Shock in the Hennigsdorf hospital: 84-year-old strangles fellow patient!

Shock in the Hennigsdorf hospital: 84-year-old strangles fellow patient!

A shocking incident has occurred at Hennigsdorf Hospital that has brought the problems of aggressive behavior in people with dementia into the spotlight. An 87-year-old patient was strangled with a shower hose by an 84-year-old fellow patient. Luckily, she only survived by quickly intervening by putting her hand between the tube and her throat. [maz-online.de].

The 84-year-old suffers from advanced dementia syndrome. His wife noticed at the beginning of 2024 that his behavior was changing: he was becoming disoriented and aggressive. After a serious incident at home that resulted in assault, he was admitted to a psychiatric hospital. According to psychiatric expert Torsten Seelig, the accused may have misunderstood the situation and felt threatened.

Incapacity and legal consequences

The presiding judge Grit Burzer explained that the 84-year-old cannot be punished because he is incompetent. This decision highlights the challenges associated with the legal assessment of the actions of people with dementia. According to sueddeutsche.de, it is not unusual for people with dementia to have to appear in court despite possible incapacity. The justice system must then clarify how dangerous the patient actually is and whether closed accommodation is necessary.

Another example is a case from Munich in which a 79-year-old tried to kill her roommate in a retirement home. This case shows how aggressive behavior in people with dementia is a serious problem for both those affected and their carers. According to zqp.de, dealing with violent behavior of people with dementia in care is an important issue that requires better concepts for violence prevention in geriatric care.

Care and prevention of violence

The increasing number of people with dementia means that special measures to prevent violence are increasingly required in care facilities. Experts warn that without adequate training and preventive concepts, the risk of violent outbreaks increases. In addition, relatives and caregivers can be overwhelmed by stressful situations, which can lead to dangerous situations. Dealing with challenging behavior requires a good hand and special specialist knowledge.

In summary, this incident at the Hennigsdorf Hospital not only highlights the shocking possibilities of aggressive behavior in dementia patients, but also calls for reflection on the necessary measures for safe and respectful care. The legal and ethical issues that arise here will continue to be an important point of discussion in society in the future.