Elderly assault victim's kin angry at system

The son of an elderly man allegedly attacked by a fellow resident at a Winnipeg care home says he feels let down by the health-care system.

Frank Alexander, 87, is in critical condition in a city hospital after an incident Thursday at a downtown home.

Police allege a 70-year-old man with Alzheimer’s, Joe McLeod, pushed Alexander during an altercation. McLeod is charged with aggravated assault and is being held at the Winnipeg Remand Centre.

"It is alleged that the 70-year-old male physically assaulted the 87-year-old male … causing him to fall backwards, subsequently striking his head on the floor," police said Saturday.

The victim’s son, Douglas Alexander, said he’s seeking legal advice while relatives wait to see what the future holds for his injured father.

'I'm kind of disappointed that we have politicians sticking their nose in the medical business.' — Douglas Alexander, victim's son

"We're really, really disappointed in that a person as aggressive as this fellow was placed in the home where my dad is — and that he wasn't being watched — and my dad got injured," Alexander said in an interview from his Ontario home Sunday.

Alexander said his father also has Alzheimer’s.

Last fall, police charged McLeod with assault and ordered him held in custody for allegedly hitting his wife, even though his family said he was confused at the time and didn't recognize her.

At the time, Manitoba Liberal Leader Jon Gerrard said it was unacceptable for anyone with Alzheimer's disease to be kept in jail.

The Crown stayed the assault charge.

Alexander said he's galled by the possibility of political interference in the case.

"I'm kind of disappointed that we have politicians sticking their nose in the medical business and causing this kind of situation to happen," he said. "This man was supposed to go in prison and he's in the home and mostly through the efforts of this particular political person." 

At a Saturday news conference, McLeod's family apologized to Alexander's family.

"We are deeply saddened by this alleged incident," said his daughter, Faye Jashyn. "I can only imagine what this person's family is going through at a time like this. I want [Alexander] to make a full recovery."