At least 15 elderly women and 13 elderly men were found to have died from “resident aggression” in aged care facilities between 2000 and 2013 according to Monash University research highlighted in The Age.
Most of the deaths happened when a resident fell after being pushed or punched with only two of the deaths resulting in criminal charges.
Almost 90% of the residents who died or committed the assault also had dementia, while 25% had schizophrenia – reflecting the rising problem of mental health in aged care.
The authors also warn that many serious but non-fatal assaults between dementia patients go unreported.
“It is just really the tip of the iceberg of other incidents that occur on a daily basis,” Monash University researcher Briony Murphy said.
