Woman, 88, dies ’28 days after carers stopped giving her food or water’, devastated son claims

An 88-year-old woman, Sarene Taylor, has died from dehydration and malnutrition 28 days after carers stopped giving her food or water, according to her son Rob Taylor. She had been admitted to a North Wales hospital after suffering a stroke four weeks ago, and doctors said there was nothing more they could do, so end-of-life care was given to her with fluids and food being withdrawn. Mr Taylor, a former North Wales rural police officer, described the approach to end-of-life care as “inhumane” and “heartbreaking” for the family. Health chiefs have offered their condolences to Mrs Taylor’s family but declined to comment further on her son’s claims.

Mr Taylor has submitted a report to North Wales Police and the Older People’s Commissioner for Wales. He stated that he understands end-of-life care, and the carers and district nurses do a fantastic job, but “to deny a human being food and water is disgraceful and we as a society need to ensure that this doesn’t happen again”. In an emotional video a few days prior to her death, Mr Taylor describes his mother’s story and the impact it has had on the family.

The Director of Nursing for Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board’s East Integrated Health Community, Andrea Hughes, stated that they offer their sincere condolences to Mrs Taylor’s family and do not comment on individual cases in detail. They were in daily contact with Mr Taylor about his mother’s care and are investigating concerns he has raised. The Older People’s Commissioner for Wales, Heléna Herklots, has also offered her condolences to Mr Taylor and his family following the loss of his mother, and is in the process of seeking further details from him about his mother’s experiences.

This case highlights the importance of the ethical considerations around end-of-life care and the need to ensure that individuals are treated with dignity and respect in their final days. The family’s report may lead to changes in policy and practice regarding the care of the elderly in the dying process. As the population ages, it is important to consider the needs of those who are dying and their families to help them through this difficult time.

In the UK, the Mental Capacity Act was enacted in 2005 and helps to promote ethical considerations. It includes guidelines for making decisions on behalf of adults who lack capacity and looks to ensure their human rights are protected. However, these guidelines are not always followed, and this case provides a reminder of the importance of due diligence in end-of-life care. Hopefully, this discussion will lead to positive changes.



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