Cases of force used against the elderly have raised alarm bells in recent times, as we are left to question if our loved ones in aged care homes are truly safe, secure, and being treated with the respect they deserve.

Before entrusting our dearest to facilities that promise adequate care and safety, we must attempt to understand what could go wrong and how we can ensure that such incidents are appropriately addressed and prevented in the future.

Two heartbreaking stories involving elderly women with dementia have come to light, both taking place within aged care homes in Australia. The incidents resulted in their hospitalisation, with one of them now receiving end-of-life care at the age of 95.

These alarming events have led many to question the actions of the police and the use of force, protocols surrounding aged care home management, and whether any measures are in place to avert inappropriate actions.

Credit: 7NEWS Australia. ​

In the first incident, Clare Nowland, a 95-year-old grandmother who used a walking frame, was tasered by police at the Yallambee Lodge aged care facility in Cooma, NSW. Paramedics and police were summoned when they found her holding a steak knife.

Ms Nowland, advancing slowly with her walking frame, was struck with a taser and consequently fell, sustaining a head injury. Her family is now grief-stricken, and this tragic case is being investigated by relevant law enforcement agencies.

You can find more information about this story in this article.

The second incident involves Rachel Grahame, who was forcibly handcuffed by the police in 2020 after she took a lanyard and electronic device from a desk at St Basil's aged care home in Sydney. In the footage, she can be heard crying for help and questioning the officers during the incident.

Her family filed a lawsuit against the NSW police, accusing them of assault, battery, and false imprisonment. Eventually, they received compensation.

According to Ms Grahame's daughter, Emma, who spoke to a news source, she believes that the police should not have been called in the first place.

Are there rules or restrictions for police and staff in care homes for these situations? Credit: Pexels/Andrea Piacquadio.

What are the rules surrounding the use of force in aged care homes?

The horrific situations mentioned above beg a closer look at the policies and guidelines surrounding the use of force in aged care homes. The NSW Law Enforcement (Powers and Responsibilities) Act 2002, for instance, states that an officer may use 'such force as is reasonably necessary' for arrest or preventing escape.

However, these rules become murky when applied to cases involving vulnerable individuals like those residing in aged care homes, turning our focus to the federal government's Aged Care Quality Standards.

These standards mandate that care providers have systems in place offering protection and safeguards around the delivery of care and services.

The Serious Incident Response Scheme (SIRS) comes into play following incidents and near misses, aiming to support affected parties and minimise the risk of recurrence. It categorises unreasonable use of force as actions that range from unwarranted physical force to violent physical assault.

To better support people with dementia, the government has also funded Dementia Training Australia to deliver the Dementia Training Program, with the revised Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing), including mandatory components for supporting dementia patients.

Furthermore, the Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) acknowledges the need for proper training and skills to support elderly individuals with dementia, pointing to 'huge skills gaps' in aged care staff training.

Key Takeaways

• Two separate incidents involving elderly women with dementia in aged care homes have raised questions about the actions of police and the use of force.
• The NSW Law Enforcement (Powers and Responsibilities) Act 2002 states that a police officer 'may use such force as is reasonably necessary' under certain conditions, but both cases involved frail women with dementia in aged care facilities.
• The federal government's Aged Care Quality Standards require aged care service providers to have systems in place to provide protections and safeguards around the delivery of care and services.

As we entrust our vulnerable loved ones to aged care homes, it becomes imperative to question the level of safety and protection they offer. What are your thoughts on this topic? Have you or anyone you know been contemplating the idea of entering aged care facilities in the near future?

In your opinion, what sort of training and support should be provided to care home staff to enable them to effectively handle challenging situations involving residents with dementia without resorting to excessive force? We would love to hear your thoughts on this matter, so please feel free to share your insights in the comments section below!

 

[pascoevale]

Cases of force used against the elderly have raised alarm bells in recent times, as we are left to question if our loved ones in aged care homes are truly safe, secure, and being treated with the respect they deserve.

Before entrusting our dearest to facilities that promise adequate care and safety, we must attempt to understand what could go wrong and how we can ensure that such incidents are appropriately addressed and prevented in the future.

Two heartbreaking stories involving elderly women with dementia have come to light, both taking place within aged care homes in Australia. The incidents resulted in their hospitalisation, with one of them now receiving end-of-life care at the age of 95.

These alarming events have led many to question the actions of the police and the use of force, protocols surrounding aged care home management, and whether any measures are in place to avert inappropriate actions.

Credit: 7NEWS Australia. ​

In the first incident, Clare Nowland, a 95-year-old grandmother who used a walking frame, was tasered by police at the Yallambee Lodge aged care facility in Cooma, NSW. Paramedics and police were summoned when they found her holding a steak knife.

