Coroner's Finding: Harmer, Valerie Fay
Deceased
Valerie Fay Harmer
Demographics
91y, female
Date of death
2021-10-12
Finding date
2024-06-19
Cause of death
dementia complicated by subdural haemorrhage
AI-generated summary
A 91-year-old woman with advanced dementia under guardianship order died from dementia complicated by subdural haemorrhage. She sustained a fall at an aged care facility in July 2021, resulting in a 6mm subdural haematoma. Neurosurgery declined intervention as unsuitable for 'heroic' measures given her advanced dementia. A repeat CT scan in August showed significant progression of the haematoma, prompting initiation of palliative care. She deteriorated in September and died in October at the aged care facility. The coroner found care at both the aged care facility and hospital was appropriate, with no recommendations made. This case illustrates the complexities of managing head injury in elderly dementia patients where conservative management and early palliative care transition were deemed appropriate.
AI-generated summary and tagging — may contain inaccuracies; refer to original finding for legal purposes.
Clinical conditions
Procedures
Contributing factors
- accidental fall at aged care facility
- subdural haematoma progression
- advanced dementia
- conservative management approach appropriate given clinical circumstances
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