Pensioner's death ruled as accident after care home fall
An 88-year-old man who suffered a major head wound after a fall at a care home died as a result of an accident, a coroner ruled.
Frank Pearson was found on a bathroom floor at Amberley Care Home, in Brierley Hill, after a staff member heard a ‘bump’ on September 24, Black Country Coroner’s Court heard.
The great-grandfather, from Brierley Hill, was taken to Russells Hall Hospital but died four days later from his injuries.
The inquest heard the care home’s policy required staff members to accompany residents when visiting the toilet.
But the hearing was told Mr Pearson went to the bathroom after dinner without staff being aware.
Coroner Emma Serrano said: “I conclude that Mr Pearson’s death was an unfortunate accident.
"It appears care home staff were cleaning after dinner.
"Mr Pearson took himself to the toilet. He has then fallen which has caused his injuries.”
The care home believes Mr Pearson hit a sink as he fell, which caused his injuries.
But his family dispute this, believing Mr Pearson struck a radiator valve.
The coroner’s court hard Mr Pearson’s cause of death was asphyxia due to upper airway obstruction following his injuries.
A report drawn up by Dudley’s safeguarding team at the time highlighted concerns around the care home’s communication with Mr Pearson’s family after his death.
The care home, rated ‘requiring improvement’ by the Care Quality Commission in October, declined to comment to the Express & Star.
Paying tribute to Mr Pearson, his son Robert said: “He was a hard-working bloke and modest who loved his family and music.”