Ms Nowland, advancing slowly with her walking frame, was struck with a taser and consequently fell, sustaining a head injury. Her family is now grief-stricken, and this tragic case is being investigated by relevant law enforcement agencies.

You can find more information about this story in this article.

The second incident involves Rachel Grahame, who was forcibly handcuffed by the police in 2020 after she took a lanyard and electronic device from a desk at St Basil's aged care home in Sydney. In the footage, she can be heard crying for help and questioning the officers during the incident.

Her family filed a lawsuit against the NSW police, accusing them of assault, battery, and false imprisonment. Eventually, they received compensation.

According to Ms Grahame's daughter, Emma, who spoke to a news source, she believes that the police should not have been called in the first place.

View attachment 20544

Are there rules or restrictions for police and staff in care homes for these situations? Credit: Pexels/Andrea Piacquadio.

What are the rules surrounding the use of force in aged care homes?

The horrific situations mentioned above beg a closer look at the policies and guidelines surrounding the use of force in aged care homes. The NSW Law Enforcement (Powers and Responsibilities) Act 2002, for instance, states that an officer may use 'such force as is reasonably necessary' for arrest or preventing escape.

However, these rules become murky when applied to cases involving vulnerable individuals like those residing in aged care homes, turning our focus to the federal government's Aged Care Quality Standards.

These standards mandate that care providers have systems in place offering protection and safeguards around the delivery of care and services.

The Serious Incident Response Scheme (SIRS) comes into play following incidents and near misses, aiming to support affected parties and minimise the risk of recurrence. It categorises unreasonable use of force as actions that range from unwarranted physical force to violent physical assault.

To better support people with dementia, the government has also funded Dementia Training Australia to deliver the Dementia Training Program, with the revised Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing), including mandatory components for supporting dementia patients.

Furthermore, the Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) acknowledges the need for proper training and skills to support elderly individuals with dementia, pointing to 'huge skills gaps' in aged care staff training.

Key Takeaways

• Two separate incidents involving elderly women with dementia in aged care homes have raised questions about the actions of police and the use of force.
• The NSW Law Enforcement (Powers and Responsibilities) Act 2002 states that a police officer 'may use such force as is reasonably necessary' under certain conditions, but both cases involved frail women with dementia in aged care facilities.
• The federal government's Aged Care Quality Standards require aged care service providers to have systems in place to provide protections and safeguards around the delivery of care and services.

As we entrust our vulnerable loved ones to aged care homes, it becomes imperative to question the level of safety and protection they offer. What are your thoughts on this topic? Have you or anyone you know been contemplating the idea of entering aged care facilities in the near future?

In your opinion, what sort of training and support should be provided to care home staff to enable them to effectively handle challenging situations involving residents with dementia without resorting to excessive force? We would love to hear your thoughts on this matter, so please feel free to share your insights in the comments section below!

“

Cases of force used against the elderly have raised alarm bells in recent times, as we are left to question if our loved ones in aged care homes are truly safe, secure, and being treated with the respect they deserve.

Before entrusting our dearest to facilities that promise adequate care and safety, we must attempt to understand what could go wrong and how we can ensure that such incidents are appropriately addressed and prevented in the future.

Two heartbreaking stories involving elderly women with dementia have come to light, both taking place within aged care homes in Australia. The incidents resulted in their hospitalisation, with one of them now receiving end-of-life care at the age of 95.

These alarming events have led many to question the actions of the police and the use of force, protocols surrounding aged care home management, and whether any measures are in place to avert inappropriate actions.

Credit: 7NEWS Australia. ​

In the first incident, Clare Nowland, a 95-year-old grandmother who used a walking frame, was tasered by police at the Yallambee Lodge aged care facility in Cooma, NSW. Paramedics and police were summoned when they found her holding a steak knife.

Ms Nowland, advancing slowly with her walking frame, was struck with a taser and consequently fell, sustaining a head injury. Her family is now grief-stricken, and this tragic case is being investigated by relevant law enforcement agencies.

You can find more information about this story in this article.

The second incident involves Rachel Grahame, who was forcibly handcuffed by the police in 2020 after she took a lanyard and electronic device from a desk at St Basil's aged care home in Sydney. In the footage, she can be heard crying for help and questioning the officers during the incident.

Her family filed a lawsuit against the NSW police, accusing them of assault, battery, and false imprisonment. Eventually, they received compensation.

According to Ms Grahame's daughter, Emma, who spoke to a news source, she believes that the police should not have been called in the first place.

View attachment 20544

Are there rules or restrictions for police and staff in care homes for these situations? Credit: Pexels/Andrea Piacquadio.

What are the rules surrounding the use of force in aged care homes?

The horrific situations mentioned above beg a closer look at the policies and guidelines surrounding the use of force in aged care homes. The NSW Law Enforcement (Powers and Responsibilities) Act 2002, for instance, states that an officer may use 'such force as is reasonably necessary' for arrest or preventing escape.

