Here at the Seniors Discount Club, we aim to not only pass on amazing discounts and deals to our members, but we also want to keep you informed on current events and news relevant to our community.

And recently, the tasering of a 95-year-old grandmother with dementia by a police officer in a New South Wales nursing home has grabbed not only national headlines but has also drawn international attention.

Let’s dive into the growing controversy surrounding this shocking incident and what it might mean for the future of aged care and policing in Australia.

The incident occurred at Yallambee Lodge aged care facility in Cooma, where Clare Nowland, a frail mother of eight who was using a walking frame, was tasered by a police officer after allegedly approaching officers while holding a knife and failing to drop it.

Clare, who weighs only 43 kg, was critically injured during the incident and is now receiving end-of-life care in Cooma District Hospital.

The incident was met with public outcry. Credit: Magda Ehlers/Pexels

This news was met with outrage online, which subsequently led to Sunrise hosts David Koch and Natalie Barr grilling NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb on the matter.

One aspect that has particularly drawn their disapproval was the commissioner’s refusal to watch the body-worn footage of the incident. Assistant Commissioner Peter Cotter agreed that this act was ‘confronting’.

‘I don’t really intend to. I’ve heard what’s in the body [cam], and I don’t see it necessary that I actually view it,’ she said previously.

But in response, Commissioner Webb maintained that she wanted to allow the detectives to conduct their investigation without her interference.

She stated, 'If at a point in time, I become a decision-maker about the employment of the officer or the investigation, then I will look at the evidence as a complete picture, not just one part of it.'

According to the police commissioner, if she interferes with the investigation, it might compromise the case. Credit: Nermin Aliyeva/Pexels

Commissioner Webb added that any interference on her part might prejudice the outcome of the case, and she admitted that Mrs Nowland and her family ‘deserve better than that’.

‘It’s a shocking matter, and I’ve never seen anything like it. But I need to let the detectives and specialists do their job,’ she said before claiming that ‘the community has every right to know exactly what’s happened’.

While Commissioner Webb continues to receive daily briefings on the investigation, Kochie questioned her about the level of threat the 95-year-old grandmother could have been, considering she was on a walker and weighed merely 43 kg.

However, the commissioner refrained from providing further details, instead reiterating that the understanding of the events is still incomplete.

As the case unfolds, an investigation led by the Homicide Squad and the Professional Standards Committee of NSW Police, supervised by the independent Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (LECC), has been launched.

Commissioner Webb stated that detectives had collected witness testimonies and were now in the process of seeking expert opinion on the use of the weapon.

On Tuesday, it was confirmed that the officer involved, a 33-year-old senior constable with 12 years of service, has been suspended from duty with pay pending the outcome of the investigation.

Commissioner Webb revealed that the decision on whether he should be charged after the incident would come after an investigation had taken place.

In the meantime, this distressing incident has prompted advocates and members of the public to call for reforms in police training and healthcare.

Commissioner Webb herself admitted that the role of a police officer is becoming increasingly complex, and they're expected to be experts in dealing with a wide range of situations. Especially in cases where police need to be called to facilities that deal with dementia patients, for which they may not have adequate training.

‘The role of a police officer is growing wider and wider, and we’re expected to know everything about everything, and we’re not experts on everything,’ Commissioner Webb stated.

Nat then inquired about what a nursing home should do if a patient is brandishing a knife, to which the police commissioner said these cases were a ‘question of training’.

‘What training do they have to deal with those situations? Dealing with anyone with dementia is difficult ... it’s a last resort that they call the police,’ she explained.

This issue of inadequate training extends to nursing home staff as well, as highlighted by Dementia Support Australia's Steve Macfarlane. He called for more training for aged care workers, stating that staff should be able to de-escalate such situations themselves and not resort to calling the police.

‘Aged care staff really need to have the skills to de-escalate these sorts of situations themselves,’ he claimed.

As it currently stands, there is no mandatory training required for aged care workers in dealing with dementia patients in Australia.

You can watch a snippet of the interview below:

​

Key Takeaways

• A 95-year-old grandmother with dementia was tasered by a police officer at Yallambee Lodge aged care facility in Cooma after allegedly failing to drop a steak knife.
• NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb has been criticised for her refusal to watch the video of the incident, stating she is allowing detectives and specialists to do their job without her interfering in the investigation.
• The police officer involved, a 33-year-old senior constable, has been suspended from duty with pay, and an investigation is being led by the homicide squad, the Professional Standards Committee of NSW Police, and the independent Law Enforcement Conduct Commission.
• The incident has sparked calls for police training and healthcare reform and has raised questions about the training and weapons used by aged care workers. There is currently no mandatory training required for aged care workers on dealing with dementia patients.

We at Seniors Discount Club will continue to keep you updated on this story. Stay informed, and be sure to share your thoughts on these pressing issues with us in the comments below.

Do you think there needs to be more of an emphasis on training and education when dealing with people who are living with dementia? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

 

[TWD]

This was a gutless act by a NSW Policeman, apparently a judge has warned him before of excess use of force, He is a danger to the community and needs to be sacked from the job and charged with serious assault which should include jail time. As for the NSW Police Commissioner I suppose if she doesnt want to look at the footage because she might actually see what some of heer officers do, then that goes to show where the cowardice and lack of leadership comes from (although I believe public opinion is forcing her to do what she doesnt want to do). I get that the Policeman is not guilty until proven by a court of law but there really has to be serious questions asked about his decision making and those who were with him that allowed him to act like he did, all concerned need to be held accountable).

 

[WendyW1954]

Here at the Seniors Discount Club, we aim to not only pass on amazing discounts and deals to our members, but we also want to keep you informed on current events and news relevant to our community.

And recently, the tasering of a 95-year-old grandmother with dementia by a police officer in a New South Wales nursing home has grabbed not only national headlines but has also drawn international attention.

Let’s dive into the growing controversy surrounding this shocking incident and what it might mean for the future of aged care and policing in Australia.

The incident occurred at Yallambee Lodge aged care facility in Cooma, where Clare Nowland, a frail mother of eight who was using a walking frame, was tasered by a police officer after allegedly approaching officers while holding a knife and failing to drop it.

Clare, who weighs only 43 kg, was critically injured during the incident and is now receiving end-of-life care in Cooma District Hospital.

View attachment 20512

The incident was met with public outcry. Credit: Magda Ehlers/Pexels

This news was met with outrage online, which subsequently led to Sunrise hosts David Koch and Natalie Barr grilling NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb on the matter.

One aspect that has particularly drawn their disapproval was the commissioner’s refusal to watch the body-worn footage of the incident. Assistant Commissioner Peter Cotter agreed that this act was ‘confronting’.

