An elderly resident passed away following a fall at her residence in Oxfordshire, prompting the coroner to issue a written warning to the housing provider.

The pensioner, identified as Caroline Oliver, was 88 years old. She tragically died at Horton General Hospital in Banbury on December 10 of the previous year. The death occurred after she underwent surgery for a hip fracture. Two days prior to her death, she was found injured at her home in Yarnton, Kidlington.

Oxfordshire Coroner’s Court conducted an inquest on April 13, determining the death was accidental. The coroner subsequently issued a warning to the housing organization responsible for her accommodation.

Mrs. Oliver resided independently in housing managed by Sanctuary Housing, a provider operating throughout the United Kingdom.

In the period preceding her fall, contractors engaged by the housing organization performed work at her residence. To complete these renovations, belongings stored in her loft were relocated to the living room floor.

The inquest heard that these items remained in the living space for almost four weeks. Both the resident and her family contacted the housing company requesting their removal.

The boxes were arranged neatly but substantially decreased the available space, creating a narrow passage through the living area. This placement significantly impaired Mrs. Oliver’s ability to navigate her home safely.

According to the coroner’s report, Mrs. Oliver fell in the living room on December 8 and was subsequently discovered injured in the limited area between her armchair and the stacked boxes.

The report noted it cannot be established whether the boxes caused the fall, and no such determination was made. However, evidence indicated their extended presence created a hazard within the property.

Area coroner Mr. Nicholas Graham concluded that although the death was accidental, measures should be implemented to prevent similar incidents in the future. He communicated this to Sanctuary Housing.

The coroner’s report highlighted concerns regarding the considerable danger posed by storing items for extended periods in the living room, particularly for an elderly and vulnerable resident, along with insufficient protocols or deadlines for completing work.

In the prevention of future deaths report, Mr. Graham stated that if comparable situations occurred in other homes, especially those occupied by elderly, disabled, or mobility-impaired tenants, there exists potential for future fatalities or serious injuries resulting from restricted movement or tripping hazards.

A company representative stated they fully cooperated with the inquest and extend condolences to Mrs. Oliver’s family. The organization committed to addressing all concerns raised in the coroner’s notice.

Sanctuary Housing must submit a response within 56 days detailing actions taken or planned.