the Police alone! It was the nursing home at fault. They should never have called law enforcement! The nursing home should be sued! They should have procedures in place to deal with issues which arise.

Sorry, I agree the nursing home is also at fault, it should never have come to that and they need to be held accountable but a senior office should have also known better.

 

[elaine41]

I agree the nursing home was at fault but I don’t believe the policeman should walk away Scott free from this.

I totally agree with you. The nurses should have been able to disarm the lady or let or wear herself out walking the corridors (I think this happened in the middle of the night so everyone else would have been asleep) until she wore herself out & found somewhere to go to sleep.
However, the police are still at fault for using a taser on a frail old lady who needed a walking frame to mobilise so would have been little threat to them.

 

[ElleJay]

My thought when the story was first reported was why on earth were the police called, To me it showed complete lack of training by the nursing staff, my mother in law also has dementia and has been in a lovely nursing home since being first diagnosed, She suffers with confusion most of the time, not being able to understand why she is there and not in her own home, she is not able to care for self is the obvious reason but sadly she cannot accept that and has shown some very aggressive behavior because of it. The nursing staff in the home are well able to cope with her and talk her down whenever she becomes angry, I have no doubt that should she ever look as if she was threatening someone either with her words or god forbid a knife the situation would be handled, with absolutely no thought of anyone calling the police.

I totally agree. My Mum had dementia too and was in Aged Care, thankfully the staff always treated her gently and patiently. Mum used to become very confused and this could cause her to be agitated. That poor lady must have been terrified, surrounded by big, burly police in uniforms.

 

[chrissie2700]

Leave the Police alone! It was the nursing home at fault. They should never have called law enforcement! The nursing home should be sued! They should have procedures in place to deal with issues which arise.

Absolutely agree! Why were the police called in the first place, seems rather odd to me. Staff in nursing homes are trained for just such a situation and honestly even in a frenzy I cant see the lady being strong enuff to not be calmed enuff to disarm her. Geez are the staff all a pack of sooks or something, they should be fired.

As for the police, they are taught in any confrontation, that the have certain ways to disarm potential assailants and if necessary use taser. I guess in this case the poor PC panicked, I would too, and he shouldnt have, but shite often happens. I'm unsure whether he should be sacked though and would imagine going through further training would be enuff to ensure that it wasnt repeated.

 

[Evol P]

I want to know where are all the protesters?
Old lives matter - police brutality.

 

[Sockjoan]

In life, we often encounter a range of challenges, changes, and at times, even cruel circumstances.

Unfortunately, this was the heartbreaking reality faced by the late Clare Nowland.

Clare, a 95-year-old proud matriarch to eight children, 24 grandchildren, and 29 great-grandchildren, sadly met an untimely end following an incident in her care home, instigating a distraught family to take on the task of suing the NSW Government.

View attachment 24896

Clare Nowland's passing is a profound loss, and her life and legacy will be remembered with love and admiration. Source: Facebook/Older Women’s Network NSW

This chain of events began in an aged care community dubbed Yallambee Lodge, situated in NSW.

It was here that Clare, who suffered from dementia and weighed just 43 kilograms, faced the police.

But it wasn't your casual visit by the local constable but a disturbing scenario involving a Taser.

The use of a Taser in such circumstances is indeed concerning. In this case, Clare Nowland, who relied on a walking frame for support and held a steak knife, was subjected to the use of a Taser. You can read more about it here.

As a result, she fell, hitting her head on the ground and ultimately fighting for her life for a week following the incident. Despite her resilience, Clare sadly passed away while surrounded by her loved ones at Cooma Base Hospital.

The impact of Clare's untimely death has been significant, prompting her grieving family to take legal action against the NSW Government. The lawsuit aims to hold the government accountable for the events that transpired.

This was tabled before the Bega District Court, with Clare Margaret Nowland listed as the plaintiff.

View attachment 24897

Society should prioritise the well-being of our seniors by implementing comprehensive care policies and ensuring proper training for caregivers to address the specific needs and challenges faced by seniors, especially those with conditions like dementia. Image by tingeyinjurylawfirm from unsplash

The case was initially filed while Clare was still receiving treatment in Cooma Hospital.

After her passing in May, the family has conserved the momentum, seeking justice for their beloved family matriarch.

This legal battle is scheduled to continue with a pre-trial conference slated for August 24.

Adding more dimensions to the saga, Senior Constable Kristian White is facing serious charges, amongst them recklessly causing grievous bodily harm and common assault.

Following Clare's passing, her loved ones held a soulful farewell at the St Patrick's Catholic Church, teeming with grieving community members.

But Clare's family hasn't been alone in their quest for justice.

This narrative of vulnerability and injustice serves as a powerful reminder of the profound complexities and challenges that come with ageing.

It emphasises the critical importance of treating Australia’s ageing population, especially those facing debilitating conditions like dementia, with the utmost dignity, respect, and care they deserve.

Key Takeaways

• The family of a 95-year-old woman, Clare Margaret Nowland, who died after she was tasered by police in an aged care home, is suing the NSW government.
• The civil proceedings were initially filed while Nowland was still in the hospital, with the family now pursuing the case post her death in May.
• Senior Constable Kristian White was charged with recklessly causing grievous bodily harm, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and common assault following the incident.
• Nowland, who had dementia and was a mother of eight, grandmother of 24, and great-grandmother of 29, was a much-loved community member.

We offer our deepest condolences to Clare's family during this difficult time and hope they find the justice they are seeking.

Members, what are your thoughts on the tragic incident involving Clare Nowland? Do you believe the government should be held accountable for the events that transpired? Please share your opinions and thoughts on this matter.

I certainly think the police should be held accountable. If the police are an arm of the Government, then yes, the State Government should be held accountable. But I don’t know why the aged care facility called the cops to deal with a problem with a resident with dementia. The staff of the care home should have been able to deal with it themselves.

 

[Coralea]

In life, we often encounter a range of challenges, changes, and at times, even cruel circumstances.

Unfortunately, this was the heartbreaking reality faced by the late Clare Nowland.

Clare, a 95-year-old proud matriarch to eight children, 24 grandchildren, and 29 great-grandchildren, sadly met an untimely end following an incident in her care home, instigating a distraught family to take on the task of suing the NSW Government.

View attachment 24896

Clare Nowland's passing is a profound loss, and her life and legacy will be remembered with love and admiration. Source: Facebook/Older Women’s Network NSW

This chain of events began in an aged care community dubbed Yallambee Lodge, situated in NSW.

It was here that Clare, who suffered from dementia and weighed just 43 kilograms, faced the police.

But it wasn't your casual visit by the local constable but a disturbing scenario involving a Taser.

The use of a Taser in such circumstances is indeed concerning. In this case, Clare Nowland, who relied on a walking frame for support and held a steak knife, was subjected to the use of a Taser. You can read more about it here.

As a result, she fell, hitting her head on the ground and ultimately fighting for her life for a week following the incident. Despite her resilience, Clare sadly passed away while surrounded by her loved ones at Cooma Base Hospital.

The impact of Clare's untimely death has been significant, prompting her grieving family to take legal action against the NSW Government. The lawsuit aims to hold the government accountable for the events that transpired.

This was tabled before the Bega District Court, with Clare Margaret Nowland listed as the plaintiff.

View attachment 24897

Society should prioritise the well-being of our seniors by implementing comprehensive care policies and ensuring proper training for caregivers to address the specific needs and challenges faced by seniors, especially those with conditions like dementia. Image by tingeyinjurylawfirm from unsplash

The case was initially filed while Clare was still receiving treatment in Cooma Hospital.

After her passing in May, the family has conserved the momentum, seeking justice for their beloved family matriarch.

This legal battle is scheduled to continue with a pre-trial conference slated for August 24.

Adding more dimensions to the saga, Senior Constable Kristian White is facing serious charges, amongst them recklessly causing grievous bodily harm and common assault.

