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Family wants man with Alzheimer’s moved out of remand centre

By: Staff Writer

Posted: 10/6/2010 11:40 AM

WAYNE.GLOWACKI@FREEPRESS.MB.CA Enlarge Image

Manitoba Liberal Leader Jon Gerrard and Rose McLeod are demanding the release of her husband Joe, who suffers from Alzheimer's disease, from the Winnipeg Remand Centre after he was charged with assault and placed there.

A 69-year-old Transcona man with Alzheimer’s has been in a medical unit of the Winnipeg Remand Centre for more than a month after allegedly assaulting his wife, and his family wants him moved to a personal care home.

On Sept. 2, it is alleged Joe McLeod lashed out at his wife Rose. She was holding a framed photo to assist him in recognizing her, when it is alleged he shoved it at her chest, cutting her. She required stitches.

At a loss for what to do, Rose called police, who took her husband to Concordia Hospital. After being checked out by a doctor, he was transported to the remand centre, where he’s been ever since.

At a press conference organized this morning by Manitoba Liberal Leader Jon Gerrard, Rose McLeod, surrounded by family members, said she wants her husband to be placed in a personal care home. She said he has been on a waiting list for some time.

Gerrard said it was appalling that an Alzheimer’s sufferer would be placed in the remand centre, and he blamed the NDP government for allowing the situation. He said the family has reached out to the government for help, "but they haven’t responded," Gerrard said.

Meanwhile, Rose McLeod said she wants all charges against her husband, who is charged with assault, dropped.

larry.kusch@freepress.mb.ca