Accidental death verdict on woman who fell at home (From Watford Observer)

Elderly lady was found unconscious by her carer

5:00pm Wednesday 24th October 2012 in News By Rebecca Perring, Reporter

An elderly woman from Chorleywood died after falling and hitting her head on her kitchen floor, a coroner has ruled.

Audrey Hobson, who was 79, was found unconscious on her kitchen floor by her carer at her home in Burtons Lane, after falling and hitting her head on August 8.

She was taken to Watford General Hospital and died two days later, having never regaining consciousness.

On the morning of August 8, Mrs Hobson’s son, Graham, had called her in the morning to see how she was.

Mrs Hobson did not answer and instead Graham left a message.

Although Mrs Hobson was able to live independently at home with her dog, she received weekly assistance from carers and district nurses due to having diabetes, heart problems and an infected ankle.

When her district doctor arrived around 11.30am, there was no answer and after minutes of trying, someone with a spare key to Mrs Hobson’s house was called to gain entry.

She was found lying on her kitchen floor unconscious and with an injury to her head and she died in hospital.

An inquest was called, due to the possibility that Mrs Hobson had suffered a stroke, which may have caused her to fall.

However, coroner Edward Thomas at the inquest today (Wednesday) said: "This was an accidental death due to a head injury.

"She had coronary heart disease which can sometimes cause you to be unsteady, which may have been the reason for her fall."

A statement read out in the inquest from Graham Hobson said: "My mum was an elegant and generous lady, who had the right outfit for every occasion.

"She had a love for travelling and entertainment and we are a very close family."