Following Clare's passing, her loved ones held a soulful farewell at the St Patrick's Catholic Church, teeming with grieving community members.

But Clare's family hasn't been alone in their quest for justice.

This narrative of vulnerability and injustice serves as a powerful reminder of the profound complexities and challenges that come with ageing.

It emphasises the critical importance of treating Australia’s ageing population, especially those facing debilitating conditions like dementia, with the utmost dignity, respect, and care they deserve.

Key Takeaways

• The family of a 95-year-old woman, Clare Margaret Nowland, who died after she was tasered by police in an aged care home, is suing the NSW government.
• The civil proceedings were initially filed while Nowland was still in the hospital, with the family now pursuing the case post her death in May.
• Senior Constable Kristian White was charged with recklessly causing grievous bodily harm, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and common assault following the incident.
• Nowland, who had dementia and was a mother of eight, grandmother of 24, and great-grandmother of 29, was a much-loved community member.

We offer our deepest condolences to Clare's family during this difficult time and hope they find the justice they are seeking.

Members, what are your thoughts on the tragic incident involving Clare Nowland? Do you believe the government should be held accountable for the events that transpired? Please share your opinions and thoughts on this matter.

This act was disgusting. The staff involved and the policeman should be charged and have the book thrown at them. The policeman should be tazered 3 or 4 times as well as years in jail. It makes me sick in the stomach to think how our poor elderly are being treated in some homes. Specially those with dementia or Alzheimer’s.Heartbreaking

 

[Zoya]

I can only imagine how this family feels and I do believe they are in the right, even though they could never replace her.
What I don’t understand is why the police were called in the first place.

I have been thinking the same.

 

[Tygie]

In life, we often encounter a range of challenges, changes, and at times, even cruel circumstances.

Unfortunately, this was the heartbreaking reality faced by the late Clare Nowland.

Clare, a 95-year-old proud matriarch to eight children, 24 grandchildren, and 29 great-grandchildren, sadly met an untimely end following an incident in her care home, instigating a distraught family to take on the task of suing the NSW Government.

View attachment 24896

Clare Nowland's passing is a profound loss, and her life and legacy will be remembered with love and admiration. Source: Facebook/Older Women’s Network NSW

This chain of events began in an aged care community dubbed Yallambee Lodge, situated in NSW.

It was here that Clare, who suffered from dementia and weighed just 43 kilograms, faced the police.

But it wasn't your casual visit by the local constable but a disturbing scenario involving a Taser.

The use of a Taser in such circumstances is indeed concerning. In this case, Clare Nowland, who relied on a walking frame for support and held a steak knife, was subjected to the use of a Taser. You can read more about it here.

As a result, she fell, hitting her head on the ground and ultimately fighting for her life for a week following the incident. Despite her resilience, Clare sadly passed away while surrounded by her loved ones at Cooma Base Hospital.

The impact of Clare's untimely death has been significant, prompting her grieving family to take legal action against the NSW Government. The lawsuit aims to hold the government accountable for the events that transpired.

This was tabled before the Bega District Court, with Clare Margaret Nowland listed as the plaintiff.

View attachment 24897

Society should prioritise the well-being of our seniors by implementing comprehensive care policies and ensuring proper training for caregivers to address the specific needs and challenges faced by seniors, especially those with conditions like dementia. Image by tingeyinjurylawfirm from unsplash

The case was initially filed while Clare was still receiving treatment in Cooma Hospital.

After her passing in May, the family has conserved the momentum, seeking justice for their beloved family matriarch.

This legal battle is scheduled to continue with a pre-trial conference slated for August 24.

Adding more dimensions to the saga, Senior Constable Kristian White is facing serious charges, amongst them recklessly causing grievous bodily harm and common assault.

Following Clare's passing, her loved ones held a soulful farewell at the St Patrick's Catholic Church, teeming with grieving community members.

But Clare's family hasn't been alone in their quest for justice.