‘I don’t really intend to. I’ve heard what’s in the body [cam], and I don’t see it necessary that I actually view it,’ she said previously.

But in response, Commissioner Webb maintained that she wanted to allow the detectives to conduct their investigation without her interference.

She stated, 'If at a point in time, I become a decision-maker about the employment of the officer or the investigation, then I will look at the evidence as a complete picture, not just one part of it.'

View attachment 20513

According to the police commissioner, if she interferes with the investigation, it might compromise the case. Credit: Nermin Aliyeva/Pexels

Commissioner Webb added that any interference on her part might prejudice the outcome of the case, and she admitted that Mrs Nowland and her family ‘deserve better than that’.

‘It’s a shocking matter, and I’ve never seen anything like it. But I need to let the detectives and specialists do their job,’ she said before claiming that ‘the community has every right to know exactly what’s happened’.

While Commissioner Webb continues to receive daily briefings on the investigation, Kochie questioned her about the level of threat the 95-year-old grandmother could have been, considering she was on a walker and weighed merely 43 kg.

However, the commissioner refrained from providing further details, instead reiterating that the understanding of the events is still incomplete.

As the case unfolds, an investigation led by the Homicide Squad and the Professional Standards Committee of NSW Police, supervised by the independent Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (LECC), has been launched.

Commissioner Webb stated that detectives had collected witness testimonies and were now in the process of seeking expert opinion on the use of the weapon.

On Tuesday, it was confirmed that the officer involved, a 33-year-old senior constable with 12 years of service, has been suspended from duty with pay pending the outcome of the investigation.

Commissioner Webb revealed that the decision on whether he should be charged after the incident would come after an investigation had taken place.

In the meantime, this distressing incident has prompted advocates and members of the public to call for reforms in police training and healthcare.

Commissioner Webb herself admitted that the role of a police officer is becoming increasingly complex, and they're expected to be experts in dealing with a wide range of situations. Especially in cases where police need to be called to facilities that deal with dementia patients, for which they may not have adequate training.

‘The role of a police officer is growing wider and wider, and we’re expected to know everything about everything, and we’re not experts on everything,’ Commissioner Webb stated.

Nat then inquired about what a nursing home should do if a patient is brandishing a knife, to which the police commissioner said these cases were a ‘question of training’.

‘What training do they have to deal with those situations? Dealing with anyone with dementia is difficult ... it’s a last resort that they call the police,’ she explained.

This issue of inadequate training extends to nursing home staff as well, as highlighted by Dementia Support Australia's Steve Macfarlane. He called for more training for aged care workers, stating that staff should be able to de-escalate such situations themselves and not resort to calling the police.

‘Aged care staff really need to have the skills to de-escalate these sorts of situations themselves,’ he claimed.

As it currently stands, there is no mandatory training required for aged care workers in dealing with dementia patients in Australia.

You can watch a snippet of the interview below:

​

Key Takeaways

• A 95-year-old grandmother with dementia was tasered by a police officer at Yallambee Lodge aged care facility in Cooma after allegedly failing to drop a steak knife.
• NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb has been criticised for her refusal to watch the video of the incident, stating she is allowing detectives and specialists to do their job without her interfering in the investigation.
• The police officer involved, a 33-year-old senior constable, has been suspended from duty with pay, and an investigation is being led by the homicide squad, the Professional Standards Committee of NSW Police, and the independent Law Enforcement Conduct Commission.
• The incident has sparked calls for police training and healthcare reform and has raised questions about the training and weapons used by aged care workers. There is currently no mandatory training required for aged care workers on dealing with dementia patients.

We at Seniors Discount Club will continue to keep you updated on this story. Stay informed, and be sure to share your thoughts on these pressing issues with us in the comments below.

Do you think there needs to be more of an emphasis on training and education when dealing with people who are living with dementia? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

I find this absolutely unacceptable by both police and the care home. 95yrs of age 43kg on a walking frame at 4am. Really. How did she get the knife in the first place. I'm horrified by this especially having a parent in aged care. . My thoughts are with the family

 

[batonbeat]

Everyone has been complaining about the police...2 questions for you
1.How did she get her hands on a knife ( dementia patients aren't normally allowed metal cutlery).
2 .Why didn't the 'trained ' staff defuse the situation...it's their job . Them call police would have added to her confusion and distress .

So who failed on their duty of care?

 

[VickieCheryl]

Here at the Seniors Discount Club, we aim to not only pass on amazing discounts and deals to our members, but we also want to keep you informed on current events and news relevant to our community.

And recently, the tasering of a 95-year-old grandmother with dementia by a police officer in a New South Wales nursing home has grabbed not only national headlines but has also drawn international attention.

Let’s dive into the growing controversy surrounding this shocking incident and what it might mean for the future of aged care and policing in Australia.

The incident occurred at Yallambee Lodge aged care facility in Cooma, where Clare Nowland, a frail mother of eight who was using a walking frame, was tasered by a police officer after allegedly approaching officers while holding a knife and failing to drop it.

Clare, who weighs only 43 kg, was critically injured during the incident and is now receiving end-of-life care in Cooma District Hospital.

View attachment 20512

The incident was met with public outcry. Credit: Magda Ehlers/Pexels

This news was met with outrage online, which subsequently led to Sunrise hosts David Koch and Natalie Barr grilling NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb on the matter.

One aspect that has particularly drawn their disapproval was the commissioner’s refusal to watch the body-worn footage of the incident. Assistant Commissioner Peter Cotter agreed that this act was ‘confronting’.

‘I don’t really intend to. I’ve heard what’s in the body [cam], and I don’t see it necessary that I actually view it,’ she said previously.

But in response, Commissioner Webb maintained that she wanted to allow the detectives to conduct their investigation without her interference.

She stated, 'If at a point in time, I become a decision-maker about the employment of the officer or the investigation, then I will look at the evidence as a complete picture, not just one part of it.'

View attachment 20513

According to the police commissioner, if she interferes with the investigation, it might compromise the case. Credit: Nermin Aliyeva/Pexels

Commissioner Webb added that any interference on her part might prejudice the outcome of the case, and she admitted that Mrs Nowland and her family ‘deserve better than that’.

‘It’s a shocking matter, and I’ve never seen anything like it. But I need to let the detectives and specialists do their job,’ she said before claiming that ‘the community has every right to know exactly what’s happened’.

While Commissioner Webb continues to receive daily briefings on the investigation, Kochie questioned her about the level of threat the 95-year-old grandmother could have been, considering she was on a walker and weighed merely 43 kg.

