After relocating her husband of nearly six decades to a care facility, Bailie Smith’s grandmother hoped for his safety. However, within just 36 hours of moving to Preston Special Care Home in Saskatoon, William Cone, affectionately known as Lauri, wandered off on Oct. 11 due to his Alzheimer’s condition.
Smith recalled receiving a call around 10:30 a.m. CST from a concerned citizen who witnessed Cone’s fall and promptly alerted them. Surprisingly, the care home staff was unaware of his departure until Smith’s grandmother notified them.
The 86-year-old Cone, wearing slippers and using a walker, managed to walk approximately eight blocks before falling and fracturing his hip. Following surgery at Royal University Hospital on Oct. 13, his health deteriorated rapidly, leading to his passing on Oct. 20.
Operated by the Saskatchewan Health Authority, Preston Special Care Home has launched an official investigation to ascertain the circumstances surrounding Cone’s departure. Smith expressed her grandmother’s devastation, emphasizing that the incident was entirely preventable and unnecessary.
Cone had entered the facility on Oct. 9 for temporary care while awaiting a permanent spot. Smith mentioned that the care home staff informed her grandmother about ongoing kitchen renovations, which had left a door near Cone’s room propped open.
Despite security measures like exit doors with pin pads, the door Cone likely used was left unmonitored with no security cameras or alarms. Smith described Cone as a retired Canada Post employee, active church member, and still mentally sharp.
Demanding an inquiry and systemic changes, Smith stressed the need for mandatory installation of cameras, patient alarms, and secure door policies in care facilities to prevent similar incidents. The family has sought support from the provincial ombudsman and may involve the police in addressing the care home’s dismissive responses.
The Saskatchewan Health Authority expressed condolences to the family and pledged to engage with them to address any care-related concerns. Smith’s family aims to advocate for accountability and encourage others to question care standards to ensure the safety of their loved ones in similar facilities.
