Coroner's Finding: Bubner, Richard Scott

75y · Male·combined effects of subdural haematoma and facial fractures following a fall complicated by pneumonia on a background of advanced Alzheimer's dementia

A 75-year-old man with advanced Alzheimer's dementia residing in aged care died in hospital following a fall at his residential facility. He was assessed as high falls risk at the aged care facility. After collapsing and striking his head on a door, he sustained a subdural haematoma and facial fractures, then developed aspiration pneumonia complicated by seizures. Deemed unsuitable for surgical intervention, he was managed conservatively with anticonvulsants, antibiotics, and analgesia. Escalating complications including hypoactive delirium and swallowing difficulties led to transition to palliative care. The coroner found his death resulted from the combined effects of subdural haematoma, facial fractures, and pneumonia on a background of advanced dementia. No adverse findings were made; care at both the hospital and aged care facility was deemed entirely appropriate.