However, the commissioner refrained from providing further details, instead reiterating that the understanding of the events is still incomplete.

As the case unfolds, an investigation led by the Homicide Squad and the Professional Standards Committee of NSW Police, supervised by the independent Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (LECC), has been launched.

Commissioner Webb stated that detectives had collected witness testimonies and were now in the process of seeking expert opinion on the use of the weapon.

On Tuesday, it was confirmed that the officer involved, a 33-year-old senior constable with 12 years of service, has been suspended from duty with pay pending the outcome of the investigation.

Commissioner Webb revealed that the decision on whether he should be charged after the incident would come after an investigation had taken place.

In the meantime, this distressing incident has prompted advocates and members of the public to call for reforms in police training and healthcare.

Commissioner Webb herself admitted that the role of a police officer is becoming increasingly complex, and they're expected to be experts in dealing with a wide range of situations. Especially in cases where police need to be called to facilities that deal with dementia patients, for which they may not have adequate training.

‘The role of a police officer is growing wider and wider, and we’re expected to know everything about everything, and we’re not experts on everything,’ Commissioner Webb stated.

Nat then inquired about what a nursing home should do if a patient is brandishing a knife, to which the police commissioner said these cases were a ‘question of training’.

‘What training do they have to deal with those situations? Dealing with anyone with dementia is difficult ... it’s a last resort that they call the police,’ she explained.

This issue of inadequate training extends to nursing home staff as well, as highlighted by Dementia Support Australia's Steve Macfarlane. He called for more training for aged care workers, stating that staff should be able to de-escalate such situations themselves and not resort to calling the police.

‘Aged care staff really need to have the skills to de-escalate these sorts of situations themselves,’ he claimed.

As it currently stands, there is no mandatory training required for aged care workers in dealing with dementia patients in Australia.

You can watch a snippet of the interview below:

​

Key Takeaways

• A 95-year-old grandmother with dementia was tasered by a police officer at Yallambee Lodge aged care facility in Cooma after allegedly failing to drop a steak knife.
• NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb has been criticised for her refusal to watch the video of the incident, stating she is allowing detectives and specialists to do their job without her interfering in the investigation.
• The police officer involved, a 33-year-old senior constable, has been suspended from duty with pay, and an investigation is being led by the homicide squad, the Professional Standards Committee of NSW Police, and the independent Law Enforcement Conduct Commission.
• The incident has sparked calls for police training and healthcare reform and has raised questions about the training and weapons used by aged care workers. There is currently no mandatory training required for aged care workers on dealing with dementia patients.

We at Seniors Discount Club will continue to keep you updated on this story. Stay informed, and be sure to share your thoughts on these pressing issues with us in the comments below.

Do you think there needs to be more of an emphasis on training and education when dealing with people who are living with dementia? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

I

Here at the Seniors Discount Club, we aim to not only pass on amazing discounts and deals to our members, but we also want to keep you informed on current events and news relevant to our community.

And recently, the tasering of a 95-year-old grandmother with dementia by a police officer in a New South Wales nursing home has grabbed not only national headlines but has also drawn international attention.

Let’s dive into the growing controversy surrounding this shocking incident and what it might mean for the future of aged care and policing in Australia.

The incident occurred at Yallambee Lodge aged care facility in Cooma, where Clare Nowland, a frail mother of eight who was using a walking frame, was tasered by a police officer after allegedly approaching officers while holding a knife and failing to drop it.

Clare, who weighs only 43 kg, was critically injured during the incident and is now receiving end-of-life care in Cooma District Hospital.

View attachment 20512

The incident was met with public outcry. Credit: Magda Ehlers/Pexels

This news was met with outrage online, which subsequently led to Sunrise hosts David Koch and Natalie Barr grilling NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb on the matter.

One aspect that has particularly drawn their disapproval was the commissioner’s refusal to watch the body-worn footage of the incident. Assistant Commissioner Peter Cotter agreed that this act was ‘confronting’.

‘I don’t really intend to. I’ve heard what’s in the body [cam], and I don’t see it necessary that I actually view it,’ she said previously.

But in response, Commissioner Webb maintained that she wanted to allow the detectives to conduct their investigation without her interference.

She stated, 'If at a point in time, I become a decision-maker about the employment of the officer or the investigation, then I will look at the evidence as a complete picture, not just one part of it.'

View attachment 20513

According to the police commissioner, if she interferes with the investigation, it might compromise the case. Credit: Nermin Aliyeva/Pexels

Commissioner Webb added that any interference on her part might prejudice the outcome of the case, and she admitted that Mrs Nowland and her family ‘deserve better than that’.

‘It’s a shocking matter, and I’ve never seen anything like it. But I need to let the detectives and specialists do their job,’ she said before claiming that ‘the community has every right to know exactly what’s happened’.

While Commissioner Webb continues to receive daily briefings on the investigation, Kochie questioned her about the level of threat the 95-year-old grandmother could have been, considering she was on a walker and weighed merely 43 kg.

However, the commissioner refrained from providing further details, instead reiterating that the understanding of the events is still incomplete.

As the case unfolds, an investigation led by the Homicide Squad and the Professional Standards Committee of NSW Police, supervised by the independent Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (LECC), has been launched.

Commissioner Webb stated that detectives had collected witness testimonies and were now in the process of seeking expert opinion on the use of the weapon.

On Tuesday, it was confirmed that the officer involved, a 33-year-old senior constable with 12 years of service, has been suspended from duty with pay pending the outcome of the investigation.

Commissioner Webb revealed that the decision on whether he should be charged after the incident would come after an investigation had taken place.

In the meantime, this distressing incident has prompted advocates and members of the public to call for reforms in police training and healthcare.

Commissioner Webb herself admitted that the role of a police officer is becoming increasingly complex, and they're expected to be experts in dealing with a wide range of situations. Especially in cases where police need to be called to facilities that deal with dementia patients, for which they may not have adequate training.

‘The role of a police officer is growing wider and wider, and we’re expected to know everything about everything, and we’re not experts on everything,’ Commissioner Webb stated.

Nat then inquired about what a nursing home should do if a patient is brandishing a knife, to which the police commissioner said these cases were a ‘question of training’.

‘What training do they have to deal with those situations? Dealing with anyone with dementia is difficult ... it’s a last resort that they call the police,’ she explained.

This issue of inadequate training extends to nursing home staff as well, as highlighted by Dementia Support Australia's Steve Macfarlane. He called for more training for aged care workers, stating that staff should be able to de-escalate such situations themselves and not resort to calling the police.