However, these rules become murky when applied to cases involving vulnerable individuals like those residing in aged care homes, turning our focus to the federal government's Aged Care Quality Standards.

These standards mandate that care providers have systems in place offering protection and safeguards around the delivery of care and services.

The Serious Incident Response Scheme (SIRS) comes into play following incidents and near misses, aiming to support affected parties and minimise the risk of recurrence. It categorises unreasonable use of force as actions that range from unwarranted physical force to violent physical assault.

To better support people with dementia, the government has also funded Dementia Training Australia to deliver the Dementia Training Program, with the revised Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing), including mandatory components for supporting dementia patients.

Furthermore, the Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) acknowledges the need for proper training and skills to support elderly individuals with dementia, pointing to 'huge skills gaps' in aged care staff training.

Key Takeaways

• Two separate incidents involving elderly women with dementia in aged care homes have raised questions about the actions of police and the use of force.
• The NSW Law Enforcement (Powers and Responsibilities) Act 2002 states that a police officer 'may use such force as is reasonably necessary' under certain conditions, but both cases involved frail women with dementia in aged care facilities.
• The federal government's Aged Care Quality Standards require aged care service providers to have systems in place to provide protections and safeguards around the delivery of care and services.

As we entrust our vulnerable loved ones to aged care homes, it becomes imperative to question the level of safety and protection they offer. What are your thoughts on this topic? Have you or anyone you know been contemplating the idea of entering aged care facilities in the near future?

In your opinion, what sort of training and support should be provided to care home staff to enable them to effectively handle challenging situations involving residents with dementia without resorting to excessive force? We would love to hear your thoughts on this matter, so please feel free to share your insights in the comments section below!

 

[lynnh]

Cases of force used against the elderly have raised alarm bells in recent times, as we are left to question if our loved ones in aged care homes are truly safe, secure, and being treated with the respect they deserve.

Before entrusting our dearest to facilities that promise adequate care and safety, we must attempt to understand what could go wrong and how we can ensure that such incidents are appropriately addressed and prevented in the future.

Two heartbreaking stories involving elderly women with dementia have come to light, both taking place within aged care homes in Australia. The incidents resulted in their hospitalisation, with one of them now receiving end-of-life care at the age of 95.

These alarming events have led many to question the actions of the police and the use of force, protocols surrounding aged care home management, and whether any measures are in place to avert inappropriate actions.

Credit: 7NEWS Australia. ​

In the first incident, Clare Nowland, a 95-year-old grandmother who used a walking frame, was tasered by police at the Yallambee Lodge aged care facility in Cooma, NSW. Paramedics and police were summoned when they found her holding a steak knife.

Ms Nowland, advancing slowly with her walking frame, was struck with a taser and consequently fell, sustaining a head injury. Her family is now grief-stricken, and this tragic case is being investigated by relevant law enforcement agencies.

You can find more information about this story in this article.

The second incident involves Rachel Grahame, who was forcibly handcuffed by the police in 2020 after she took a lanyard and electronic device from a desk at St Basil's aged care home in Sydney. In the footage, she can be heard crying for help and questioning the officers during the incident.

Her family filed a lawsuit against the NSW police, accusing them of assault, battery, and false imprisonment. Eventually, they received compensation.

According to Ms Grahame's daughter, Emma, who spoke to a news source, she believes that the police should not have been called in the first place.

View attachment 20544

Are there rules or restrictions for police and staff in care homes for these situations? Credit: Pexels/Andrea Piacquadio.

What are the rules surrounding the use of force in aged care homes?

The horrific situations mentioned above beg a closer look at the policies and guidelines surrounding the use of force in aged care homes. The NSW Law Enforcement (Powers and Responsibilities) Act 2002, for instance, states that an officer may use 'such force as is reasonably necessary' for arrest or preventing escape.

However, these rules become murky when applied to cases involving vulnerable individuals like those residing in aged care homes, turning our focus to the federal government's Aged Care Quality Standards.

These standards mandate that care providers have systems in place offering protection and safeguards around the delivery of care and services.

The Serious Incident Response Scheme (SIRS) comes into play following incidents and near misses, aiming to support affected parties and minimise the risk of recurrence. It categorises unreasonable use of force as actions that range from unwarranted physical force to violent physical assault.

To better support people with dementia, the government has also funded Dementia Training Australia to deliver the Dementia Training Program, with the revised Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing), including mandatory components for supporting dementia patients.

Furthermore, the Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) acknowledges the need for proper training and skills to support elderly individuals with dementia, pointing to 'huge skills gaps' in aged care staff training.

