Coroner’s Inquest Finds Neglect in Care Home Led to Elderly Woman’s Death

In a recent inquest, Norfolk’s senior coroner, Jacqueline Lake, concluded that neglect contributed to the death of 89-year-old Edith Alden at a care home in Hellesdon. The coroner’s findings have highlighted serious failings in care and supervision that directly impacted Alden’s safety and ultimately her life.

Detailed Findings of the Inquest

Edith Alden, affectionately known as Bunny, died following a fall in the care home’s garden. She had been left unattended and subsequently found on the patio floor, despite being assessed as a ‘very high risk of falls’ and requiring supervision with mobility. The coroner criticized the care home staff for their ‘significant, serious, and gross failure’ to safeguard her well-being.

The incident occurred during a handover between shifts when Alden managed to exit through an unlocked fire exit. The lack of supervision and failure to secure potentially hazardous exits were pinpointed as critical errors by the care home.

Coroner’s Recommendations and Care Home Response

Following the ruling, the coroner announced plans to issue a Prevention of Future Deaths report, aiming to enforce better adherence to care plans and improve overall safety measures in similar facilities. The care home has reportedly revised its safety protocols and management structure since the incident, including installing secure access systems to prevent such occurrences.

The case has raised broader concerns about the quality of care and oversight in residential care facilities, emphasizing the need for stringent regulatory measures and constant vigilance to protect the most vulnerable in society. The family of Edith Alden expressed relief at the justice served, hoping that this case would lead to meaningful changes in the care system.