‘Aged care staff really need to have the skills to de-escalate these sorts of situations themselves,’ he claimed.

As it currently stands, there is no mandatory training required for aged care workers in dealing with dementia patients in Australia.

You can watch a snippet of the interview below:

​

Key Takeaways

• A 95-year-old grandmother with dementia was tasered by a police officer at Yallambee Lodge aged care facility in Cooma after allegedly failing to drop a steak knife.
• NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb has been criticised for her refusal to watch the video of the incident, stating she is allowing detectives and specialists to do their job without her interfering in the investigation.
• The police officer involved, a 33-year-old senior constable, has been suspended from duty with pay, and an investigation is being led by the homicide squad, the Professional Standards Committee of NSW Police, and the independent Law Enforcement Conduct Commission.
• The incident has sparked calls for police training and healthcare reform and has raised questions about the training and weapons used by aged care workers. There is currently no mandatory training required for aged care workers on dealing with dementia patients.

We at Seniors Discount Club will continue to keep you updated on this story. Stay informed, and be sure to share your thoughts on these pressing issues with us in the comments below.

Do you think there needs to be more of an emphasis on training and education when dealing with people who are living with dementia? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

I honestly think the police were damned if they did and damned if they didn’t. I don’t think they should have been called in the nursing home should have dealt with it. They are more experi in the care of dementia patients. I feel for the lady I feel for her family. But I feel the fault is at the nursing home. They should have been able to deal with the situation

 

[maxesmum]

i was so appalled by this I opened a discussion thread in the forum! This could have been handled so much better! For goodness sakes! She was 95 and one hand was occupied holding up her Walker! Two people could have easily distracted and dealt with her. The staff failed her,the police failed her and now she’s suffering as a result. That officer over reacted and should be sacked,IMO.

 

[elaine41]

Everyone has been complaining about the police...2 questions for you
1.How did she get her hands on a knife ( dementia patients aren't normally allowed metal cutlery).
2 .Why didn't the 'trained ' staff defuse the situation...it's their job . Them call police would have added to her confusion and distress .

So who failed on their duty of care?

I trained as a nurse & cared for dementia patients over a period of 10 years. They always had metal cutlery but never steak knives. My question is - why are there steak knives in a dementia unit? The patients would never be served steak (too expensive) so would have no need for this type of knife. What cutlery would they use if not metal? Plastic cutlery has been banned so they would have to eat with their fingers like animals.

The first line of questioning should be Why couldn't the nursing staff get the knife from her? She was old & frail & if she didn't want to give up the knife then let her walk the corridors until she was so tired she went to sleep & then take the knife. Simple solution to a simple problem.

 

[ElizaKaye]

The police commissioner probably already knows the policemen did the wrong thing., however she still needs to watch the video.

 

[Colette 3799]

I find this absolutely unacceptable by both police and the care home. 95yrs of age 43kg on a walking frame at 4am. Really. How did she get the knife in the first place. I'm horrified by this especially having a parent in aged care. . My thoughts are with the family

I read somewhere that she wanted to make toast as she was hungry and that’s why she had a knife. Not that she should have been able to get hold of one. The support workers should have been trained to defuse the situation instead of involving the police. Could they have phoned a family member for instance? I know a friend who‘s Mum is in a care home due to dementia and she can get very upset and distressed and no matter what time of day or night she has been rang to go in and help calm her. Much better than calling the police. Plus surely the policeman would have known he was in no danger. The lady was on a walking frame, I think they could have out run her. The whole situation sounds like ‘procedure’ - woman with knife, protocol says ring police. Person approaching police officer - protocol says use taser. If common sense had been used instead it would have been a different outcome

 

[Crossie3]

Quite frankly I am sick & Tired of the Media grabbing hold of a situation that should be actioned through the Court system. Report the story and get over it until whatever resolution must be achieved, is achieved, not as it is now through the eye of a reporter or media outlet.

This story is a shocking experience that the families of all involved must deal with daily/weekly until our media outlets subsequently find something to replace it with when the rule of justice is again put to the test again along the lines of their thinking. Please get back to reporting the story NOT making the news.

 

[Geronimo 2022]

Here at the Seniors Discount Club, we aim to not only pass on amazing discounts and deals to our members, but we also want to keep you informed on current events and news relevant to our community.

And recently, the tasering of a 95-year-old grandmother with dementia by a police officer in a New South Wales nursing home has grabbed not only national headlines but has also drawn international attention.

Let’s dive into the growing controversy surrounding this shocking incident and what it might mean for the future of aged care and policing in Australia.

The incident occurred at Yallambee Lodge aged care facility in Cooma, where Clare Nowland, a frail mother of eight who was using a walking frame, was tasered by a police officer after allegedly approaching officers while holding a knife and failing to drop it.

Clare, who weighs only 43 kg, was critically injured during the incident and is now receiving end-of-life care in Cooma District Hospital.

View attachment 20512

The incident was met with public outcry. Credit: Magda Ehlers/Pexels

This news was met with outrage online, which subsequently led to Sunrise hosts David Koch and Natalie Barr grilling NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb on the matter.

One aspect that has particularly drawn their disapproval was the commissioner’s refusal to watch the body-worn footage of the incident. Assistant Commissioner Peter Cotter agreed that this act was ‘confronting’.

‘I don’t really intend to. I’ve heard what’s in the body [cam], and I don’t see it necessary that I actually view it,’ she said previously.

But in response, Commissioner Webb maintained that she wanted to allow the detectives to conduct their investigation without her interference.

She stated, 'If at a point in time, I become a decision-maker about the employment of the officer or the investigation, then I will look at the evidence as a complete picture, not just one part of it.'

View attachment 20513

According to the police commissioner, if she interferes with the investigation, it might compromise the case. Credit: Nermin Aliyeva/Pexels

Commissioner Webb added that any interference on her part might prejudice the outcome of the case, and she admitted that Mrs Nowland and her family ‘deserve better than that’.

‘It’s a shocking matter, and I’ve never seen anything like it. But I need to let the detectives and specialists do their job,’ she said before claiming that ‘the community has every right to know exactly what’s happened’.

While Commissioner Webb continues to receive daily briefings on the investigation, Kochie questioned her about the level of threat the 95-year-old grandmother could have been, considering she was on a walker and weighed merely 43 kg.

However, the commissioner refrained from providing further details, instead reiterating that the understanding of the events is still incomplete.

As the case unfolds, an investigation led by the Homicide Squad and the Professional Standards Committee of NSW Police, supervised by the independent Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (LECC), has been launched.

Commissioner Webb stated that detectives had collected witness testimonies and were now in the process of seeking expert opinion on the use of the weapon.

