Take our user survey and make your voice heard.
Police in Sapporo have arrested a 24-year-old caregiver on suspicion of fatally abusing a 35-year-old man at his home sometime between July 19 and 20.
According to police, the suspect, Koji Ota, works for a nursing care service company that sends caregivers to disabled people’s homes to live in for short periods of time and look after them, Hokkaido media reported Tuesday.
Ota was dispatched to the home of Shigeki Yamashita in Higashi Ward. Police said that between 5:50 p.m. on July 19 and 7:30 a.m. the next day, Ota hit and punched Yamashita in the face and chest several times, and kicked him.
Another caregiver visited the home at around 8:45 a.m. on July 20 to take over from Ota and found Yamashita unconscious. He was taken to hospital where he died due to a cerebral hernia. The hospital notified police about a case of possible abuse after doctors found several bruises on his body.
Police said Ota has admitted to the charge and quoted him as saying he got exasperated and beat Yamashita because he wouldn't go to sleep.
© Japan Today
6 Comments
Login to comment
Chip Star
Repugnant.
It seems as if Jaoanese people don't know how to react appropriately when something doesn't go according to plan.
Bugle Boy of Company B
Looks like he wasn't qualified for the job.
Disillusioned
These murders of care patients by their carers seem to happen pretty often in Japan. There has been a lot in recent years. Perhaps they need to screen carers more rigorously and look at how much stress they accumulate from ridiculously tough schedules. This particular situation of living with a patient seems pretty daft. Why wasn't the patient in a care facility?
stormcrow
When my father was in the CCU (critical care unit), I remember the young nurse who was taking care of him came in and she gave us the sweetest "Hello!" and smile. As she left, I said to my father, "Well, she seems like nice lady." My father just raised his eyes to the ceiling and shook his head no. He couldn't speak due to the tubes and ventilator. He died shortly thereafter, but it still bothers me.
The thought of being helpless and in the hands of a so called caregiver who doesn't give a damn should frighten anybody. I know there are also good ones, but there are some bad ones out there.
Arch Hyperion
hire a Filipino caregiver, treat them fairly, and they'll treat you like you are their own family..