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. 

Joan Hobbs became the unfortunate victim of a violent incident at a nursing home in Kirrawee, Sydney, Australia. The perpetrator, an 86-year-old male resident suffering from dementia, allegedly attacked Hobbs with his walker, leading to her demise on July 20.

Having lived at the care home for merely eight weeks, Hobbs was placed there under the guidance of doctors who believed she required constant supervision after receiving home care for six years. The brutal attack occurred on July 15, leaving Hobbs with severe injuries.

The nature of Hobbs’ injuries was so severe that her family could do nothing but watch over her until her death, as there was no hope of her recovery. The daughters, in their interaction with local news, detailed their mother’s “devastating” injuries, which included facial bruising and broken bones.

The sisters have accused the nursing home of a systemic failure due to inadequate staff supervision. They have demanded an urgent investigation and better staffing levels in similar care facilities.

Choosing not to press charges against the male resident’s family, the victim’s family instead hopes their tragedy will incite government authorities to implement necessary changes to prevent such incidents in the future.

The incident has been reported to the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission, and police are preparing a report for the coroner to shed light on the incident’s circumstances.