Yousif Yousif’s death leads to aged care policy overhaul
A coronial inquest has found “individual failings” at a western Sydney aged-care facility contributed to the tragic death of elderly man who drowned in a creek.
Fairfield
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The death of a man who slipped away from carers and was found floating in a Carramar creek has prompted changes to aged care policy in south-west Sydney.
Yousif Yousif, 76, was found in Orphan School Creek on December 15, 2016, after wandering away from his Fairfield Community Health carers at a Christmas party.
The father of seven had been diagnosed with dementia and his disappearance sparked a two-day search before his body was found by someone walking their dog.
A coroner’s court has since investigated the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
Magistrate Harriet Grahame, who handed down her findings on December 18, noted shortcomings in the care provided by the south west Sydney local health district and the ensuing search carried out by the NSW Police Force.
“As a result of the investigation commissioned by South Western Sydney Local Health District, I am satisfied that individual failings of (Fairfield Community Health) staff members were identified.”
She said they did not consider how to stop, mitigate or deal with a dementia patient who is known to try and wander away.
The health district has made several changes since commissioning its independent report, such as introducing policies to deal with absconding aged-care patients, repairing CCTV cameras, and scrapping consolidated Christmas parties.
In a testimony before the court, South Western Sydney Local Health District senior service manager of aged care and rehabilitation Rosemary Fraser said: “Historically, the Christmas party has been a huge thing …”
“But I think the gravity of the situation and the terrible outcome that people are still terribly upset about, they understand that it is worth it.”
Ms Grahame said the changes introduced would “reduce the risk of the re-occurrence of a similar tragedy”, and she noted a similar incident has not happened in the last three years.
Mr Yousif’s body was found just 700 metres away from the party he absconded.
A police patrol, helicopter scan and a public appeal on Facebook — published at around midnight — did not help locate him in time.
Ms Grahame made three recommendations to the NSW Commissioner of Police, Mick Fuller. They centred on prioritising search efforts for people suffering from dementia or cognitive impairments, by reviewing the use of social media and updating the operating processes for missing persons.