After relocating her husband of almost six decades to a care home, Bailie Smith’s grandmother had hoped for his safety. Unfortunately, within just 36 hours of settling at Preston Special Care Home in Saskatoon, William Cone, affectionately known as Lauri, slipped out of the facility unnoticed on October 11 due to his Alzheimer’s condition.
Smith recounted receiving a call around 10:30 a.m. CST from a concerned citizen who had witnessed Cone’s fall and promptly alerted her grandmother, who then informed the care home staff of his absence. Cone, aged 86, had ventured approximately eight blocks with a walker in slippers before sustaining a hip fracture from the fall. Following surgery at Royal University Hospital on October 13, his health deteriorated rapidly, leading to his passing on October 20.
Operated by the Saskatchewan Health Authority, the care home has launched a formal inquiry into the incident to ascertain the circumstances surrounding Cone’s departure. Smith expressed her grandmother’s devastation, citing the lack of proper monitoring and communication from the care home as contributing factors to the tragedy.
Cone, who was temporarily residing at the facility from October 9 while awaiting a permanent placement, had reportedly exploited a propped-open door near his room, which had been left unattended due to ongoing kitchen renovations. Despite security measures like pin pad-locked exit doors, the specific door used by Cone lacked supervision through security cameras or alarms.
Described as a retired Canada Post worker actively involved in his church and community activities, Cone’s family mourns his loss and advocates for a comprehensive investigation and systemic changes to prevent similar incidents. They emphasize the need for mandatory installation of surveillance cameras, patient alarms, and secure door protocols in care facilities to ensure the safety of vulnerable residents.
In response to the family’s concerns, the Saskatchewan Health Authority expressed condolences and pledged to engage with the family to address care-related issues. Smith’s family, seeking accountability and improved care standards, urges others to be vigilant and proactive in ensuring the well-being of their loved ones in care facilities.