Man, 87, dies after Winnipeg care home assault

An elderly man allegedly assaulted by a fellow resident at a Winnipeg care home has died.

Frank Alexander, 87, was injured on March 24 during a dispute with another resident, Joe McLeod, 70, atthe Parkview Place personal care home on Edmonton Street.

It is alleged that McLeod assaulted Alexander, causing him to fall backwards and strike his head on the floor, police have said.

Alexander had been in critical condition since the incident but died Monday night,according to his son, Douglas.

McLeod, who suffers from Alzheimer's disease,has been in police custody since Thursday andis charged with aggravated assault.

Psychiatric assessment ordered

McLeod will soon bemoved to the Health Sciences Centre's psychiatric department, however.

A judge ruled Monday that McLeod should spend 28 days under close observation to properly determine his mental state and what facility would be best to care for him.

Police have notsaid whether the charges against McLeod will be upgraded as a result of Alexander's death.

The Winnipeg Regional Health Authority has also initiated a critical incident review that will include a complete assessment of McLeod's history in care.

As well, the Manitoba governmentsaid it, too, willinvestigate theincident and seekways to improve safety for people in personal care homes.

"Certainly, we are looking into the situation and hoping to ensure that improvements are being made where they need to be made," said Bernadette Preun, an assistant deputy ministerwith Manitoba Health.

Past violence

McLeod was also charged last fall with assault for hitting his wife, Rose, and jailed in the Remand Centre for about a month. His family lobbied for his release and was supported in their efforts by Manitoba Liberal Leader Dr. Jon Gerrard.

They said McLeod was confused at the time of the assault and didn't recognize Rose.

A judge then ordered he be released on bail and the charges were eventually stayed.

McLeod was admitted to the care home immediately after being granted bail. But in February, police were called there afterhe caused a disturbance with staff.

A needs assessment was conducted soon after regarding that incident.

The results, which stated McLeod still qualified as requiring a standard care home bed, came back the same day he allegedly assaulted Alexander.

The assessment showed McLeod was "doing fine,"said Real Cloutier, the WRHA's chief operating officer.

"It goes to show you, you can't always predict these situations and it's obvious now he does need a different kind of bed and facility."