On Tuesday, it was confirmed that the officer involved, a 33-year-old senior constable with 12 years of service, has been suspended from duty with pay pending the outcome of the investigation.

Commissioner Webb revealed that the decision on whether he should be charged after the incident would come after an investigation had taken place.

In the meantime, this distressing incident has prompted advocates and members of the public to call for reforms in police training and healthcare.

Commissioner Webb herself admitted that the role of a police officer is becoming increasingly complex, and they're expected to be experts in dealing with a wide range of situations. Especially in cases where police need to be called to facilities that deal with dementia patients, for which they may not have adequate training.

‘The role of a police officer is growing wider and wider, and we’re expected to know everything about everything, and we’re not experts on everything,’ Commissioner Webb stated.

Nat then inquired about what a nursing home should do if a patient is brandishing a knife, to which the police commissioner said these cases were a ‘question of training’.

‘What training do they have to deal with those situations? Dealing with anyone with dementia is difficult ... it’s a last resort that they call the police,’ she explained.

This issue of inadequate training extends to nursing home staff as well, as highlighted by Dementia Support Australia's Steve Macfarlane. He called for more training for aged care workers, stating that staff should be able to de-escalate such situations themselves and not resort to calling the police.

‘Aged care staff really need to have the skills to de-escalate these sorts of situations themselves,’ he claimed.

As it currently stands, there is no mandatory training required for aged care workers in dealing with dementia patients in Australia.

You can watch a snippet of the interview below:

​

Key Takeaways

• A 95-year-old grandmother with dementia was tasered by a police officer at Yallambee Lodge aged care facility in Cooma after allegedly failing to drop a steak knife.
• NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb has been criticised for her refusal to watch the video of the incident, stating she is allowing detectives and specialists to do their job without her interfering in the investigation.
• The police officer involved, a 33-year-old senior constable, has been suspended from duty with pay, and an investigation is being led by the homicide squad, the Professional Standards Committee of NSW Police, and the independent Law Enforcement Conduct Commission.
• The incident has sparked calls for police training and healthcare reform and has raised questions about the training and weapons used by aged care workers. There is currently no mandatory training required for aged care workers on dealing with dementia patients.

We at Seniors Discount Club will continue to keep you updated on this story. Stay informed, and be sure to share your thoughts on these pressing issues with us in the comments below.

Do you think there needs to be more of an emphasis on training and education when dealing with people who are living with dementia? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

I really want to know what she could possibly have done for them to call the police in the first place. Hope the cop doesn’t have kids, I’d hate to see what he would do with them! There are so many things the staff could have done to handle the situation without getting the cops involved. If I had a relative there I would move them.

 

[Ray Black]

It was a disgusting act and the police officer should be sacked.

 

[Bison]

Here at the Seniors Discount Club, we aim to not only pass on amazing discounts and deals to our members, but we also want to keep you informed on current events and news relevant to our community.

And recently, the tasering of a 95-year-old grandmother with dementia by a police officer in a New South Wales nursing home has grabbed not only national headlines but has also drawn international attention.

Let’s dive into the growing controversy surrounding this shocking incident and what it might mean for the future of aged care and policing in Australia.

The incident occurred at Yallambee Lodge aged care facility in Cooma, where Clare Nowland, a frail mother of eight who was using a walking frame, was tasered by a police officer after allegedly approaching officers while holding a knife and failing to drop it.

Clare, who weighs only 43 kg, was critically injured during the incident and is now receiving end-of-life care in Cooma District Hospital.

View attachment 20512

The incident was met with public outcry. Credit: Magda Ehlers/Pexels

This news was met with outrage online, which subsequently led to Sunrise hosts David Koch and Natalie Barr grilling NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb on the matter.

One aspect that has particularly drawn their disapproval was the commissioner’s refusal to watch the body-worn footage of the incident. Assistant Commissioner Peter Cotter agreed that this act was ‘confronting’.

‘I don’t really intend to. I’ve heard what’s in the body [cam], and I don’t see it necessary that I actually view it,’ she said previously.

But in response, Commissioner Webb maintained that she wanted to allow the detectives to conduct their investigation without her interference.

She stated, 'If at a point in time, I become a decision-maker about the employment of the officer or the investigation, then I will look at the evidence as a complete picture, not just one part of it.'

View attachment 20513

According to the police commissioner, if she interferes with the investigation, it might compromise the case. Credit: Nermin Aliyeva/Pexels

Commissioner Webb added that any interference on her part might prejudice the outcome of the case, and she admitted that Mrs Nowland and her family ‘deserve better than that’.

‘It’s a shocking matter, and I’ve never seen anything like it. But I need to let the detectives and specialists do their job,’ she said before claiming that ‘the community has every right to know exactly what’s happened’.

While Commissioner Webb continues to receive daily briefings on the investigation, Kochie questioned her about the level of threat the 95-year-old grandmother could have been, considering she was on a walker and weighed merely 43 kg.

However, the commissioner refrained from providing further details, instead reiterating that the understanding of the events is still incomplete.

As the case unfolds, an investigation led by the Homicide Squad and the Professional Standards Committee of NSW Police, supervised by the independent Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (LECC), has been launched.

Commissioner Webb stated that detectives had collected witness testimonies and were now in the process of seeking expert opinion on the use of the weapon.

On Tuesday, it was confirmed that the officer involved, a 33-year-old senior constable with 12 years of service, has been suspended from duty with pay pending the outcome of the investigation.

Commissioner Webb revealed that the decision on whether he should be charged after the incident would come after an investigation had taken place.

In the meantime, this distressing incident has prompted advocates and members of the public to call for reforms in police training and healthcare.

Commissioner Webb herself admitted that the role of a police officer is becoming increasingly complex, and they're expected to be experts in dealing with a wide range of situations. Especially in cases where police need to be called to facilities that deal with dementia patients, for which they may not have adequate training.

‘The role of a police officer is growing wider and wider, and we’re expected to know everything about everything, and we’re not experts on everything,’ Commissioner Webb stated.

Nat then inquired about what a nursing home should do if a patient is brandishing a knife, to which the police commissioner said these cases were a ‘question of training’.

‘What training do they have to deal with those situations? Dealing with anyone with dementia is difficult ... it’s a last resort that they call the police,’ she explained.

This issue of inadequate training extends to nursing home staff as well, as highlighted by Dementia Support Australia's Steve Macfarlane. He called for more training for aged care workers, stating that staff should be able to de-escalate such situations themselves and not resort to calling the police.

‘Aged care staff really need to have the skills to de-escalate these sorts of situations themselves,’ he claimed.

