Dementia nursing home patient tasered by police at Yallambee Lodge near Cooma

A 95-year-old dementia patient has been left fighting for life after being tasered by police at a nursing home.

Clare Nowland, a mother of eight, was found by staff holding a knife at Yallambee Lodge near Cooma, in southern NSW, on Wednesday. 

Nursing home workers then called police before officers attempted to disarm the great-grandmother.

She was then tasered and rushed to Cooma District Hospital where her devastated family have remained by her bedside.

A NSW Police spokesperson said a critical incident investigation had been launched.

The news has come as a shock with Ms Nowland a stalwart among the community and local parish as she dedicated years to helping the needy at a charity shop.  

‘That investigation will be subject to independent review. No further details are available at this time,’ a NSW Police spokesperson said. 

Ms Nowland was closely involved with her community and was a member of the Cooma Golf Club and St Patrick’s Parish.

Former St Patrick’s Parish Priest Mick MacAndrew said the family had been involved for generations.

‘They were a very devoted family here, going back to her own parents,’ Fr MacAndrew said.

‘She was at daily mass when she was well before she went in to Yallambee (Lodge).’

Ms Nowland also worked at St Vincent de Paul for several years. 

‘She was a member of St Vincent’s de Paul in Cooma and she would help out at the school when her children were there,’ Fr MacAndrew said.

Ms Nowland moved into the nursing home five years ago following the loss of her husband and when she was no longer able to look after herself.

The Snowy Monaro Regional Council, which runs the nursing home, said staff had followed procedure.

The incident will be reported to the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission.