Retired Yorkshire businesswoman took her own life after lockdown 'became too much'

An 84-year-old widow who struggled with loneliness during lockdown took her own life because she could not cope with social isolation, an inquest heard.
Margaret Caffell lived in Morton on Swale, near NorthallertonMargaret Caffell lived in Morton on Swale, near Northallerton
Margaret Caffell lived in Morton on Swale, near Northallerton

Margaret Caffell, a retired business owner, was found dead in her bed at her bungalow in the village of Morton on Swale, near Northallerton, on April 28, when lockdown restrictions were at their height.

An inquest into her death was today (August 10) held at County Hall in Northallerton.

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North Yorkshire coroner Robert Turnbull heard that Mrs Caffell, a widow with no close family members still living, had relied on her car to enable her to have a social life, but was unable to get out and about when the lockdown came into force in the spring.

Her friend and neighbour Irene Oldfield said Mrs Caffell was in good health and only ever complained about knee trouble when they spoke.

Mrs Oldfield had spoken to her the day before her death and said she seemed her 'normal self', but raised concerns for her welfare the following day and emergency services were called to the two-bedroom property on a quiet cul-de-sac in the village.

Police officers who attended found the house to be 'well-kept and tidy'. There was fresh food in the fridge and cash and a shopping list left out in the kitchen, but it was noted that there were no family photographs on display. A briefcase containing bank statements and a will dated 2015 was also found.

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Mrs Oldfield later confirmed to police that her neighbour had no living relatives and agreed to identify her body.

A pathologist found the cause of death to be consistent with suffocation and no traces of substances were found in her bloodstream.

Mrs Oldfield said: "She was a jolly person who only ever complained about her knees. I think she became very lonely during lockdown. Her car trips stopped. Lockdown was just too much for her."

Mr Turnbull recorded a verdict of suicide.

Age UK Leeds chief executive Iain Anderson said: "Sadly for many older people social isolation and loneliness has become the norm; this for many pre-dates coronavirus.

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"This is a reality that organisations like ours have been working to address over many years and have continued to do so throughout the pandemic. Since March as result of being directed to ‘shield’ or measures taken themselves to socially isolate, increasing numbers of older people have not been able to live their lives as they would have done previously, as a result they have become disconnected from the community and as a consequence are experiencing problems with both their physical health and mental wellbeing.

"In response over recent months in order to ensure that we try to reach more older people that may be lonely and isolated, we have maintained our existing range of services (although these have largely had to operate remotely) and have developed a new ‘Check and Chat’ service where both staff and volunteers make regular calls to older people, making sure that they are OK and supporting them with a range of tasks that they have not been able to manage for themselves.

"If anyone has any concerns about a neighbour, friend or family member I would urge them to contact Age UK Leeds on 0113 3893000 or 0113 8893010 and one our team will offer assistance."

Anyone struggling with mental health issues is encouraged to contact the Samaritans on their 24/7 confidential helpline by calling 116 123.

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