Key Takeaways

• Two separate incidents involving elderly women with dementia in aged care homes have raised questions about the actions of police and the use of force.
• The NSW Law Enforcement (Powers and Responsibilities) Act 2002 states that a police officer 'may use such force as is reasonably necessary' under certain conditions, but both cases involved frail women with dementia in aged care facilities.
• The federal government's Aged Care Quality Standards require aged care service providers to have systems in place to provide protections and safeguards around the delivery of care and services.

As we entrust our vulnerable loved ones to aged care homes, it becomes imperative to question the level of safety and protection they offer. What are your thoughts on this topic? Have you or anyone you know been contemplating the idea of entering aged care facilities in the near future?

In your opinion, what sort of training and support should be provided to care home staff to enable them to effectively handle challenging situations involving residents with dementia without resorting to excessive force? We would love to hear your thoughts on this matter, so please feel free to share your insights in the comments section below!

As I have said before all the training in the world doesn’t help if you don’t have support. Not everyone is suited to working in a dementia unit but when its part of a 4 unit 150 bed ACF, you don’t have a choice. I used to love working w dementia rts but as I reach retirement I find it harder to cope with some of the big strong men with aggressive behaviours. We are lucky we can call staff from other areas to assist bc while the best option is to walk away until things settle, sometimes when incontinence is involved, you can’t. My point is when we are short staffed- which is a daily occurrence- we get put into other units where we are not familiar w the residents and often have very little time to read notes before the sundown behaviour starts. Plus mgmnt can downgrade a SIRS with playing on words. I don’t know what the answer is except to monitor homes very closely and really consider your options- don’t look at the size of rooms and the beautiful rooms- see how many staff including lifestyle and continue to monitor!

 

[GranniCaz]

Our Elders already living in abject fear of admission to nursing homes/aged care facilities have rightly had those very real fears exacerbated by recent events. Any attempt to have regulators REGULATE, investigate or at the very least communicate, regarding Aged “Care” reveals a murky unnavigable, unresponsive, careless plethora of government funded agencies; and that wall of “pushback” and negligence is the only an example of anyone attempting to advocate for an Elder; imagine BEING that Elder!!!

 

[pascoevale]

As I have said before all the training in the world doesn’t help if you don’t have support. Not everyone is suited to working in a dementia unit but when its part of a 4 unit 150 bed ACF, you don’t have a choice. I used to love working w dementia rts but as I reach retirement I find it harder to cope with some of the big strong men with aggressive behaviours. We are lucky we can call staff from other areas to assist bc while the best option is to walk away until things settle, sometimes when incontinence is involved, you can’t. My point is when we are short staffed- which is a daily occurrence- we get put into other units where we are not familiar w the residents and often have very little time to read notes before the sundown behaviour starts. Plus mgmnt can downgrade a SIRS with playing on words. I don’t know what the answer is except to monitor homes very closely and really consider your options- don’t look at the size of rooms and the beautiful rooms- see how many staff including lifestyle and continue to monitor!

Urging homes are paid a lot of extra money with dementia care clients as oppose to other clients but won’t supply extra staff dementia precipice now don’t blame the governments here where is the responsibility of nursing home owners care providers who charge people a absolute fortune then the government tips in more money. We blame governments for interference and when things go wrong why isn’t the government doing something meanwhile the nursing home owners /companies are filling there own pockets with the money for people’s care
. oh but wait it’s the governments fault. So if you receive a service that you have paid for from a company and it’s not appropriate is it the government’s fault Why is it you blame the government but not the care providers and as for tasering a 95 yo lady typical police brutality again. There is no proof that excessive force was required plus she had a Walking Frame next you will get tasered for J walking

 

[Sloopy]

As I have said before all the training in the world doesn’t help if you don’t have support. Not everyone is suited to working in a dementia unit but when its part of a 4 unit 150 bed ACF, you don’t have a choice. I used to love working w dementia rts but as I reach retirement I find it harder to cope with some of the big strong men with aggressive behaviours. We are lucky we can call staff from other areas to assist bc while the best option is to walk away until things settle, sometimes when incontinence is involved, you can’t. My point is when we are short staffed- which is a daily occurrence- we get put into other units where we are not familiar w the residents and often have very little time to read notes before the sundown behaviour starts. Plus mgmnt can downgrade a SIRS with playing on words. I don’t know what the answer is except to monitor homes very closely and really consider your options- don’t look at the size of rooms and the beautiful rooms- see how many staff including lifestyle and continue to monitor!

I worked in Aged and Disability residential care for many years. Part of the problem is lack of training and staffing levels. Another significant factor is the employment of people who are not suited to the work. I understand that there are huge problems in recruiting sufficient staff, but this is an issue which has been around for way to long without the root causes being addressed.
One facility I worked at in the early 2000s went through a period of having totally unsuitable applicants for positions. It turned out that they were being sent by JSPs who threatened them with loss of benefits if they either didn't go to interviews or didn't take the job if offered.

