A grieving family recounts the passing of their mother shortly after a distressing incident at a care home, with the family expressing disappointment over the lack of an apology. Josephine Tucker, 79, who was battling advanced dementia, fell while alone in her room at St Georges Care Home in Leicester. Her husband, David, found her on the floor during a visit, leading to the discovery of several other falls documented in the care records. These incidents, along with other shortcomings, prompted her family to file a civil claim against the care provider, Prime Life Limited.
The family uncovered a series of failures during the legal proceedings, including pressure sores and multiple falls not adequately addressed by the care home staff. Prime Life Limited, responsible for operating numerous care homes, agreed to compensate the family with a five-figure sum to settle the case, although they did not admit fault or offer an apology. Despite the settlement, the family remains disheartened by the lack of acknowledgment of wrongdoing.
Josephine, a former hospital catering worker diagnosed with dementia in 2016, had been residing at the care home since August 2018. The family’s interactions with her were severely limited due to COVID-19 restrictions, leading to a decline in her physical health. Concerns about her care escalated in March 2021 when staff failed to address issues related to her swollen hands and missing wedding rings.
Tragically, Josephine passed away two days after being found in distress on the floor by her husband. The cause of death was attributed to septicaemia and a chest infection, conditions the family was unaware of prior to her passing. The family’s pursuit of truth and accountability from the care home revealed additional lapses in Josephine’s care, further deepening their anguish.
Mark Tucker, Josephine’s son, expressed profound disappointment over the care failures and the distressing circumstances surrounding his mother’s final days. He emphasized the devastating impact on their family and the anguish of knowing the extent of their mother’s suffering. Seeking closure and justice, the family’s legal representative highlighted the emotional toll of uncovering the care deficiencies through legal action.
In response to the family’s concerns, Prime Life Limited extended condolences and affirmed a commitment to investigating the care provided to Mrs. Tucker. The care home underwent inspections by the Care Quality Commission, with varying ratings over time, indicating areas requiring improvement. The company expressed regret over the family’s dissatisfaction and emphasized their dedication to addressing any shortcomings in care provision.
The family’s quest for transparency and accountability in their mother’s care has prompted further action, including lodging a complaint with the Care Quality Commission. Despite the legal settlement, the family continues to seek closure and assurance that lessons have been learned to prevent similar incidents in the future.