Roommate with Alzheimer’s fatally injured Tennessee man with cane

In Tennessee and all over the country, elderly loved ones are placed into nursing homes and facilities when they can no longer take care of themselves at home or when they may suffer with illnesses that leave them unable to remember most things. Some of these homes do a great job, however, some fail to provide protection that a resident needs. I recent case will no doubt warrants an investigation to determine if an unavoidable tragedy occurred or if the incident could have been prevented. This investigation should focus on whether there were prior warnings, appropriate staffing and appropriate care plans in place.

According to the news, Dorothy Reeder’s husband, Donald Reeder’s eighty-three was beaten with a cane by his eighty-nine year old roommate Orville Hayes while living at the Elmcroft at Twin Hills nursing facility. Both of residents involved in the incident suffered from Alzheimer’s. According to police, the incident had occurred in Hayes’ room and the room had been found splattered with blood with a cane found nearby. The police believe Hayes used the cane to beat Donald Reeder about the head.

Donald Reeder was too badly injured and after being treated at a hospital was later transferred to a nursing home and finally to a hospice, where he died on January 10th. Metro Police spokesman Don Aaron said,”At present, the investigation shows that Mr. Reeder was struck with what we believe to have been a cane. When he was found he said that he had been beaten.”

According to an interview with the victim’s wife, Dorothy Reeder, she had feared for her husband’s safety when he got a new roommate. She had asked Elmcroft officials to move Donald to another room but was told that no other rooms were available. She stated that her husband’s roommate had arrived about six weeks ago and that the trouble started immediately.
The police spokesman Don Aaron has stated that, “Though the investigation is still ongoing, it was unlikely that any charges will be filed.” He stated that this is because,”The case is unusual and complicated. Both the 83-year-old and the 89-year-old suffered from Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. The police are however looking into Hayes’ medical condition.

Again, this case may be simply a tragic unavoidable occurrence or it could be a result of inadequate care. Only a thorough investigation will reveal the answer. If someone you care for has been improperly cared for or neglected and suffered an injury while in a nursing home, you should contact one of our caring and knowledgeable Tennessee nursing home neglect lawyer sure you receive the compensation you need.