AN 82-YEAR-old woman died following a fall in the care home where she lived.

Joan Jessop moved in to Charles Court Care Home, The Ploughman, Hereford in December 2015 and had a number of illnesses, including dementia.

The inquest at Herefordshire Coroner's Court heard that on October 3, 2016 a care assistant at the home went to help her get dressed and washed in the morning.

Carer Analiza Alvarado said as she went to the ensuite bathroom to run water in the sink, she heard a noise and Mrs Jessop had fallen off her bed face first onto the floor.

Ms Alvarado pressed the emergency buzzer and Mrs Jessop was taken to Hereford County Hospital, where she developed pneumonia and died on October 8.

The inquest heard Mrs Jessop would sometimes become confused and try to stand unaided but that there was a sensor mat next to her bed which would alert staff to any movement.

Home manager, Bernice Cooper, said due to Mrs Jessop's illness she had a propensity to fall and the home had recorded six falls.

Her physical health had deteriorated since admission to the care home due to heart failure.

The home said they had assessed Mrs Jessop and believed one care assistant was needed to assist her to wash and dress- this had been reviewed on September 22 but it was decided there was no change needed.

Scans were taken in hospital and it was discovered Mrs Jessop had sustained a spinal fracture, which was thought to be a new injury as there was swelling around the area.

Her son, Matthew, told the inquest: "She was a very special mum. The best mum anyone could have."

Coroner Mark Bricknell said: "On the day that his last fall occurred there was care staff in close proximity. It would have been better if there had been two- there was one. That care member was close by. I am satisfied that your mother got up of her own will and unfortunately had fallen."

He recorded an accidental death and that she died from respiratory failure, and noted a C2 peg fracture and dementia.