My mother died 11 days after being discharged from a care home where she had been placed despite her repeated wish to remain at home. Her death certificate listed vascular dementia as the sole cause. I believe her experience deserves public attention, so lessons can be learned.”

Florence Ramsbottom was 96. Up to the age of 92, she had lived independently with family support, and consistently expressed a wish to remain in her own home, where she felt safe and comfortable.

In 2022, she was admitted to residential care. To my knowledge, no court order was obtained to authorise the move, and no welfare powers existed to compel it.

During her time in care, Florence refused food and her condition deteriorated. Over six weeks, she became visibly frail. Safeguarding procedures or further assessments of her wishes and capacity were not triggered to my knowledge.

After six weeks, Florence was discharged home in a weakened state. Eleven days later, she died. Her cause of death was recorded as “vascular dementia.” There was no mention of her refusal to eat or the events preceding her death.

Following her death, I sought clarity from the relevant agencies the Care Quality Commission, local adult social services, the Coroner’s Office, and others regarding whether the processes surrounding her admission, care, and discharge were compliant. To date, none of these bodies has undertaken a full investigation, citing jurisdictional, resource, or procedural limits.

This case is not about inheritance or blame. It is about highlighting a gap in the system: where a vulnerable person’s autonomy can be overridden, no independent inquiry follows, and families are left without answers.

I have already spent £60,000 my life savings seeking a lawful route to raise these questions and secure an independent review. I am now seeking to raise £100,000 to continue this process, through appropriate legal and procedural channels, so that Florence’s case can prompt systemic review and, I hope, positive change.

Any funds raised will be used exclusively for legal costs. 

Florence’s story matters. The worst part of ageing should not be becoming invisible. Please help ensure her experience is seen, heard, and contributes to preventing future failings.