Elderly Man Subdued with Capsicum Spray in Sydney Aged Care Facility
New South Wales Police used capsicum spray to subdue an 87-year-old man at an aged care home in south-western Sydney on Wednesday, November 19, 2025. The incident occurred around 8:00 PM AEDT after the man, reportedly suffering from dementia, allegedly threatened staff and other residents with a metal object.
Details of the Incident and Police Response
Police were called to the facility following reports concerning the welfare of a resident. According to Assistant Police Commissioner Brett McFadden, the man had reportedly threatened to harm himself and other residents while armed with a metal ornament described as having a 'sharp edge'.
Staff at the aged care home reportedly locked themselves in a room for safety after the man began swinging the object at them.
Upon arrival, two police officers located the 87-year-old man in the foyer, still in possession of the metal object. When he refused police directions to put it down, officers deployed oleoresin capsicum (OC) spray, commonly known as pepper spray, to subdue him. Police then 'managed to wrestle the bar' from the man.
Aftermath and Official Statements
Following the use of force, the man was restrained and assessed by NSW Ambulance paramedics. He was subsequently transported to Campbelltown Hospital for further assessment. No physical injuries were reported among other residents, staff, or the responding officers.
Assistant Commissioner McFadden addressed the media on Thursday, November 20, 2025, defending the officers' actions. He stated that police were keeping the location and specific details vague at the request of the man's family, who 'did not want this story coming to the media' as it 'doesn't reflect the individual that they know'.
McFadden acknowledged the public interest in such matters and highlighted that supporting people with dementia in aged care facilities presents a 'challenge for the whole community'.
Broader Context and Review
The incident has drawn scrutiny regarding police procedures and the use of force, particularly when dealing with vulnerable individuals. It follows other high-profile cases in Australia involving police interactions in aged care settings, including the tasering of 95-year-old Clare Nowland, who had dementia, in Cooma in May 2023.
The Camden Police Area Command is currently reviewing the incident. The NSW Police Force's Use of Force Manual stipulates that officers can use force that is 'reasonably necessary' and proportionate to the circumstances, requiring them to consider factors such as the age and physical condition of the subject.
5 Comments
KittyKat
Absolutely outrageous! Pepper spraying an 87-year-old with dementia is barbaric.
BuggaBoom
The police were called to a volatile situation where someone was threatening harm, which warrants a response. Still, we must critically examine why such extreme measures were deemed necessary for an elderly dementia patient, pushing for more humane approaches.
Coccinella
Police did what was necessary to ensure everyone's safety. No one was seriously hurt.
anubis
This was a difficult situation, but the outcome was the safest possible given the circumstances.
paracelsus
Ensuring the safety of residents and staff is paramount, and the police reacted to a direct threat. However, this incident underscores the urgent need for comprehensive training for both police and aged care staff on managing aggressive behaviors in dementia patients without resorting to such harsh tactics.