Nikolas Clarke acted for the local authority in an inquest into the death of AG, a 93-year-old woman who had a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s. AG died following an altercation with another resident at the local authority-run care home where she lived.
Background to the inquest
AG, a 93-year-old with Alzheimer’s, was moved to the local authority care facility in 2020 as her caregivers could no longer meet her needs. She was known to wander, particularly at night, due to her dementia diagnosis.
In January 2024, AG wandered into the bedroom of another resident (who had a similar cognitive defect) during the early hours of the morning.
An unwitnessed altercation occurred, resulting in multiple trauma injuries to AG.
She was hospitalized and passed away the same day, suffering from acute kidney failure and signs of infection.
Coroner’s conclusion
The coroner recorded the medical cause of death as natural causes following acute renal failure, with multiple blunt force injuries.
Based on expert evidence, the coroner concluded that while the traumatic injuries contributed, they were not solely responsible for AG’s death.
No further action was taken in relation to any possible charge of assault or a Preventing Future Deaths report.