Family pay tribute to 'remarkable' woman who died after choking in a Watford care home

Hertfordshire Coroner's Court heard Aruna Dave, 80, died on March 30 when her airway became blocked with food, a short time after eating dinner at Pinewood Lodge care home in Oxhey.

The inquest on Tuesday was told by two members of staff from the care home that Mrs Dave had been supervised in her room that day by an agency care worker.

After the meal, Mrs Dave was seen leaving her room and heading to the lounge with a glass of juice.

Care worker Karen White told the inquest: "I asked her if she was okay. She just stared at me when I looked at her, which I thought was unusual. She went very vacant and her body was very, very stiff. I helped her to the floor."

Paramedics were alerted and attempts were made by staff to resuscitate Mrs Dave and she was taken to Watford General Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

Coroner Edward Thomas ruled Mrs Dave died from a laryngeal obstruction by food.

Speaking after the inquest Yogesh Dave, Mrs Dave’s eldest son, said he was disappointed his mother's carer that afternoon did not give evidence at the inquest.

He said: "There are still some gaps, we cannot know for sure what happened.

"At least we have a reason why she died, we can move on. We don’t want it to happen to anyone else."

Mrs Dave's daughter Harshida Dave added: "We were very surprised, we left my mother at 5pm healthy and well. It was a shock when she passed away so soon after.

"She was a first generation immigrant, born in Tanzania she came here in the 60s. She was a wonderful woman, she dealt with everything. She spoke five languages and taught people English, she also worked as a seamstress. 

"She was remarkable. It was hardest for her when my father died, theirs was a real love story. He passed away six years before and she always missed him."

Debbie Gilard, communications manager for Quantum Care in charge of Pinewood Lodge, said: "We extend our sincere condolences to the family."