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From The Times
May 15, 2008

Dead couple feared being sent to live in separate care homes

Simon de Bruxelles

Abergavenny A couple who had been married for 60 years are believed to have killed themselves rather than face being placed in separate care homes.

The bodies of Tom Hughes, 82, and his wife Nancie, 86, were found beside each other in their retirement flat in Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, at the weekend.

They had received a visit by social services at Monmouthshire County Council last week.

Mrs Hughes faced going to a home for people with dementia but her husband, a retired dentist, was well enough to move to an ordinary care home.

A neighbour said: “It was too much to bear for them, they had spent their whole lives together and were suddenly told they could be split up.”

A social services spokeswoman said: “As a devoted couple it would be even more important that they remain together and our emotional needs assessment would take that into account.”

Their inquests are due to be opened today. Police said that they were not looking for anyone in connection with the deaths.

I don't understand. A neighbour said that this couple were told they would be split up.
Did the social services tell them that?
If during the so called 'assessment' someone left this couple with the belief that they would be seperated, shame on them and I just wonder how they can sleep at night.

Tessa Boo, London, W11 1NR

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