Suffering from social isolation, Quebec woman wasn't found until a month after her death

FrancinePratte, 65, died of an acute coronary insufficiencyalone in her Trois-Riviresapartment in October 2015, but she was only found a month after her death.

A report by Quebec coroner RaynaldGauthierconcludedthat the woman suffered from social isolation. Her death was discoveredwhen a neighbour complained to building management about the smell coming from next door.

Gauthier notes in his report that Prattewas not working, was living alone and wasonly in sparse contact with family members.

He noted that the building's concierge, who'd worked there for five years, had never met the reclusive woman.

The report, made public Tuesday, describes the woman's body as showing "signs of mummification" and said it was in an "advanced state of decomposition."

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No autopsy was performed as there were no signs of violence on the woman's body.

The coronerrecommended that senior citizensin similar statesof isolation should take advantage of the Quebec Pair Program, a buddy systemthat includes keeping in touch with a peer through regular phone calls and check-ins.

He recommendedspecifically thattheTrois-Riviresmunicipal housing agency, whichowned the building where Pratte lived, raise awareness about the programand encourage residents who live alone to take part.

Suzanne Girard, president of the Quebec Pair Program,welcomed the coroner's recommendation, saying the program saves the lives of hundreds of people across the province.

"We want to meet people in residential offices, in seniors' residences, but the doors do not open easily," she said, explaining that seniors are sometimes reluctant to take part in the program.

"When it is recommended by a professional like today, I assure you that this week we will have many calls by people who will want to join."