Kamloops

Resident-on-resident violence a concern says SFU aging expert

Kamloops' Emily Houston, 84, died 10 days after she was attacked by a woman with dementia

Kamloops' Emily Houston, 84, died 10 days after she was attacked by a woman with dementia

Eight-four-year-old Emily Houston (right) was a resident at the Kamloops Seniors Village care home, where she fell after being pushed last July — an incident that led to her death, according to the coroner. (Nancy Bradley)

The death of an elderly woman in Kamloops has raised the issue of how best to care for dementia patients in retirement homes.

Eighty-four year old Emily Houston was assaulted by a fellow resident at the Kamloops Seniors Village.

The attack happened last July but just came to light after the Coroner ruled the death a homicide.

Last week, Daybreak spoke with Emily's daughter Nancy Bradley.

Her mom died in hospital, 10 days after the assault.

Her attacker was a fellow resident who suffers from dementia.

The case caught the attention of Simon Fraser Univeristy gerontology professor Gloria Gutman.

She's also president of the International Network for Prevention of Elder Abuse.

To listen to the full interview, click on the link: Violence among seniors on the rise says SFU aging expert.