This narrative of vulnerability and injustice serves as a powerful reminder of the profound complexities and challenges that come with ageing.

It emphasises the critical importance of treating Australia’s ageing population, especially those facing debilitating conditions like dementia, with the utmost dignity, respect, and care they deserve.

Key Takeaways

• The family of a 95-year-old woman, Clare Margaret Nowland, who died after she was tasered by police in an aged care home, is suing the NSW government.
• The civil proceedings were initially filed while Nowland was still in the hospital, with the family now pursuing the case post her death in May.
• Senior Constable Kristian White was charged with recklessly causing grievous bodily harm, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and common assault following the incident.
• Nowland, who had dementia and was a mother of eight, grandmother of 24, and great-grandmother of 29, was a much-loved community member.

We offer our deepest condolences to Clare's family during this difficult time and hope they find the justice they are seeking.

Members, what are your thoughts on the tragic incident involving Clare Nowland? Do you believe the government should be held accountable for the events that transpired? Please share your opinions and thoughts on this matter.

So they should sue the a**es off them - she was 95 & had dementia and a wheelie walker - sure she had a knife but geez louise what kinda threat was she that the cops couldn't have just distracted her while one snuck up behind her and grabbed the knife from her!!! Don't they get trained properly or are they full on wousses!!!

 

[Macarj]

I agree that this is a sad incident and a family tragedy, but suing the government? The police officer is being dealt with through the courts, and rightly so, but how does anyone put the blame on the government. The officer was trained, accredited through the academy and put into service. The government has done all it could to equip the officer with the tools they need to do their job correctly. The officer failed his training and protocol, not the government. Again, so sag for all involved. How does anybody price a life, let alone the price of a 95-year-old at 1 million dollars(reported).

Because the Government are the employer that's why they are sued

 

[Tamaya]

The lawsuit should really be addressed to the nursing home and the NSW Police. Even though I personally do not know the full details of this terrible case, I feel sorry for what happened. I read that on average, a nursing home costs $225 daily for a semi-private room and $253 for a private room. This is an astronomical amount of money for the day-to-day runing and excludes medical treatments which may be required. The family, under these sad circumstances, would be deserving to recuperate these costs, and the funeral costs. It is not only a matter of financial gain, but to show that we mere citizens, are not gullible to put up with the erroneous attitude of "powerful" others.

 

[Leenie]

Are we forgetting something here the home where this dear lady was should be held responsible , why wasn’t she in a safe place so as not to be able to get a knife!( weapon) .
The police officer was doing what he was trained for no matter what the age as they only have a split second to act in a situation such as this.

 

[margie*62]

In life, we often encounter a range of challenges, changes, and at times, even cruel circumstances.

Unfortunately, this was the heartbreaking reality faced by the late Clare Nowland.

Clare, a 95-year-old proud matriarch to eight children, 24 grandchildren, and 29 great-grandchildren, sadly met an untimely end following an incident in her care home, instigating a distraught family to take on the task of suing the NSW Government.

View attachment 24896

Clare Nowland's passing is a profound loss, and her life and legacy will be remembered with love and admiration. Source: Facebook/Older Women’s Network NSW

This chain of events began in an aged care community dubbed Yallambee Lodge, situated in NSW.

It was here that Clare, who suffered from dementia and weighed just 43 kilograms, faced the police.

But it wasn't your casual visit by the local constable but a disturbing scenario involving a Taser.

The use of a Taser in such circumstances is indeed concerning. In this case, Clare Nowland, who relied on a walking frame for support and held a steak knife, was subjected to the use of a Taser. You can read more about it here.

As a result, she fell, hitting her head on the ground and ultimately fighting for her life for a week following the incident. Despite her resilience, Clare sadly passed away while surrounded by her loved ones at Cooma Base Hospital.

The impact of Clare's untimely death has been significant, prompting her grieving family to take legal action against the NSW Government. The lawsuit aims to hold the government accountable for the events that transpired.

