An elderly Falmouth woman who was strapped to a wheelchair and force-fed by her carer was not a victim of neglect, ruled a coroner this week.

Hilda Joyce Foster, 76, known as Joyce, died at Eschol nursing home in Portscatho in September last year, following a period of respite care at the home.

She suffered from dementia and had been cared for by her son Dale Foster and his girlfriend Jacqueline Emberson following a stay in hospital in May last year.

Miss Emberson was Mrs Foster’s main carer and looked after her at Mr Foster’s home in Merrill Place, Falmouth.

Doctor Alison St John, consultant pathologist at the Royal Cornwall Hospital, said Mrs Foster, pictured above, died from pneumonia, but she had also been suffering from extreme malnourishment, bedsores and her toenails were too long.

Questioned as to whether these could be signs of neglect, Dr St John said: “Any one of these things on their own is not significant, but if all three are present it raises the question.”

Coroner Andrew Cox said any shortcomings in the care of Mrs Foster fell a long way short of neglect but highlighted the need for greater communication between carers as he recorded a verdict of death by natural causes.

The inquest heard care workers from Alexandra’s Community Care in Falmouth raised concerns with Cornwall Social Services before she was admitted to Eschol.

Martine Stocker, one of the carers from Alexandra’s, told the inquest how she had witnessed Miss Emberson force-feeding Mrs Foster.

Carers said they felt uncomfortable writing their concerns in the logbook kept at Mrs Foster’s home.

Mr Cox highlighted this as a problem and emphasised “the need for greater inter-agency communication”, which was described as lacking by both the Alexandra’s care workers and Rachel Burton, care co-ordinator for social care at Cornwall Social Services.

Ms Burton said she could not investigate a situation properly without proper information, but added when she visited Mrs Foster shortly after she was discharged from hospital, she “was happy the house and Jacqui were suitable for Joyce”.

Margaret Stobbart-Rowlands, matron at Eschol nursing home, said despite Mrs Foster being described as “fussy” with her food when at home, she had a good appetite at Eschol.

Mrs Stobbart-Rowlands described Miss Emberson as “domineering and in charge of the situation”, and said when she met Mrs Foster at Melvill Place, she was strapped to her wheelchair with a belt tied around her waist.

Mr Cox said: “The deceased’s care was not perfect but overall I think the deceased’s son and his partner did the best they could in caring for her in difficult circumstances.”

Tearfully Miss Emberson said: “I loved Joyce as if she was my own mum, and I would never have done anything to hurt her. I have found the whole situation distressing and hurtful.”

Detective constable Alan Jordan confirmed there would be no criminal prosecution.

After the inquest, Miss Emberson said she was happy with the coroner’s verdict but was “distressed” by the claims of neglect that were made.

She said: “Joyce was lovely. She had a wicked sense of humour. She’s left a great big hole.”