The 95-year-old resident of Yallambee Lodge aged care facility, in the NSW Snowy Mountains, has passed away in hospital as the Senior Constable, 33, who allegedly Tasered her was charged with three offences including recklessly causing grievous bodily harm, assault occasioning actual bodily harm and common assault.
The officer – who had already been suspended on full pay – is now due to appear in Cooma Local Court on 5 July, according to a statement from NSW Police.
The Senior Constable, who has around 12 years’ experience with the police force, Tasered Clare Nowland, who had dementia, last week after she allegedly approached him and another police officer on her walking frame and carrying a steak knife.
She fell after being Tasered, fracturing her skull, and had been receiving end-of-life care in Cooma Base Hospital where she passed away on Wednesday night.
The incident has prompted other families to go to the media with details of other incidents where police have been heavy handed dealing with aged care residents.
In one case, an 81-year-old resident of St Basil’s aged care home in the Sydney eastern suburb of Randwick was handcuffed by police. Police body cam shows the woman, who was also living with dementia, struggling, and howling.
These incidents are a reminder of the importance of dementia training, to give staff the tools to prevent residents from becoming distressed, and how to deescalate situations if they do arise.
