It is not known why a chair sensor failed to activate before a fatal nursing home fall involving a 100-year-old resident.
Nancy Muriel Hazell lived at the Uniting AgeWell’s Queenborough Rise home in Hobart for eight years before her death in hospital on June 30, 2022.
Five days earlier she was found by nursing home staff on the floor, conscious and in significant pain after seemingly leaving her armchair and using an over-bed table as a walking aid.
In findings published this week, Coroner Olivia McTaggart found the home’s falls prevention measures were appropriately responsive to Mrs Hazell’s risk.
Mrs Hazell had a number of unwitnessed falls at the home and was subject to regular fall risk assessments.
Several fall prevention measures were in place, including a bed and chair sensor, personal call bell pendant and physiotherapy program for muscle strengthening.
“One issue arising in this investigation is why Mrs Hazell’s chair sensor did not apparently activate before her fall, which may have prompted staff to enter her room to assist her and prevent her falling,” Ms McTaggart wrote.
“The nursing home has provided information that there is no known reason why the alarm did not activate.”
Ms McTaggart recommended the nursing home take any steps necessary to ensure chair sensors at the facility are fully operational.
A spokeswoman for Uniting AgeWell said the organisation fully accepts the coroner’s findings and the recommendation.
“Uniting AgeWell has responsive falls prevention measures in place, and this was reflected in the coroner’s report for Mrs Hazell,” she said in a statement.
“We have taken and continue to take all steps necessary to ensure chair sensors in use at the facility are fully operational and are regularly checked.
“We express our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of Mrs Hazell.”
Mrs Hazell suffered a fractured hip in the fall, was taken to hospital and placed into palliative care after undergoing surgery.
Ms McTaggart also conveyed her sincere condolences to Mrs Hazell’s family and loved ones.
Australian Associated Press