It is so easy to set someone with dementia off by just a careless word or even tone of voice which makes them feel confused and threatened. A chain of escalation involving the arrival of multiple unfamiliar people in uniforms is, sadly, readily possible.

 

[mummygoth]

Cases of force used against the elderly have raised alarm bells in recent times, as we are left to question if our loved ones in aged care homes are truly safe, secure, and being treated with the respect they deserve.

Before entrusting our dearest to facilities that promise adequate care and safety, we must attempt to understand what could go wrong and how we can ensure that such incidents are appropriately addressed and prevented in the future.

Two heartbreaking stories involving elderly women with dementia have come to light, both taking place within aged care homes in Australia. The incidents resulted in their hospitalisation, with one of them now receiving end-of-life care at the age of 95.

These alarming events have led many to question the actions of the police and the use of force, protocols surrounding aged care home management, and whether any measures are in place to avert inappropriate actions.

Credit: 7NEWS Australia. ​

In the first incident, Clare Nowland, a 95-year-old grandmother who used a walking frame, was tasered by police at the Yallambee Lodge aged care facility in Cooma, NSW. Paramedics and police were summoned when they found her holding a steak knife.

Ms Nowland, advancing slowly with her walking frame, was struck with a taser and consequently fell, sustaining a head injury. Her family is now grief-stricken, and this tragic case is being investigated by relevant law enforcement agencies.

You can find more information about this story in this article.

The second incident involves Rachel Grahame, who was forcibly handcuffed by the police in 2020 after she took a lanyard and electronic device from a desk at St Basil's aged care home in Sydney. In the footage, she can be heard crying for help and questioning the officers during the incident.

Her family filed a lawsuit against the NSW police, accusing them of assault, battery, and false imprisonment. Eventually, they received compensation.

According to Ms Grahame's daughter, Emma, who spoke to a news source, she believes that the police should not have been called in the first place.

View attachment 20544

Are there rules or restrictions for police and staff in care homes for these situations? Credit: Pexels/Andrea Piacquadio.

What are the rules surrounding the use of force in aged care homes?

The horrific situations mentioned above beg a closer look at the policies and guidelines surrounding the use of force in aged care homes. The NSW Law Enforcement (Powers and Responsibilities) Act 2002, for instance, states that an officer may use 'such force as is reasonably necessary' for arrest or preventing escape.

However, these rules become murky when applied to cases involving vulnerable individuals like those residing in aged care homes, turning our focus to the federal government's Aged Care Quality Standards.

These standards mandate that care providers have systems in place offering protection and safeguards around the delivery of care and services.

The Serious Incident Response Scheme (SIRS) comes into play following incidents and near misses, aiming to support affected parties and minimise the risk of recurrence. It categorises unreasonable use of force as actions that range from unwarranted physical force to violent physical assault.

To better support people with dementia, the government has also funded Dementia Training Australia to deliver the Dementia Training Program, with the revised Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing), including mandatory components for supporting dementia patients.

Furthermore, the Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) acknowledges the need for proper training and skills to support elderly individuals with dementia, pointing to 'huge skills gaps' in aged care staff training.

Key Takeaways

• Two separate incidents involving elderly women with dementia in aged care homes have raised questions about the actions of police and the use of force.
• The NSW Law Enforcement (Powers and Responsibilities) Act 2002 states that a police officer 'may use such force as is reasonably necessary' under certain conditions, but both cases involved frail women with dementia in aged care facilities.
• The federal government's Aged Care Quality Standards require aged care service providers to have systems in place to provide protections and safeguards around the delivery of care and services.

As we entrust our vulnerable loved ones to aged care homes, it becomes imperative to question the level of safety and protection they offer. What are your thoughts on this topic? Have you or anyone you know been contemplating the idea of entering aged care facilities in the near future?

In your opinion, what sort of training and support should be provided to care home staff to enable them to effectively handle challenging situations involving residents with dementia without resorting to excessive force? We would love to hear your thoughts on this matter, so please feel free to share your insights in the comments section below!

I am so angry about these cases. Care, compassion, patience, empathy & a sense of humour to work with dementia sufferers & much more than 6 weeks training. Years back I worked with dementia patients at the local hospital. I very quickly decided that it was not a role I would thrive in & consequently it would be better for me & the patients if I did something else. Reading on line in the past few days, this came up "Happy Birthday", everyone knows it & will sing along with it & clap to it. Dementia patients remember the song. so use it to distract the patient. That made sense to me, rather like distracting a small child before the tantrum explodes out of control. It's ceertainly worth a try. Sadly we may see more of these horror stories until our frail aged Australians stop being $$$$ on a balance sheet.

