After relocating her husband of nearly six decades to a care facility for safety, Bailie Smith’s grandmother faced a tragic outcome. William Cone, also known as Lauri, inexplicably left Preston Special Care Home in Saskatoon just 36 hours after his arrival on October 11 due to his Alzheimer’s condition. Cone, 86, managed to walk eight blocks with a walker before falling and breaking his hip, leading to his subsequent passing on October 20 after surgery at Royal University Hospital.
The incident prompted the Saskatchewan Health Authority, which oversees the care home, to launch a formal investigation into the circumstances surrounding Cone’s departure. Smith shared her grandmother’s devastation, emphasizing that the mishap was entirely preventable and expressing disappointment in the care home’s response to the situation.
Cone, a retired Canada Post worker known for his church involvement and active lifestyle, was described as a loving and engaged family member. Smith underscored the need for comprehensive changes in care home protocols to avert similar incidents, advocating for mandatory security measures like surveillance cameras and patient alarms to ensure residents’ safety.
The family’s call for accountability and systemic reforms has garnered support, with Smith urging increased scrutiny and transparency within care facilities to safeguard vulnerable residents like her grandfather. The Saskatchewan Health Authority extended condolences to the grieving family and pledged to address their concerns through an inclusive review process, emphasizing the importance of improving care practices moving forward.
In their quest for justice and improved care standards, Smith’s family hopes that their advocacy will prompt meaningful change and prevent future tragedies for Alzheimer’s patients and their families. Their public stance serves as a reminder of the crucial need to prioritize the safety and well-being of elderly individuals in care settings.