An elderly woman died ‘slowly’ from ‘dehydration and malnutrition’ 28 days after carers stopped giving her food or water, her devastated son has claimed.
Sarene Taylor, 88, was admitted to a North Wales hospital after suffering a stroke roughly four weeks ago, but according to Rob Taylor doctors said there was nothing more they could do and they started end of life care with fluids and food being withdrawn.
Mr Taylor, a decorated and respected former North Wales rural police officer, described the approach to end-of-life care as ‘inhumane’ and ‘heartbreaking’ for the family and said it has to change.
He also spoke about reporting the circumstances that led to his mother’s death to North Wales Police and the Older People’s Commissioner for Wales.
Mr Taylor said: ‘I understand 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.
He added: ‘The family thank everyone for their kind messages and loving support during these past weeks.’
In an emotional video just days before his mother’s death, Mr Taylor described the devastating situation the family found themselves in.
‘My mum 88-years of age had a fantastic life, but sadly four weeks ago today, she was admitted to a hospital in North Wales, with what we found out to be a stroke,’ he said.
‘I obviously went up to be with her and spend time with her – on the Monday which is three weeks gone – and this Monday the doctor told me that there was nothing more they could do for her sadly and all fluids and food were withdrawn and she was put on end of life care.
