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Care home criticised after woman, 92, attacked with walking stick in corridoor

The family of a 92-year-old woman attacked with a walking stick by another pensioner in a care home have criticised bosses for allowing it to happen.

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Mary Sanders claimed her mother Hazel had suffered wounds to her head and hands in the attack by a fellow care home resident, leaving her 'confused, frightened and very fragile'.

Police were called to the Karam Court Nursing Home in Smethwick, and bosses at the home said the incident had been dealt with quickly, and they added they were satisfied with the response of staff.

Ms Sanders claimed her mother was attacked by a resident with known mental health issues as she walked to her bedroom.

"As he hit her – bang, bang, bang – she was pleading 'if you want money, just take it'," said the 71-year-old.

"There was no-one around. He could've killed her."

The pensioner is now being cared for at Birmingham's City Hospital, she added.

Ms Sanders said of the incident: "This has been handled very badly. I have not received an apology."

She added: "This is a man with issues – why was he not being watched? Who else is he going to attack?"

Minister Care Group, which runs the home, said staff 'reacted appropriately under the circumstances', and had then promptly notified both the family and police about the incident at the home.

In a statement, the care home's owners said: "The incident happened in a corridor and staff were aware of it within seconds, coming to Mrs Sanders's aid and restraining the other resident.

"An ambulance was called immediately and, in line with our procedures, the police, Care Quality Commission, council safeguarding and both families were contacted.

"The police have confirmed that no charges will be brought and we are satisfied that our staff reacted appropriately under the circumstances."

A West Midlands Police spokeswoman said: "Police were called to Karam Court Nursing Home on October 23 following a report a woman in her 90s had been assaulted by another resident – a man in his 80s.

"The woman suffered bruising to her wrist, arm and head after being hit with a walking stick.

"Inquiries are currently ongoing and police are liaising with the home, the injured woman and her family over the matter."

The police said no arrests have been made.

The 47-bed residential home caters for elderly people who suffer with dementia, also offering specialist care for elderly patients with Alzheimer's disease.

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