In an incident at an old-age home an 89-year-old woman died at the hands of an 86-year-old male resident suffering from dementia.
Having moved to the facility just eight weeks prior, Joan Hobbs was assaulted by the male resident using his walker on July 15, ultimately leading to her death on July 20. Based on doctors’ advice, Hobbs’ daughter, Erin Mulholland, had enrolled her mother at the nursing home, where she needed constant supervision after six years of home care.
The assault left Hobbs with severe injuries from which recovery was impossible, leaving the family with the painful task of watching over her until she passed away. Speaking to local news, Hobbs’ daughters described her injuries, including facial bruising and broken bones, as “devastating.”
The daughters have raised concerns about the nursing home’s staffing levels and have accused the facility of systemic failure. They are calling for urgent investigations into the incident and for improved staffing levels at such facilities.
While the family has decided against pressing charges against the dementia patient’s family, they hope their experience will trigger necessary changes by the government and relevant authorities to prevent similar future occurrences.
The nursing home has reported the incident to the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission, and a police investigation is ongoing to prepare a report for the coroner.