A coroner has called for clear warnings to be placed on armchair lap belts for the elderly following the death of a 72-year-old woman with Parkinson's disease. Susan Lakin suffered with mobility problems and was bought the armchair belt restraint by her family to keep her safe after she started to fall out of bed and her seat. However, the belt became caught around her neck after she slipped down in her armchair and she died as a result. Coroner Isobel Thistlethwaite has now issued a prevention of future deaths report calling for the government to ensure appropriate warnings are issued on lap belts, which are categorised as "high risk" equipment by the NHS. Armchair belts are often single straps of padded material which fit around the lower torso of the person using it while they are sitting upright, with the aim of holding them in place. The item bought online for Mrs Lakin promised to provide "adequate trunk stability" and to minimise the chance of "injuries, tilting or slipping". She had used it for more than 15 months without issue before she died at her home in Leicestershire on 19 February 2024, according to the coroner's report. It said: "CCTV cameras captured Mrs Lakin slipping down her armchair and underneath the lap belt which then becomes caught around her neck. "Mrs Lakin was unable to self-rescue by mobilising in the way that some people might be able to and therefore remained trapped, and effectively suspended by the lap belt around her neck, until she was found by a family member who visited her. "Mrs Lakin died shortly after she was found." Mrs Lakin's cause of death was recorded as "respiratory compromise by support belt" and "postural impairment" along with her Parkinson's disease and a rare neurological condition called corticobasal syndrome. The coroner said Mrs Lakin's family bought the lap belt with "good intentions" as they wanted to keep her safe. But the report added: "The advertisement and sales particulars contain no warning about the risks that are associated with the use of the lap belt, nor any suggestion that the lap belt should be used or fitted under the guidance or supervision of a therapist or medical professional. "The evidence heard at the inquest was that the lap belt should be considered a 'high risk' piece of equipment, it is categorised as such in the local NHS trust's Standard Operating Procedure. "It is concerning that people who have no healthcare training at all can purchase high risk equipment for their loved ones online without being appraised of those risks." The coroner's report has been sent to the Department for Health and Social Care, the Medicine and Healthcare Products and Regulatory Agency and the Care Quality Commission as well as Amazon UK. The governmental organisations have been given 56 days to respond. Follow BBC Leicester onFacebook, onX, or onInstagram. Send your story ideas toeastmidsnews@bbc.co.ukor viaWhatsAppon 0808 100 2210.
Woman strangled by chair belt designed to stop falls
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Coroner Calls for Safety Warnings on Armchair Lap Belts After Elderly Woman's Death"
Bbc News
8.1
TruthLens AI Summary
A coroner has raised serious concerns regarding the safety of armchair lap belts designed for elderly individuals following the tragic death of 72-year-old Susan Lakin, who had Parkinson's disease. Lakin's family had purchased the lap belt with good intentions to prevent her from falling out of her armchair, which had become a significant concern due to her mobility issues. Unfortunately, the safety device became entangled around her neck when she slipped down in her chair, leading to her untimely death on February 19, 2024. The coroner, Isobel Thistlethwaite, reported that CCTV footage revealed Lakin being trapped and suspended by the belt until a family member discovered her. The cause of death was determined to be respiratory compromise due to the support belt, compounded by her existing health conditions, including her Parkinson's disease and a rare neurological disorder known as corticobasal syndrome.
In light of this incident, the coroner has issued a prevention of future deaths report, urging the government to implement clear warnings on lap belts, which are classified as "high risk" equipment by the NHS. The report highlighted the lack of warnings in the advertisement and sales information regarding the potential dangers of using such belts without professional guidance. It was noted that the lap belt should only be used under the supervision of a healthcare professional, as individuals without medical training can easily purchase these high-risk devices online. The report has been forwarded to several governmental bodies, including the Department for Health and Social Care and the Care Quality Commission, with a request for a response within 56 days. This tragic case underscores the critical need for consumer safety regulations and the importance of informing families about the risks associated with safety devices for vulnerable individuals.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The tragic incident involving the death of a 72-year-old woman due to a malfunctioning safety device raises significant concerns about the safety of products designed for vulnerable populations, particularly the elderly. This news story serves to highlight the potential dangers associated with the use of lap belts in armchairs, which are intended to prevent falls but may inadvertently pose severe risks.
Public Awareness and Safety Regulations
The coroner's call for clearer warnings on lap belts suggests a push for greater public awareness regarding safety equipment. There is an implication that manufacturers and retailers may not be adequately communicating the risks associated with their products, which could lead to preventable tragedies. By bringing attention to this incident, the article aims to foster a discussion about the need for stricter regulations and clearer labeling on products used by the elderly.
Community Perception and Concerns
This news may evoke a sense of vulnerability within the community, especially among families caring for elderly members. By detailing the circumstances surrounding Mrs. Lakin's death, the article conveys the message that even well-intentioned safety measures can lead to unforeseen dangers. This could lead to increased scrutiny of similar products and a demand for improvements in safety standards.
Hidden Narratives
While the article focuses on the specific incident, it does not delve into broader systemic issues, such as the overall quality and safety of products marketed to the elderly. There may be an underlying concern that the emphasis on this tragic event could distract from larger discussions about the adequacy of care and support systems for aging populations.
Manipulative Elements
The article does not overtly exhibit manipulative characteristics but does frame the narrative in a way that emphasizes the tragic consequences of the safety device. Such framing could lead readers to demand more stringent regulations, potentially influencing public opinion and policy-making in a specific direction.
Truthfulness of the Report
The report appears to be truthful and based on factual accounts, including the coroner's findings and the family's intentions. However, the focus on the incident may overshadow other relevant information regarding the overall safety of similar devices.
Societal Impact
This news could impact societal perceptions of elderly care products, leading to increased calls for regulation and safety standards. Economically, companies producing similar safety devices may face scrutiny, which could affect stock prices or sales if public sentiment shifts against them.
Targeted Communities
The article likely resonates more with communities concerned about elderly care, healthcare professionals, and families with elderly members. It aims to raise consciousness about the capabilities and risks of safety devices among these groups.
Market Repercussions
While it may not directly impact the stock market, companies associated with elderly care products could experience changes in consumer behavior as a result of heightened awareness surrounding safety issues.
Global Context
The discussion of elderly care products fits into a larger global context as aging populations become more prevalent. As societies grapple with these demographic shifts, the safety and efficacy of products designed for the elderly become increasingly relevant.
Artificial Intelligence Influence
It's possible that AI models were used in drafting this article, especially in structuring the narrative and presenting data. Advanced language models could assist in ensuring clarity and engagement, though the fundamental issue remains a pressing concern for human welfare.
In summary, while the article presents a factual account of a tragic event, it also serves a broader purpose in advocating for improved safety standards and awareness regarding elderly care products. It highlights the need for systemic changes to prevent future tragedies.