Family wanted elderly fire victim forced into care

A family wanted health professionals to put their elderly father into fulltime care, before he was killed in a fire at home, the Christchurch Coroner's Court was told yesterday.

But at the inquest into the death of 87-year-old Russell Thomas Coveney, his GP, Dr John Dewsbury, said people could not be forced into care against their will.

Dr Dewsbury said there was disagreement among the family over Mr Coveney being cared for at home by his partner of 20 years. Mr Coveney had dementia, walked with a frame, and had some falls.

On July 3 last year Mr Coveney fell into an open fire or had an accident which set his clothes alight while he tended it. He died in hospital after 30 per cent of his body was burned.

Dr Dewsbury said Mr Coveney's partner Pat Hanson did a very capable job of looking after him.

Clinical director for psychiatric service for the elderly at Princess Margaret Hospital Dr Jeff Kirwan said he was satisfied that "care requirements had been reviewed regularly and increased as required".

Mr Coveney's daughter Clare Coveney said the family believed it had been a tragic and preventable accident. She said there should have been more respite care available.

Coroner Richard McElrea gave preliminary findings that Mr Coveney died from the burns.

- NZPA