An elderly man has been hospitalized following a severe beating by another resident at a care home. John Cain, aged 87, was attacked in a secure garden courtyard at HammondCare’s Hammondville facility in south-west Sydney on June 17 around 9 pm.
Disturbing hospital images depict the victim with a heavily bruised and bloodied face, necessitating a neck brace and showing signs of blood coming from his ear. After the assault, John was discovered badly injured and covered in blood on the veranda outside his cottage within the secure dementia unit of the facility.
His daughter Margaret, who resides in Spain, expressed shock and disbelief at the extent of his injuries, stating she had never witnessed such severe harm. Following a call at 9:31 pm informing her of John’s condition, Margaret was advised not to rush to the home as they were arranging for an ambulance to transport him to the hospital.
Margaret’s subsequent inquiries with the facility revealed that John had been found outside his cottage, injured and bloodied, triggering her insistence on accompanying him to the hospital. The family is seeking answers as John remains hospitalized.
HammondCare has initiated an investigation into the assault, aiming to determine how the incident occurred without detection. Executive General Manager Jenny Summerton expressed deep regret over the incident, notifying the police promptly and informing the family.
Summerton explained that the facility caters to individuals with severe dementia diagnoses who may exhibit aggressive behaviors, emphasizing the challenges in managing residents with complex needs. She reassured that the facility was adequately staffed.
A spokesperson for HammondCare confirmed a thorough internal investigation was underway, with a report submitted to the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission. The other resident involved in the incident is receiving personalized care and undergoing clinical assessment to prevent further incidents.
Geoffrey Innes, a 69-year-old man, has been charged with assault causing actual bodily harm (DV) and is under police guard at Liverpool Hospital. He has been denied bail and is set to appear in court via a bedside hearing.