As it currently stands, there is no mandatory training required for aged care workers in dealing with dementia patients in Australia.

You can watch a snippet of the interview below:

​

Key Takeaways

• A 95-year-old grandmother with dementia was tasered by a police officer at Yallambee Lodge aged care facility in Cooma after allegedly failing to drop a steak knife.
• NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb has been criticised for her refusal to watch the video of the incident, stating she is allowing detectives and specialists to do their job without her interfering in the investigation.
• The police officer involved, a 33-year-old senior constable, has been suspended from duty with pay, and an investigation is being led by the homicide squad, the Professional Standards Committee of NSW Police, and the independent Law Enforcement Conduct Commission.
• The incident has sparked calls for police training and healthcare reform and has raised questions about the training and weapons used by aged care workers. There is currently no mandatory training required for aged care workers on dealing with dementia patients.

We at Seniors Discount Club will continue to keep you updated on this story. Stay informed, and be sure to share your thoughts on these pressing issues with us in the comments below.

Do you think there needs to be more of an emphasis on training and education when dealing with people who are living with dementia? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

Simply not good enough. Seems policemen have become so precious, they need to deal with frail 9ld li ad

 

[BlackWolf]

Here at the Seniors Discount Club, we aim to not only pass on amazing discounts and deals to our members, but we also want to keep you informed on current events and news relevant to our community.

And recently, the tasering of a 95-year-old grandmother with dementia by a police officer in a New South Wales nursing home has grabbed not only national headlines but has also drawn international attention.

Let’s dive into the growing controversy surrounding this shocking incident and what it might mean for the future of aged care and policing in Australia.

The incident occurred at Yallambee Lodge aged care facility in Cooma, where Clare Nowland, a frail mother of eight who was using a walking frame, was tasered by a police officer after allegedly approaching officers while holding a knife and failing to drop it.

Clare, who weighs only 43 kg, was critically injured during the incident and is now receiving end-of-life care in Cooma District Hospital.

View attachment 20512

The incident was met with public outcry. Credit: Magda Ehlers/Pexels

This news was met with outrage online, which subsequently led to Sunrise hosts David Koch and Natalie Barr grilling NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb on the matter.

One aspect that has particularly drawn their disapproval was the commissioner’s refusal to watch the body-worn footage of the incident. Assistant Commissioner Peter Cotter agreed that this act was ‘confronting’.

‘I don’t really intend to. I’ve heard what’s in the body [cam], and I don’t see it necessary that I actually view it,’ she said previously.

But in response, Commissioner Webb maintained that she wanted to allow the detectives to conduct their investigation without her interference.

She stated, 'If at a point in time, I become a decision-maker about the employment of the officer or the investigation, then I will look at the evidence as a complete picture, not just one part of it.'

View attachment 20513

According to the police commissioner, if she interferes with the investigation, it might compromise the case. Credit: Nermin Aliyeva/Pexels

Commissioner Webb added that any interference on her part might prejudice the outcome of the case, and she admitted that Mrs Nowland and her family ‘deserve better than that’.

‘It’s a shocking matter, and I’ve never seen anything like it. But I need to let the detectives and specialists do their job,’ she said before claiming that ‘the community has every right to know exactly what’s happened’.

While Commissioner Webb continues to receive daily briefings on the investigation, Kochie questioned her about the level of threat the 95-year-old grandmother could have been, considering she was on a walker and weighed merely 43 kg.

However, the commissioner refrained from providing further details, instead reiterating that the understanding of the events is still incomplete.

As the case unfolds, an investigation led by the Homicide Squad and the Professional Standards Committee of NSW Police, supervised by the independent Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (LECC), has been launched.

Commissioner Webb stated that detectives had collected witness testimonies and were now in the process of seeking expert opinion on the use of the weapon.

On Tuesday, it was confirmed that the officer involved, a 33-year-old senior constable with 12 years of service, has been suspended from duty with pay pending the outcome of the investigation.

Commissioner Webb revealed that the decision on whether he should be charged after the incident would come after an investigation had taken place.

In the meantime, this distressing incident has prompted advocates and members of the public to call for reforms in police training and healthcare.

Commissioner Webb herself admitted that the role of a police officer is becoming increasingly complex, and they're expected to be experts in dealing with a wide range of situations. Especially in cases where police need to be called to facilities that deal with dementia patients, for which they may not have adequate training.

‘The role of a police officer is growing wider and wider, and we’re expected to know everything about everything, and we’re not experts on everything,’ Commissioner Webb stated.

Nat then inquired about what a nursing home should do if a patient is brandishing a knife, to which the police commissioner said these cases were a ‘question of training’.

‘What training do they have to deal with those situations? Dealing with anyone with dementia is difficult ... it’s a last resort that they call the police,’ she explained.

This issue of inadequate training extends to nursing home staff as well, as highlighted by Dementia Support Australia's Steve Macfarlane. He called for more training for aged care workers, stating that staff should be able to de-escalate such situations themselves and not resort to calling the police.

‘Aged care staff really need to have the skills to de-escalate these sorts of situations themselves,’ he claimed.

As it currently stands, there is no mandatory training required for aged care workers in dealing with dementia patients in Australia.

You can watch a snippet of the interview below:

​

Key Takeaways

• A 95-year-old grandmother with dementia was tasered by a police officer at Yallambee Lodge aged care facility in Cooma after allegedly failing to drop a steak knife.
• NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb has been criticised for her refusal to watch the video of the incident, stating she is allowing detectives and specialists to do their job without her interfering in the investigation.
• The police officer involved, a 33-year-old senior constable, has been suspended from duty with pay, and an investigation is being led by the homicide squad, the Professional Standards Committee of NSW Police, and the independent Law Enforcement Conduct Commission.
• The incident has sparked calls for police training and healthcare reform and has raised questions about the training and weapons used by aged care workers. There is currently no mandatory training required for aged care workers on dealing with dementia patients.

We at Seniors Discount Club will continue to keep you updated on this story. Stay informed, and be sure to share your thoughts on these pressing issues with us in the comments below.

Do you think there needs to be more of an emphasis on training and education when dealing with people who are living with dementia? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

there are other ways. I had one of the factory worker put out a pair of scissors (big dress scissors) and threat me and the Office manager. we remind calm, called police - lucky the place I worked the front door had metal roll down door (in the days where were paid in cash) and we sort locked her in the reception area and the I locked myself in the office manager room, until the police came thru the factory to reception. I can't remember if my office manager, continue to engage with her until they came. Later she calmed down and very sorry. She was admitted to Fairfield psychiatrist hospital and my office manage went a saw her, after she was admitted. Don't recall if police even got their guns out.

