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!

 

[bettyaylesbury]

Yes

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!

Yes l just dont understand why and how it happened to the elderly lady a knife in hand also hands on a walker l can keep on going but l get so angry l just dont understand any more l am soery but l dont

 

[Lucinda]

That tasering of a 95 year old woman, using a walking frame and living in aged care, was an horrific act by a thuggish policeman. No excuse whatsoever for his dangerous action.

I don't feel having women in positions of power within the police service is giving the community the confidence it should have with their police service.
What a cop out from Karen Webb, and what a weak excuse for not watching the video.

Her role should be one where she is kept well informed on all aspects of a case. She doesn't have to interfere, but she should be well informed. It seems like the job is too demanding for her.

 

[margaretritchie48]

On hearing about this situation your first thought is how could it happen. I think we have to not speculate and wait for the internal affairs people do their job. As per some of the other comments, how did she get a knife etc? I also think that her family should be allowed to look at the footage so they can see what happened.

 

[Canny]

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!

Yes there needs to be more training and education in aged care & especially Dementia patients, although it's hard to train some people in common sense, you either have it or you don't. I have worked in aged care & it would have just needed a nurse to walk up quietly behind the lady & quickly take it from her hand the tasering was totally out of order. I think the police Commissioner should resign immediately for her lack of understanding of the situation.

 

[Jill57]

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?

You have hit the nail on the head many have been too emotional about this

 

[Sockjoan]

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!

Absolutely! Dementia is a very difficult condition, and staff at care homes need lots of education in this field. Perhaps Dementia Australia could be called on for advice; they are very expert, and have masses of very useful information. I attended a course with them when my husband was diagnosed with dementia 7 years ago; he spent his last 2 years in a care facility, and passed away last October.

 

[Sockjoan]

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?

My late husband was in a high-security dementia ward in his final year of live, and the residents certainly had metal cutlery. My husband forgot how to use cutlery, and I had to cut his food up for him - and, in the final months, feed him.

 

[Marian M]

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 struggle to believe a police officer which 12 years' experience did this to that poor woman. And he is on leave with pay. Shocking. I worked in a dementia ward and it can be extremely difficult at times dealing with patients with dementia. However, distracting them in a calm manner and patience can work . Not being there it is difficult for anyone to judge but in saying that, no way should she have been tasered.

 

[Richard 1]

Whether the Nursing Home should or should not have rung the police is relevant to any investigation but entirely irrelevant in determining the appropriateness of the actions of the police once they were called - expecting Assistant Commissioner Cotter to front the media and justify what, on the face of it, were unjustifiable actions by the police responders says a lot about the Commissioner's wish not to become involved - is she really going to rely on the report by the investigators without actually seeing the video? - and it is even more telling that the Commissioner spoke to the family but at no time spoke to the officer involved - it seems to mirror the Lindt Cafe fiasco where senior police (including the then Commissioner) couldn't distance themselves fast enough from what transpired - we are not, it would appear, ever going to see the video of the tasering as we have never seen the internal police report (ironically prepared by Assistant Commissioner Cotter) of the Lindt Cafe debacle

 

[brongreen]

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 worked in aged care for over 20 years, and it is a very challenging job.
I worked in the dementia ward during this time where some of my fellow work mates refused to work there because of the challenging and complex behaviors.
From my experience, carers care deeply about the people with dementia and do their best to ensure their safety above all else. I can't give my personal opinion on this specific case, but sometimes when all else fails the police have to be called because of safety concerns.
I do not know what training the police have in regard to aged care but where I worked there was constant ongoing mandatory training for all carers, which was constantly reviewed and renewed. As carers we never had any weapons but had strategies to follow when confrontational issues arose.
It is a very sad and difficult situation that happened, and my thoughts go out to this lady's family and also to the police officer involved.

 

[Knell]

I don't know the Facts - I only know what the media has reported. However, I do know the media are very good at sensationalising stories, especially when they only know one side of the story. I would like to think that this was not a first option for the officer. Manhandling a 91 yo would probably result in injury also. Dementia, like mental illness where the person has no reality is very sad and very difficult to manage. Who knows - she may have been threatening another dementia patient. I do know there is no reasoning with dementia patients when they have an aggressive turn and they can be very frightening. The risk of her taking a fall and breaking pelvis/hip etc would have resulted in the same health outcome. Given that I cannot believe this was done with intent to injure an elderly dementia patient, I actually feel for the Officer at this time - trial by media and the public cheering for a lynching.

 

[fourwb]

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!

 

[DrChip]

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

 

[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

 

[DrChip]

I think your all missing the fact, the commissioner has to be impartial , if she saw the video before she has the facts it may effect her judgement. I think it was shocking (no pun intended) that two burly police officers had to taser a 95 year old woman. But I'd hate that the findings are marred by anyone saying that she was to emotional with her decision before she had all the facts before her just like all of you (and I)

 

[Cyberchook]

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

The core of the issue is the nursing home is not equipped with sufferably trained staff to deal with the many 'abusive' acts of those residents with any form of dementia. The government needs to really do something about working quickly to implement proper training and decent pay to attract those who want to work in the essential and specialised industry, but won't because of the conditions and expectations of management for a pittance. It is not a smart decision to only rely on employing newcomers to the country who may not find another job, so shoved into these positions with only basic training most are not anywhere equipped or want to deal with the elderly. We are all on the path to older age and not all are sufficiently financially able in a position to sell a home and pay over half a million dollars upwards to secure a room or a bed in a 'nursing facility'.
News just in the policeman who tasered the elderly lady on her walking frame is being charged with 3 serious charges. Details to be released.

 

[fourwb]

It appears that there are guidelines to not use tasers on the elderly. Why was a taser used in this instance? How does the commissioner possibly justify not viewing the video footage? Is the commissioner up to the job? It is not acceptable to say that more training is required, common sense is required. This act was unjustified and must be dealt with.

 

[Rob44]

One might imagine that the room the old lady was in had a door. One might imagine that had the cop and any other staff in that room walked out the doorway more quickly than one can stagger along on a zimmer frame, holding a steak knife or not, and then closed the door and perhaps held it shut so that they would not get brutally stabbed to death by an old lady staggering along on a zimmer frame, none of this would have happened.

However, I suppose it might have been a high-speed zimmer frame, and no doubt James Bond, had he had a zimmer frame, would have had mini-rocket launchers built into in its legs and a concealed trigger somewhere so as to point the legs at the cop and fire the mini-rockets at him.

Don't our cops ever think before shooting/tasering people?

 

[relljube]

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?

Totally agree

 

[Suzanne rose]

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.

These are stories that we need to hear and by reporting it may help prevent it from happening again.