Bailie Smith’s grandmother placed her husband, William Cone, in a care home hoping for his safety after nearly 60 years of marriage. However, just 36 hours after moving into Preston Special Care Home in Saskatoon, Cone, who had Alzheimer’s, left the facility unnoticed on Oct. 11. A concerned citizen witnessed Cone falling and called an ambulance, informing his family.
Cone, 86, walked about eight blocks with a walker before breaking his hip. Despite undergoing surgery on Oct. 13 at Royal University Hospital, his health deteriorated rapidly, leading to his passing on Oct. 20. The care home, operated by the Saskatchewan Health Authority, has launched a formal review to determine the circumstances surrounding Cone’s departure.
Smith expressed her grandmother’s devastation, noting the lack of awareness by care home staff and the subsequent blame placed on her grandmother for Cone’s departure. Cone had been receiving short-term care at the facility while awaiting a permanent placement. Smith highlighted the care home’s inadequate safety measures, such as a propped-open door near Cone’s room without monitoring, cameras, or alarms.
Described as a retired Canada Post worker and an active church member, Cone enjoyed sports and was deeply involved in his grandchildren’s lives. Smith emphasized the family’s call for an investigation and systemic reforms to prevent similar incidents in the future. They advocate for mandatory installation of cameras, patient alarms, and secure door protocols in care homes.
The family seeks accountability from the care home and urges others to question the safety of their loved ones in similar facilities. The Saskatchewan Health Authority extended condolences to the family and pledged to review the incident thoroughly, including input from the family. Smith hopes that their public advocacy will promote transparency, accountability, and improved safety measures in care homes to protect vulnerable residents.