A Highland care home has said its staff responded “quickly and professionally” when a 91-year-old man was allegedly attacked by a fellow dementia sufferer.
John Taylor died last month, minutes after receiving nine head injuries in an incident at the £900-a-week Meallmore facility at East Daviot, just south of Inverness.
Mr Taylor’s son Ian revealed to the Press and Journal last week that the alleged assault happened in the home’s dining room and was witnessed by several other residents – but no staff.
The family also said they had raised concerns about staffing levels at the facility prior to the tragic incident.
Yesterday, the care home’s bosses expressed their condolences to the family of Mr Taylor, a retired civil engineer from Rosemarkie.
Commenting on the case publicly for the first time, a spokesman for the Meallmore said: “A resident at our Meallmore Lodge care home passed away suddenly on Friday, October 16, and our condolences are with his family at this difficult time.
“At the time, the staff responded quickly and professionally in calling all of the relevant emergency services and agencies, in line with our policy and regulations. They also provided support to residents, colleagues and family members.
“The safety and wellbeing of our residents is Meallmore’s top priority at all times and we remain committed to providing quality care and support to residents across all of our homes.
“We’re working with the relevant authorities to assist them with their investigations and cannot comment on details of the case, which is now with the office of the procurator fiscal for consideration.
“Our staffing levels are set in line with the requirements set out by the Care Commission, which regulates our sector, and often exceed the minimum requirements.”
Mr Taylor, of Rosemarkie, died of a blood clot within minutes of the alleged attack last month.
Mr Taylor’s son, Ian, has been told that the alleged attacker had a history of aggressive behaviour. It is understood he has now been moved to a psychiatric hospital.
Police have carried out an investigation, and inquiries are now being directed by the Scottish Fatalities Investigation Unit at the Crown Office.
The incident has triggered fresh demands from local council chiefs and MSPs for major improvements to the care of dementia sufferers.