This was tabled before the Bega District Court, with Clare Margaret Nowland listed as the plaintiff.

View attachment 24897

Society should prioritise the well-being of our seniors by implementing comprehensive care policies and ensuring proper training for caregivers to address the specific needs and challenges faced by seniors, especially those with conditions like dementia. Image by tingeyinjurylawfirm from unsplash

The case was initially filed while Clare was still receiving treatment in Cooma Hospital.

After her passing in May, the family has conserved the momentum, seeking justice for their beloved family matriarch.

This legal battle is scheduled to continue with a pre-trial conference slated for August 24.

Adding more dimensions to the saga, Senior Constable Kristian White is facing serious charges, amongst them recklessly causing grievous bodily harm and common assault.

Following Clare's passing, her loved ones held a soulful farewell at the St Patrick's Catholic Church, teeming with grieving community members.

But Clare's family hasn't been alone in their quest for justice.

This narrative of vulnerability and injustice serves as a powerful reminder of the profound complexities and challenges that come with ageing.

It emphasises the critical importance of treating Australia’s ageing population, especially those facing debilitating conditions like dementia, with the utmost dignity, respect, and care they deserve.

Key Takeaways

• The family of a 95-year-old woman, Clare Margaret Nowland, who died after she was tasered by police in an aged care home, is suing the NSW government.
• The civil proceedings were initially filed while Nowland was still in the hospital, with the family now pursuing the case post her death in May.
• Senior Constable Kristian White was charged with recklessly causing grievous bodily harm, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and common assault following the incident.
• Nowland, who had dementia and was a mother of eight, grandmother of 24, and great-grandmother of 29, was a much-loved community member.

We offer our deepest condolences to Clare's family during this difficult time and hope they find the justice they are seeking.

Members, what are your thoughts on the tragic incident involving Clare Nowland? Do you believe the government should be held accountable for the events that transpired? Please share your opinions and thoughts on this matter.

As a nurse of over 22 years, I cannot believe the Protocol of a facility would require calling police. Sure Clare had a small knife but honestly do staff fear that this lady is capable of even manoeuvring herself to come close to injuring anyone else.
What happened to diversion tactics, even covering Clare with something to be able to get hold of the knife??
The lady and her family did not deserve to spend her last weeks with the turmoil that a stupid reaction had caused.

 

[Cass3215]

I'm sort of not okay with this lawsuit. For one thing, it was the nursing home that called the police in, so they are also culpable in my book. The officer responsible for the tasering is facing the repercussions of his actions in court, and that is appropriate.
But to sue the government? Why? How is the government accountable? The police service receives training in how to handle all manner of situations, but responding to this sort of incident in a nursing home is not in their list of duties. That said, police do receive training in dealing with mental health patients. So in that respect, the government has not failed in its duty.
But should the government be held accountable because one of its workers decided to taser a dementia patient? The government did not decided to taser the woman. In fact, another police officer tried to stop their colleague using the taser.
If you, for instance, raise your kids right, instill in them all the desirable values and behaviours expected by society, and one of those kids grows up to be a 30 year old who decides to commit an armed robbery, are you morally or legally responsible for his actions?
The same principle applies to this tasering case. PEOPLE make decisions and act - be it wrongly or rightly. In this case, someone at the nursing home called the police to deal with the woman; then ONE of those responding cops failed to follow proper procedures and made a bad and lethal decision. How is that the NSW government's fault?
And suing the government over it? It's not the government that will 'pay' for this supposed failure if the courts decide there is a case to answer.
It is the taxpayers.
I am sorry for the family's loss, but I don't agree with their lawsuit.

You are right, not the government but the nursing home should be held responsible. In my previous life as a nurse, we trained on the job so you would learn from senior nurses how to deal with patients. Many of the young people who now "train" as nurses, have limited knowledge on how to manage. It depends on the area they were in to get their "practice". My husband recently had to see his GP's practice nurse. She told my husband that the extent of her practical experience was in an outpatient clinic.