Cirencester pensioner dies during trial period in sheltered housing (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Cirencester pensioner died during trial period at Abbeyfield Home, inquest hears

10:53am Wednesday 6th March 2013 in News By Emma Boden

A 90-YEAR-OLD Cirencester woman has died 18 days after she moved from her own home into sheltered housing as part of a trial period.

Murial Barlow was found on the floor covered in blood after suffering a brain haemorrhage that led to her death.

Mrs Barlow had been staying at the Abbeyfield home in Cirencester to see whether it was suitable for her to become a resident.

Mrs Barlow, of Weavers Cottages, Thomas Street, died in Cheltenham General Hospital on June 29 last year.

The inquest held in Gloucester was told she had a heart attack in 2009 and suffered with vascular dementia - but she managed to live independently and was mobile with the use of a walking frame.

Her GP, Dr Anton Borg, said Mrs Barlow, a retired dental assistant, had during the spring of last year started to confuse her doses of warfarin and other medication.

On May 1 he prescribed antibiotics for an infected thumb, but after taking the whole course in three days she had to be admitted to Cirencester Hospital. She later suffered a stroke and was transferred to Cheltenham General Hospital.

After being discharged it was arranged for Mrs Barlow to spend a trial period at the Abbeyfield home.

In a statement, Jane Chester, of the home, said although physically capable Mrs Barlow's memory problems meant the accommodation would not be suitable on a permanent basis.

On June 11, Mrs Barlow went for a nap in her room when staff heard her crying for help.

She was discovered on the floor by the bed with blood around her nose and suffered a seizure in the ambulance on the way to hospital.

A post mortem examination by pathologist Dr Pritti Joshi said the cause of death was due to bronchopneumonia caused by a brain haemorrhage against a background of heart disease and stroke.

Gloucestershire deputy coroner David Dooley said Mrs Barlow was 'remarkably independent' given her age and medical conditions.

He said there was no evidence that her fall had been the result of a trip, slip or a loss of balance.

He added: "It was her advanced age and age-related illnesses that led to confused thoughts and actions.

“In the circumstances it was appropriate to record a verdict of death by natural causes.”