Coronial
SAaged care

Coroner's Finding: Saberton, Linda Eileen

Deceased

Linda Eileen Saberton

Demographics

73y, female

Date of death

2022-03-17

Finding date

2024-06-19

Cause of death

fractured neck of femur (operated) on a background of Alzheimer's dementia

AI-generated summary

Linda Eileen Saberton, aged 73, died from complications of a fractured neck of femur sustained in a fall at her aged care facility, on a background of advanced Alzheimer's dementia. She had suffered two hip fractures within one year, both requiring surgery. Her family raised concerns about medication management (risperidone use, pain medication dosing inconsistencies) and staffing levels, though the coroner found these were not directly related to the cause of death. The investigation identified no deficiencies in care. This case highlights the risks of falls in dementia patients despite preventive measures, and the importance of appropriate pain and psychotropic medication management in aged care settings.

AI-generated summary and tagging — may contain inaccuracies; refer to original finding for legal purposes. Report an inaccuracy.

Specialties

geriatric medicineorthopaedic surgerypalliative care

Error types

medication

Drugs involved

risperidonepain medication

Clinical conditions

Alzheimer's dementia with logopenic aphasianeck of femur fractureobstructive sleep apnoeagastro-oesophageal reflux diseasetype 2 diabetes mellitusosteoarthritisdepressionanxiety

Procedures

hip fracture surgical repair

Contributing factors

  • advanced Alzheimer's dementia with logopenic aphasia
  • unsteady gait and increased fall risk
  • multiple falls during residence at aged care facility
  • previous hip fracture in May 2021 leading to increased frailty
  • fall incident on 28 February 2022 when foot trapped in trolley
Full text

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