Man Leaves Elderly Mother to Die on Bedroom Floor after She Fell – Charged With Criminal Negligence Causing Death and Failing to Provide the Necessities of Life
This week the Toronto Star reported on the bail hearing for a man charged with criminal negligence causing death and failing to provide the necessities of life in the death of his 90 year old mother. Allegedly after the elderly woman fell out of bed, the son left her on the floor, providing her with nutritional drinks and water for several days until she died. The son claims he was simply following his mother’s wishes and that she didn’t want medical attention.
This case is interesting as the charge for “failing to provide the necessities of life” is normally one reserved for parents who fail to care for their children, although there have been a handful of reported decisions involving older adults. This case also highlights the growing number of elder abuse cases in Canada as our society ages, life expectancy increases, and more older adults are being cared for at home by family.