 

[annvic]

I was shocked and disgusted by the action taken to bring down an elderly dementia patient. I think the police officer must have been a bully for a long time and is finally found out. Anyone knows the first thing you have to do with an elderly person let alone a dementia patient is to de-escalate the situation. She took a knife - a dinner table knife? she probably thouhgt it was a pen and wanted to use it on another object - de-escalate and offer options to remove the knife from her. NO shouting, no crowds, no dramas to create. To resort to the taser is tantamount to murder for an elderly person and this is exactly what happened. The police officer is stupid to say the least.I could go on but I will stop here.

 

[annvic]

I am so angry about these cases. Care, compassion, patience, empathy & a sense of humour to work with dementia sufferers & much more than 6 weeks training. Years back I worked with dementia patients at the local hospital. I very quickly decided that it was not a role I would thrive in & consequently it would be better for me & the patients if I did something else. Reading on line in the past few days, this came up "Happy Birthday", everyone knows it & will sing along with it & clap to it. Dementia patients remember the song. so use it to distract the patient. That made sense to me, rather like distracting a small child before the tantrum explodes out of control. It's ceertainly worth a try. Sadly we may see more of these horror stories until our frail aged Australians stop being $$$$ on a balance sheet.

yes. to me you de-escalate by distracting the patient. Do not create a fuss. 99.99% of dementia patients do not know what they are doing ! what they are doing is NOT intentional!

 

[Pommyoz]

Why wasn’t the kitchen door locked?
Why are steak knives needed?
Where were the staff?
Why call the police?
Was she SO STRONG AND DANGEROUS at 45kgs?
My fathers nursing home kitchen door was always locked, because location warranted it to be.

 

[KSS]

I am very concerned that the policeman involved in this incident will be made the scapegoat for the failings of this aged care home and the aged care sector more generally. As a facility presumably specialising in dementia care, why was it even necessary to involve the police in the first place? Yes, I am sorry for the family who lost their family member probably sooner than expected, but I am also very sorry for the policeman, his professional partner, and HIS family. I am also extremely concerned for the police force as a whole who are being asked to deal with more and more situations that are really not the province of law enforcement. The police are being used as a backup force when others fail in their duty and then they are blamed if/when it all goes pear-shaped. Police are law enforcers, they are not psychiatrists, social workers, aged care workers or anything else. Why do people think the police should be experts in all these areas when they themselves are probably not? The police much like teachers are NOT there to clean up other people's failures and we should all stop expecting them to solve all society's ills whilst we sit back and post snotty comments to social media.

 

[Vinylted]

The lady in question has now died. The policeman involved has been stood down (with pay) and charged on several counts. I believe correctly, a 95 year old frail lady was a menace to a big brave policeman while holding a steak knife while using a walking frame to walk. He must have been terrified! Bloody moron!

 

[maggiej]

I too agree why was this lady able to access a small kitchen knife> Where were her carers? Surely these patients cannot just wander around wherever on their own. Another thing why wasn't someone able to get behind her and disable her? So many questions As for tasering a lady while she was walking with a walker, surely she could not have lunged at anyone nor would she be able to run.
Shame on so many people involved mainly say the "care home".

 

[Vinylted]

I too agree why was this lady able to access a small kitchen knife> Where were her carers? Surely these patients cannot just wander around wherever on their own. Another thing why wasn't someone able to get behind her and disable her? So many questions As for tasering a lady while she was walking with a walker, surely she could not have lunged at anyone nor would she be able to run.
Shame on so many people involved mainly say the "care home".

You hardly wander when using a walking frame.. totter more likely.... AND a small steak knife is hardly a dangerous weapon in the hands of a 45kg 95 yr old woman! Shame on the home. shame on the police!

 

[relljube]

I am very concerned that the policeman involved in this incident will be made the scapegoat for the failings of this aged care home and the aged care sector more generally. As a facility presumably specialising in dementia care, why was it even necessary to involve the police in the first place? Yes, I am sorry for the family who lost their family member probably sooner than expected, but I am also very sorry for the policeman, his professional partner, and HIS family. I am also extremely concerned for the police force as a whole who are being asked to deal with more and more situations that are really not the province of law enforcement. The police are being used as a backup force when others fail in their duty and then they are blamed if/when it all goes pear-shaped. Police are law enforcers, they are not psychiatrists, social workers, aged care workers or anything else. Why do people think the police should be experts in all these areas when they themselves are probably not? The police much like teachers are NOT there to clean up other people's failures and we should all stop expecting them to solve all society's ills whilst we sit back and post snotty comments to social media.

