The family of Jeanette Stone are grappling with unimaginable grief after the 83-year-old grandmother was found dead in a neighbour's garden, having wandered from her Berkshire care home unnoticed.
The beloved pensioner, who suffered from dementia, disappeared from the Oak House care facility in Wokingham during the early hours of a cold January morning. Despite her vulnerable condition and freezing temperatures, she managed to leave the premises without staff intervention.
Desperate Search Ends in Tragedy
Concerned family members raised the alarm when they discovered Jeanette was missing from her room. A frantic search involving police and volunteers ensued throughout the night and following day.
The devastating discovery came approximately 24 hours later when the great-grandmother was found lifeless in a nearby garden, just meters from the care home that was supposed to protect her.
Family's Heartbreaking Tribute
Jeanette's devastated daughter, Samantha Stone, described her mother as "the most amazing, kind, caring, loving, strong, independent woman" who was "deeply loved by all her family."
"She was our world and we were hers," Samantha emotionally shared, highlighting the profound loss felt by multiple generations who adored the family matriarch.
Care Home Under Scrutiny
The tragedy has raised serious questions about security and supervision at the care facility operated by Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. How a vulnerable elderly woman with dementia could wander unsupervised during nighttime hours remains a central concern for investigators.
Local authorities have launched urgent reviews of safety protocols at the home, while the Care Quality Commission monitors the situation closely. The trust has expressed condolences but declined further comment during ongoing investigations.
Broader Implications for Elderly Care
This heartbreaking incident highlights critical issues facing care homes across the UK, particularly regarding:
- Security measures for residents with dementia
- Staff training and supervision protocols
- Emergency response procedures for missing residents
- Family communication during crises
The community remains shaken by the loss of a woman described by neighbours as sweet and gentle, whose tragic final hours have sparked calls for improved safeguards for society's most vulnerable members.
