Andrew

Andrew’s story

Andrew, who recently had his 75th birthday, lives alone in his privately owned house. Adult social care had assessed that Andrew required carers to support him twice daily in the morning and evening. At the point of the social care assessment Andrew was under the Community Mental Health Team who were conducting a  memory assessment, following a referral by the GP. 

Although Andrew had family they did not live locally and only visited him occasionally. Andrew was recently admitted to hospital with minor injuries after a fall at home due to sudden weakness in the legs when getting up from his recliner chair to his glasses. 

Andrew was discharged back home, after a brief review of his care needs with the same level of support. On the same evening Andrew’s neighbours heard fire alarms were sounding in Andrew's home so visited to ensure his safety. When they arrived the front door was locked and they noticed smoke inside the property. They rang the fire brigade who attended and entered the property to find Andrew unconscious on the kitchen floor. The Ambulance was called who conveyed him to hospital. 

Tragically Andrew died in hospital a few days later as a result of smoke inhalation. The fire investigation found the cause of fire to be a modern plastic electric kettle used on a gas hob. Carers also highlighted this was not the first incident and had previously removed the kettle from the gas hob.