Well said - it beggars belief that the aged care home does not insist on their staff being trained to handle dementia patients without having to involve police. These homes are all crying poor now that they have to have 24 hour nursing staff on hand but they are quick to put their hands out for the patient's pension payment etc. For too long the operators have been raking in their profits and now start to whinge when they are made accountable.
It is not the policeman that should be held accountable for this incident, but the staff on duty who it would appear were not as observant of their charge as they should be.

 

[Defiant540]

I worked in Aged and Disability residential care for many years. Part of the problem is lack of training and staffing levels. Another significant factor is the employment of people who are not suited to the work. I understand that there are huge problems in recruiting sufficient staff, but this is an issue which has been around for way to long without the root causes being addressed.
One facility I worked at in the early 2000s went through a period of having totally unsuitable applicants for positions. It turned out that they were being sent by JSPs who threatened them with loss of benefits if they either didn't go to interviews or didn't take the job if offered.

It is so easy to set someone with dementia off by just a careless word or even tone of voice which makes them feel confused and threatened. A chain of escalation involving the arrival of multiple unfamiliar people in uniforms is, sadly, readily possible.

JSPs??

 

[Vinylted]

Well said - it beggars belief that the aged care home does not insist on their staff being trained to handle dementia patients without having to involve police. These homes are all crying poor now that they have to have 24 hour nursing staff on hand but they are quick to put their hands out for the patient's pension payment etc. For too long the operators have been raking in their profits and now start to whinge when they are made accountable.
It is not the policeman that should be held accountable for this incident, but the staff on duty who it would appear were not as observant of their charge as they should be.

Tat is all very well, but let's face it a five year could do more damage with a knife than this poor old lady... lack of care yes, but total over reaction by the police officer.

 

[Lesle]

Cases of force used against the elderly have raised alarm bells in recent times, as we are left to question if our loved ones in aged care homes are truly safe, secure, and being treated with the respect they deserve.

Before entrusting our dearest to facilities that promise adequate care and safety, we must attempt to understand what could go wrong and how we can ensure that such incidents are appropriately addressed and prevented in the future.

Two heartbreaking stories involving elderly women with dementia have come to light, both taking place within aged care homes in Australia. The incidents resulted in their hospitalisation, with one of them now receiving end-of-life care at the age of 95.

These alarming events have led many to question the actions of the police and the use of force, protocols surrounding aged care home management, and whether any measures are in place to avert inappropriate actions.

Credit: 7NEWS Australia. ​

In the first incident, Clare Nowland, a 95-year-old grandmother who used a walking frame, was tasered by police at the Yallambee Lodge aged care facility in Cooma, NSW. Paramedics and police were summoned when they found her holding a steak knife.

Ms Nowland, advancing slowly with her walking frame, was struck with a taser and consequently fell, sustaining a head injury. Her family is now grief-stricken, and this tragic case is being investigated by relevant law enforcement agencies.

You can find more information about this story in this article.

The second incident involves Rachel Grahame, who was forcibly handcuffed by the police in 2020 after she took a lanyard and electronic device from a desk at St Basil's aged care home in Sydney. In the footage, she can be heard crying for help and questioning the officers during the incident.

Her family filed a lawsuit against the NSW police, accusing them of assault, battery, and false imprisonment. Eventually, they received compensation.

According to Ms Grahame's daughter, Emma, who spoke to a news source, she believes that the police should not have been called in the first place.

View attachment 20544

Are there rules or restrictions for police and staff in care homes for these situations? Credit: Pexels/Andrea Piacquadio.

What are the rules surrounding the use of force in aged care homes?

The horrific situations mentioned above beg a closer look at the policies and guidelines surrounding the use of force in aged care homes. The NSW Law Enforcement (Powers and Responsibilities) Act 2002, for instance, states that an officer may use 'such force as is reasonably necessary' for arrest or preventing escape.

However, these rules become murky when applied to cases involving vulnerable individuals like those residing in aged care homes, turning our focus to the federal government's Aged Care Quality Standards.

These standards mandate that care providers have systems in place offering protection and safeguards around the delivery of care and services.

The Serious Incident Response Scheme (SIRS) comes into play following incidents and near misses, aiming to support affected parties and minimise the risk of recurrence. It categorises unreasonable use of force as actions that range from unwarranted physical force to violent physical assault.

To better support people with dementia, the government has also funded Dementia Training Australia to deliver the Dementia Training Program, with the revised Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing), including mandatory components for supporting dementia patients.

Furthermore, the Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) acknowledges the need for proper training and skills to support elderly individuals with dementia, pointing to 'huge skills gaps' in aged care staff training.

Key Takeaways

• Two separate incidents involving elderly women with dementia in aged care homes have raised questions about the actions of police and the use of force.
• The NSW Law Enforcement (Powers and Responsibilities) Act 2002 states that a police officer 'may use such force as is reasonably necessary' under certain conditions, but both cases involved frail women with dementia in aged care facilities.
• The federal government's Aged Care Quality Standards require aged care service providers to have systems in place to provide protections and safeguards around the delivery of care and services.

