Shirley Nunn’s death expose failures in care for families

Despite help from adult social care, Shirley felt overwhelmed and unsupported. Two days after being discharged from the hospital to die at home, she and Steven were found dead — on the second anniversary of her husband’s passing.

The report concluded that Shirley’s emotional struggles were overlooked and that earlier mental health intervention might have saved both lives.

This tragedy raises urgent questions: Are we doing enough to support caregivers in crisis? Could better mental health care and planning have prevented this loss?