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.

 

[Cass3215]

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.

 

[Geronimo 2022]

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.

Definite lack of care on the nursing home’s part. The cop needs to be stood down and appropriate repercussion, ie. jail time instituted.

 

[Rob44]

The NSW government is responsible for training the NSW police and the policeman involved reacted stupidly and dangerously to an imagined threat offered by an elderly person walking using a walking frame to move whilst holding a small knife.

I was surprised that the police and staff involved didn't simply leave the room at normal walking speed and shut the door behind them letting the old person continue looking for something to eat or whatever she wanted to use the knife for.

 

[Penny4]

The whole story was extremely sad when it happened. The mystery surrounding it is the reason why the police were called in. Whether it was the nursing home who didn't know what to do with her, or the dementia women herself. My SIL's mother who had dementia used to ring the police quite often, with issues in her head. What happened with this end result with the woman being tasered, is totally unacceptable.

 

[JKM_Storyteller]

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.

 

[Pat T]

A police officer could not manage to disarm a fragile woman who needed a walker ? Doesn’t say much for some members in the force.

 

[Liz]

I feel the nursing home is at fault here, where was their training in handling dementia patients and why were the police called in. Nurses and social workers are sometimes trained to talk down patients with mental health conditions and other serious illnesses like dementia. I feel for the family but, I cannot for the life of me know, and I wonder if we ever will, why the police were called. There should be an enquiry into the nursing home's handling or lack thereof the situation. The policeman was heavy handed and is going to be before the courts for his action.

 

[Shane/#]

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.

Condolences to the family the nursing home as far as I'm concerned should have been able to control this situation instead got the police involved and an officer felt threatened by this woman and tazered her there is something seriously wrong with the NSW POLICE SERVICE and the government as well absolutely shocking as far as the treatment of this elderly lady sue them this is so sad

 

[DKH]

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.

Very good comment...sensible

 

[Colette 3799]

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.

I get what you’re saying but somebody has to be responsible and I guess it’s the policeman’s employer. I feel the nursing home should bear some responsibility too. Things need to change for sure. Hopefully lessons will be learnt.

 

[Les Brett]

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).

 

[elaine41]

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 totally agree with you. I spent many years caring for aged with dementia. There is no way I could not have retrieved that knife from Mrs. Nowland. To my mind, this was murder by the police officer.

 

[Ricki]

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 as well as the officer responsible

 

[Tootie]

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.

 

[Gaena]

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.

 

[mark godwin]

A police officer could not manage to disarm a fragile woman who needed a walker ? Doesn’t say much for some members in the force.

i have this image of a 96yo old lady striking fear into the hearts of the officers as she advanced at them weilding a steak knife . Shame on all involved .

 

[Greatgwr]

A police officer could not manage to disarm a fragile woman who needed a walker ? Doesn’t say much for some members in the force.

Agreed I have dealt with both my own father and my father in law having Lewy body dementure My father in law attacked my wife with a walking stick and then came for me with a carving knife and a meat cleaver during one of his manic episodes even though he had amazing strength for his age (90) I was able to easily disarm him with no danger to myself. I am of a similar size to the police officer in this case and my father in law was much bigger and heavier than the tiny fragile woman in this case I left the room and locked the door and he calmed down after about 15 minuets and started watching TV we were able then to let the ambo's render the assistance he needed. No need for a taser just respect that he was unaware of what he was doing.

 

[Colette 3799]

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.

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

 

[mark godwin]

Agreed I have dealt with both my own father and my father in law having Lewy body dementure My father in law attacked my wife with a walking stick and then came for me with a carving knife and a meat cleaver during one of his manic episodes even though he had amazing strength for his age (90) I was able to easily disarm him with no danger to myself. I am of a similar size to the police officer in this case and my father in law was much bigger and heavier than the tiny fragile woman in this case I left the room and locked the door and he calmed down after about 15 minuets and started watching TV we were able then to let the ambo's render the assistance he needed. No need for a taser just respect that he was unaware of what he was doing.

my mother was 94 and could be ferocious in attack mode as she advaced in her walker weilding a butter knife . {sarcasm is my 2nd language}