Three care givers pleaded pleaded guilty to assault of a 92 year old patient who suffered from dementia. Assaults captured on video, and consisted of rough treatment, flicking water on the victim and threatening to poor water on his face. No criminal records.
Held: 60 days jail plus probation.
“There is little to distinguish individuals suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or severe dementia from children. Both are among the most vulnerable members of our society … Care givers must know that if they abuse their position of trust and authority over vulnerable individuals, the court shall deal with them harshly … In my view, the only way to ensure that this bond of trust remains intact is for the courts to determine that care givers who breach that trust will be sent to jail.”
R. Claxton, E. Funk, P. Hoare –
Defence Counsel