As we entrust our vulnerable loved ones to aged care homes, it becomes imperative to question the level of safety and protection they offer. What are your thoughts on this topic? Have you or anyone you know been contemplating the idea of entering aged care facilities in the near future?

In your opinion, what sort of training and support should be provided to care home staff to enable them to effectively handle challenging situations involving residents with dementia without resorting to excessive force? We would love to hear your thoughts on this matter, so please feel free to share your insights in the comments

Cases of force used against the elderly have raised alarm bells in recent times, as we are left to question if our loved ones in aged care homes are truly safe, secure, and being treated with the respect they deserve.

Before entrusting our dearest to facilities that promise adequate care and safety, we must attempt to understand what could go wrong and how we can ensure that such incidents are appropriately addressed and prevented in the future.

Two heartbreaking stories involving elderly women with dementia have come to light, both taking place within aged care homes in Australia. The incidents resulted in their hospitalisation, with one of them now receiving end-of-life care at the age of 95.

These alarming events have led many to question the actions of the police and the use of force, protocols surrounding aged care home management, and whether any measures are in place to avert inappropriate actions.

Credit: 7NEWS Australia. ​

In the first incident, Clare Nowland, a 95-year-old grandmother who used a walking frame, was tasered by police at the Yallambee Lodge aged care facility in Cooma, NSW. Paramedics and police were summoned when they found her holding a steak knife.

Ms Nowland, advancing slowly with her walking frame, was struck with a taser and consequently fell, sustaining a head injury. Her family is now grief-stricken, and this tragic case is being investigated by relevant law enforcement agencies.

You can find more information about this story in this article.

The second incident involves Rachel Grahame, who was forcibly handcuffed by the police in 2020 after she took a lanyard and electronic device from a desk at St Basil's aged care home in Sydney. In the footage, she can be heard crying for help and questioning the officers during the incident.

Her family filed a lawsuit against the NSW police, accusing them of assault, battery, and false imprisonment. Eventually, they received compensation.

According to Ms Grahame's daughter, Emma, who spoke to a news source, she believes that the police should not have been called in the first place.

View attachment 20544

Are there rules or restrictions for police and staff in care homes for these situations? Credit: Pexels/Andrea Piacquadio.

What are the rules surrounding the use of force in aged care homes?

The horrific situations mentioned above beg a closer look at the policies and guidelines surrounding the use of force in aged care homes. The NSW Law Enforcement (Powers and Responsibilities) Act 2002, for instance, states that an officer may use 'such force as is reasonably necessary' for arrest or preventing escape.

However, these rules become murky when applied to cases involving vulnerable individuals like those residing in aged care homes, turning our focus to the federal government's Aged Care Quality Standards.

These standards mandate that care providers have systems in place offering protection and safeguards around the delivery of care and services.

The Serious Incident Response Scheme (SIRS) comes into play following incidents and near misses, aiming to support affected parties and minimise the risk of recurrence. It categorises unreasonable use of force as actions that range from unwarranted physical force to violent physical assault.

To better support people with dementia, the government has also funded Dementia Training Australia to deliver the Dementia Training Program, with the revised Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing), including mandatory components for supporting dementia patients.

Furthermore, the Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) acknowledges the need for proper training and skills to support elderly individuals with dementia, pointing to 'huge skills gaps' in aged care staff training.

Key Takeaways

• Two separate incidents involving elderly women with dementia in aged care homes have raised questions about the actions of police and the use of force.
• The NSW Law Enforcement (Powers and Responsibilities) Act 2002 states that a police officer 'may use such force as is reasonably necessary' under certain conditions, but both cases involved frail women with dementia in aged care facilities.
• The federal government's Aged Care Quality Standards require aged care service providers to have systems in place to provide protections and safeguards around the delivery of care and services.

As we entrust our vulnerable loved ones to aged care homes, it becomes imperative to question the level of safety and protection they offer. What are your thoughts on this topic? Have you or anyone you know been contemplating the idea of entering aged care facilities in the near future?

In your opinion, what sort of training and support should be provided to care home staff to enable them to effectively handle challenging situations involving residents with dementia without resorting to excessive force? We would love to hear your thoughts on this matter, so please feel free to share your insights in the comments section below!

She’s just an old lady, if the cop had walked up behind her, he could’ve easily have disarmed her without hurting her. There was absolutely no need to take her. I can’t understand why the nursing staff couldn’t deal with the situation, they are trained, to take control of situations without putting themselves in danger, they work with that lady, they know her by name/sight they must have panicked and called the police

 

[Vinylted]

There can be instances where the dementia patient is a large active individual regardless of age, proper help may be called in these cases, but for the frail elderly no way!