 

[lynnh]

Here at the Seniors Discount Club, we aim to not only pass on amazing discounts and deals to our members, but we also want to keep you informed on current events and news relevant to our community.

And recently, the tasering of a 95-year-old grandmother with dementia by a police officer in a New South Wales nursing home has grabbed not only national headlines but has also drawn international attention.

Let’s dive into the growing controversy surrounding this shocking incident and what it might mean for the future of aged care and policing in Australia.

The incident occurred at Yallambee Lodge aged care facility in Cooma, where Clare Nowland, a frail mother of eight who was using a walking frame, was tasered by a police officer after allegedly approaching officers while holding a knife and failing to drop it.

Clare, who weighs only 43 kg, was critically injured during the incident and is now receiving end-of-life care in Cooma District Hospital.

View attachment 20512

The incident was met with public outcry. Credit: Magda Ehlers/Pexels

This news was met with outrage online, which subsequently led to Sunrise hosts David Koch and Natalie Barr grilling NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb on the matter.

One aspect that has particularly drawn their disapproval was the commissioner’s refusal to watch the body-worn footage of the incident. Assistant Commissioner Peter Cotter agreed that this act was ‘confronting’.

‘I don’t really intend to. I’ve heard what’s in the body [cam], and I don’t see it necessary that I actually view it,’ she said previously.

But in response, Commissioner Webb maintained that she wanted to allow the detectives to conduct their investigation without her interference.

She stated, 'If at a point in time, I become a decision-maker about the employment of the officer or the investigation, then I will look at the evidence as a complete picture, not just one part of it.'

View attachment 20513

According to the police commissioner, if she interferes with the investigation, it might compromise the case. Credit: Nermin Aliyeva/Pexels

Commissioner Webb added that any interference on her part might prejudice the outcome of the case, and she admitted that Mrs Nowland and her family ‘deserve better than that’.

‘It’s a shocking matter, and I’ve never seen anything like it. But I need to let the detectives and specialists do their job,’ she said before claiming that ‘the community has every right to know exactly what’s happened’.

While Commissioner Webb continues to receive daily briefings on the investigation, Kochie questioned her about the level of threat the 95-year-old grandmother could have been, considering she was on a walker and weighed merely 43 kg.

However, the commissioner refrained from providing further details, instead reiterating that the understanding of the events is still incomplete.

As the case unfolds, an investigation led by the Homicide Squad and the Professional Standards Committee of NSW Police, supervised by the independent Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (LECC), has been launched.

Commissioner Webb stated that detectives had collected witness testimonies and were now in the process of seeking expert opinion on the use of the weapon.

On Tuesday, it was confirmed that the officer involved, a 33-year-old senior constable with 12 years of service, has been suspended from duty with pay pending the outcome of the investigation.

Commissioner Webb revealed that the decision on whether he should be charged after the incident would come after an investigation had taken place.

In the meantime, this distressing incident has prompted advocates and members of the public to call for reforms in police training and healthcare.

Commissioner Webb herself admitted that the role of a police officer is becoming increasingly complex, and they're expected to be experts in dealing with a wide range of situations. Especially in cases where police need to be called to facilities that deal with dementia patients, for which they may not have adequate training.

‘The role of a police officer is growing wider and wider, and we’re expected to know everything about everything, and we’re not experts on everything,’ Commissioner Webb stated.

Nat then inquired about what a nursing home should do if a patient is brandishing a knife, to which the police commissioner said these cases were a ‘question of training’.

‘What training do they have to deal with those situations? Dealing with anyone with dementia is difficult ... it’s a last resort that they call the police,’ she explained.

This issue of inadequate training extends to nursing home staff as well, as highlighted by Dementia Support Australia's Steve Macfarlane. He called for more training for aged care workers, stating that staff should be able to de-escalate such situations themselves and not resort to calling the police.

‘Aged care staff really need to have the skills to de-escalate these sorts of situations themselves,’ he claimed.

As it currently stands, there is no mandatory training required for aged care workers in dealing with dementia patients in Australia.

You can watch a snippet of the interview below:

​

Key Takeaways

• A 95-year-old grandmother with dementia was tasered by a police officer at Yallambee Lodge aged care facility in Cooma after allegedly failing to drop a steak knife.
• NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb has been criticised for her refusal to watch the video of the incident, stating she is allowing detectives and specialists to do their job without her interfering in the investigation.
• The police officer involved, a 33-year-old senior constable, has been suspended from duty with pay, and an investigation is being led by the homicide squad, the Professional Standards Committee of NSW Police, and the independent Law Enforcement Conduct Commission.
• The incident has sparked calls for police training and healthcare reform and has raised questions about the training and weapons used by aged care workers. There is currently no mandatory training required for aged care workers on dealing with dementia patients.

We at Seniors Discount Club will continue to keep you updated on this story. Stay informed, and be sure to share your thoughts on these pressing issues with us in the comments below.

Do you think there needs to be more of an emphasis on training and education when dealing with people who are living with dementia? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

You can have all the training available to you, however it's having individual knowledge of a resident w behaviours and what the effective strategies and interventions are pertaining to that person. It's in their personal clinical notes and forms for all staff to read and familarise yourself with. HOWEVER that is in an ideal working situation where there are no staff shortages and you are regularly in the same unit. To often you come on shift to find staff are rostered in the dementia unit and have had very limited experience in there. I don't believe it's an excuse but maybe part of the reason. As for the role of NSW police- no reason no excuse that as an aged care nurse for over 25yrs, I could think of.

 

[81 Mariners]

I feel for the fragile old lady of 95 with a walker to be assaulted by a police officer who acts in the way of act with force now ask questions later no matter who the person is. His punishment so far, leave with pay. I would have thought he should be employed behind a desk while he is still being paid, until his fate is known

 

[Mulachabu]

I

I honestly think the police were damned if they did and damned if they didn’t. I don’t think they should have been called in the nursing home should have dealt with it. They are more experi in the care of dementia patients. I feel for the lady I feel for her family. But I feel the fault is at the nursing home. They should have been able to deal with the situation

The police are there to serve and protect, they responded to a situation, whether they were the appropriate people to be called upon in this situation is a different issue. They are not damned either way, they are actually being criticised in this particular incident because the public has higher expectations. On the face of it any reasonable person would conclude that much better decision making was required and given the experience of this officer it should have been forthcoming . Sometimes something is so badly flawed in its execution that it requires proper leadership to standup and say we messed up, something went badly wrong here and no matter how uncomfortable or confronting it is, we need to examine all the information to ensure that if the police are confronted with similar situations in the future they exercise appropriate options of a significantly less forceful manner. The police are a extremely valuable asset to our communities, mostly held in high regard, elderly dementia people are also part of our communities, the police are NOT damned if they do or don’t but they may very well be criticised when something like this happens, a different response may well have resulted in high praise.

