After relocating her husband of nearly six decades to a care home, Bailie Smith’s grandmother had hoped for his safety. Unfortunately, William Cone, affectionately known as Lauri, managed to leave the Preston Special Care Home in Saskatoon unnoticed just 36 hours after his arrival on October 11 due to his Alzheimer’s condition.
Smith recounted receiving a call around 10:30 a.m. from a concerned citizen who witnessed her grandfather’s fall and called for an ambulance. Astonishingly, the care home staff were unaware of Cone’s departure, and it was his wife who alerted them. Cone, aged 86, wearing slippers and utilizing a walker, walked approximately eight blocks before falling and breaking his hip. Despite undergoing surgery on October 13 at Royal University Hospital, his health rapidly deteriorated, leading to his passing on October 20.
Operated by the Saskatchewan Health Authority, Preston Special Care Home is under review to investigate the circumstances surrounding Cone’s unauthorized departure. Smith expressed her grandmother’s devastation, emphasizing the preventable nature of the tragedy. Cone, who was temporarily admitted to the facility on October 9 while awaiting a permanent placement, was reported to have left through a door left propped open during a kitchen renovation, contrary to the facility’s security measures.
Describing Cone as a retired Canada Post worker and an active church member who retained his lucidity, Smith highlighted his involvement in family activities. The family now seeks an inquiry into the incident and urges systemic changes to avert similar occurrences for others with Alzheimer’s. Smith emphasized the need for mandatory security measures like cameras, alarms, and locked doors in care facilities to prevent unauthorized exits.
Despite encountering resistance and lack of communication from the care home, the family remains resolute in advocating for accountability and improved safety standards within care facilities. The Saskatchewan Health Authority expressed condolences to the family and committed to engaging with them to address any care-related concerns. Smith emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety of vulnerable loved ones in care facilities, calling for proactive measures to protect and care for the elderly.