Lack of dementia care meant elderly woman could not live out last days with her family

A woman who died after a spell in a care home could have been looked after by her family if effective dementia support had been available, a coroner has said.

In a prevention of future deaths report it was revealed that Emilia Alsopp, from Glossop, died after being moved to a care home because she could no longer cope with living independently.

The report, by senior coroner for South Manchester, Alison Mutch, says Mrs Alsopp died from natural causes following an accidental fall at her care home.

The broken hip she suffered was not picked up an X ray and she was sent back to the home.

However, she was X rayed again after her pain returned. Because of her medical conditions, including dementia, frailty, heart disease and heart failure, surgery was not deemed inappropriate.

A post mortem report showed the fall led to a lung infection and further heart problems.

The coroner said: "Due to her limited mobility, she developed a lower respiratory tract infection which when in conjunction with congestive cardiac failure led to her respiratory function being significantly compromised.

"Her cardiac function was also further compromised by the stress of the fall, fracture and pain.

"She deteriorated and died at Tameside General Hospital on January 15."

Ms Mutch has sent her report to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Wes Streeting. He has until November 1 to respond to her concerns.

She said: "Mrs Alsop had struggled at the care home due to it being an unfamiliar environment. Her family had wanted her to remain cared for by them in a familiar home environment.

"They felt that if they were properly supported, home would be a safer environment for Mrs Allsopp.

"However, Mrs Allsopp moved to the care home due to. lack of suitable community based support, meaning that her family could no longer continue to care for her in the community.

"The inquest was told by her family that it had proved impossible to get the level of support they needed for Mrs Allsopp in the community as her dementia progressed.

"This created a situation where she was unsafe in her own home and had to move to a new less familiar setting.

"Effective dementia support for the family would have meant that they could have continued to look after her at home."