 

[DrivingGirl]

Everyone has been complaining about the police...2 questions for you
1.How did she get her hands on a knife ( dementia patients aren't normally allowed metal cutlery).
2 .Why didn't the 'trained ' staff defuse the situation...it's their job . Them call police would have added to her confusion and distress .

So who failed on their duty of care?

Clearly both failed miserably- I should think it would take about 5 seconds for an average size human trained or not- with an ounce of compassion and common sense to disarm a poor old lady! PATHETIC response from police commissioner/ policeman and age care staff !!
God forbid I should ever have to enter such a place

 

[Jelp26]

This should never have happened. There needs to be more education. The commissioner should look at the body cam footage. I wonder how long it would take her to look at footage if one of her officers had been tasered?

Here at the Seniors Discount Club, we aim to not only pass on amazing discounts and deals to our members, but we also want to keep you informed on current events and news relevant to our community.

And recently, the tasering of a 95-year-old grandmother with dementia by a police officer in a New South Wales nursing home has grabbed not only national headlines but has also drawn international attention.

Let’s dive into the growing controversy surrounding this shocking incident and what it might mean for the future of aged care and policing in Australia.

The incident occurred at Yallambee Lodge aged care facility in Cooma, where Clare Nowland, a frail mother of eight who was using a walking frame, was tasered by a police officer after allegedly approaching officers while holding a knife and failing to drop it.

Clare, who weighs only 43 kg, was critically injured during the incident and is now receiving end-of-life care in Cooma District Hospital.

View attachment 20512

The incident was met with public outcry. Credit: Magda Ehlers/Pexels

This news was met with outrage online, which subsequently led to Sunrise hosts David Koch and Natalie Barr grilling NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb on the matter.

One aspect that has particularly drawn their disapproval was the commissioner’s refusal to watch the body-worn footage of the incident. Assistant Commissioner Peter Cotter agreed that this act was ‘confronting’.

‘I don’t really intend to. I’ve heard what’s in the body [cam], and I don’t see it necessary that I actually view it,’ she said previously.

But in response, Commissioner Webb maintained that she wanted to allow the detectives to conduct their investigation without her interference.

She stated, 'If at a point in time, I become a decision-maker about the employment of the officer or the investigation, then I will look at the evidence as a complete picture, not just one part of it.'

View attachment 20513

According to the police commissioner, if she interferes with the investigation, it might compromise the case. Credit: Nermin Aliyeva/Pexels

Commissioner Webb added that any interference on her part might prejudice the outcome of the case, and she admitted that Mrs Nowland and her family ‘deserve better than that’.

‘It’s a shocking matter, and I’ve never seen anything like it. But I need to let the detectives and specialists do their job,’ she said before claiming that ‘the community has every right to know exactly what’s happened’.

While Commissioner Webb continues to receive daily briefings on the investigation, Kochie questioned her about the level of threat the 95-year-old grandmother could have been, considering she was on a walker and weighed merely 43 kg.

However, the commissioner refrained from providing further details, instead reiterating that the understanding of the events is still incomplete.

As the case unfolds, an investigation led by the Homicide Squad and the Professional Standards Committee of NSW Police, supervised by the independent Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (LECC), has been launched.

Commissioner Webb stated that detectives had collected witness testimonies and were now in the process of seeking expert opinion on the use of the weapon.

On Tuesday, it was confirmed that the officer involved, a 33-year-old senior constable with 12 years of service, has been suspended from duty with pay pending the outcome of the investigation.

Commissioner Webb revealed that the decision on whether he should be charged after the incident would come after an investigation had taken place.

In the meantime, this distressing incident has prompted advocates and members of the public to call for reforms in police training and healthcare.

Commissioner Webb herself admitted that the role of a police officer is becoming increasingly complex, and they're expected to be experts in dealing with a wide range of situations. Especially in cases where police need to be called to facilities that deal with dementia patients, for which they may not have adequate training.

‘The role of a police officer is growing wider and wider, and we’re expected to know everything about everything, and we’re not experts on everything,’ Commissioner Webb stated.

Nat then inquired about what a nursing home should do if a patient is brandishing a knife, to which the police commissioner said these cases were a ‘question of training’.

‘What training do they have to deal with those situations? Dealing with anyone with dementia is difficult ... it’s a last resort that they call the police,’ she explained.

This issue of inadequate training extends to nursing home staff as well, as highlighted by Dementia Support Australia's Steve Macfarlane. He called for more training for aged care workers, stating that staff should be able to de-escalate such situations themselves and not resort to calling the police.

‘Aged care staff really need to have the skills to de-escalate these sorts of situations themselves,’ he claimed.

As it currently stands, there is no mandatory training required for aged care workers in dealing with dementia patients in Australia.

You can watch a snippet of the interview below:

​

Key Takeaways

• A 95-year-old grandmother with dementia was tasered by a police officer at Yallambee Lodge aged care facility in Cooma after allegedly failing to drop a steak knife.
• NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb has been criticised for her refusal to watch the video of the incident, stating she is allowing detectives and specialists to do their job without her interfering in the investigation.
• The police officer involved, a 33-year-old senior constable, has been suspended from duty with pay, and an investigation is being led by the homicide squad, the Professional Standards Committee of NSW Police, and the independent Law Enforcement Conduct Commission.
• The incident has sparked calls for police training and healthcare reform and has raised questions about the training and weapons used by aged care workers. There is currently no mandatory training required for aged care workers on dealing with dementia patients.

We at Seniors Discount Club will continue to keep you updated on this story. Stay informed, and be sure to share your thoughts on these pressing issues with us in the comments below.

Do you think there needs to be more of an emphasis on training and education when dealing with people who are living with dementia? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

 

[Sloopy]

Having spent a fair chunk of my nursing career in both Aged Care and Disability settings,, the first failure here was her being able to access the knife. Second was the staff not being able to de-escalate the situation and calling the police in. Third was the apparent automatic reaction to the presence of 'a weapon' on the part of the police rather than an actual assessment of the risk posed.

Just my opinion, but the Commissioner is being derelict in her duty by not watching the footage. How can she possibly claim to be fully informed of how the situation unfolded without doing so? My cynical side says that it will be easier for her to claim the officer acted appropriately if she hasn't seen it.