95-year-old mum Clare Nowland tasered by police and ‘fighting for life’

Police have said 95-year-old Clare Nowland was found holding a knife near her walker when they arrived at the nursing home, and they struggled to remove the knife from her before the incident.

Police have revealed shocking new details after an elderly woman with dementia was tasered by officers in an aged care home.

The 95-year-old woman is believed to have been found holding a knife at the Yallambee Lodge in Cooma, sparking a call to police before the incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon.

Claire Nowland is still fighting for life at Cooma Hospital where she remains in a critical condition.

Police allege she was still armed with a knife when officers and paramedics arrived at the aged care facility.

They can now reveal they attempted to speak with Ms Nowland before a senior constable discharged his taser.

The 95-year-old fell to the ground and struck her head.

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Clare Nowland was tasered by police at an aged care home in Cooma. Picture: Supplied

"My thoughts are with the family at this difficult time"

A critical incident team is now investigating the incident and it will be subject to an independent review.

The officer’s duty status is also under review.

NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb said in a statement on Friday the matter was being treated with the “utmost seriousness”.

“My thoughts are with the family at this difficult time. I understand and share the community concerns and assure you that we are treating this matter with the utmost seriousness,” she said.

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Yallambee Lodge is a 40 bed aged care facility with 38 permanent beds and 2 respite beds.

"Council are supporting our staff, residents, and families"

The aged care centre is operated by Snowy Monaro Regional Council, which confirmed the incident on Wednesday.

“Council are supporting our staff, residents, and families during this difficult time,” a council spokesperson said.

“No further comment is available at the current time due to the ongoing investigation and out of respect for the privacy of those involved.”

Yallambee Lodge has been operating since 1995 and contains 38 permanent beds and two respite beds.

“The hostel includes beautiful gardens and open shared spaces for activities and socialising,” the council website says about the facility.

Originally published as 95-year-old mum Clare Nowland tasered by police and ‘fighting for life’