Family say neglect incident 'shortened life' of care home resident (From Bromsgrove Advertiser)

Family say neglect incident 'shortened life' of care home resident

1:50pm Wednesday 29th August 2012 in News

THE family of Thomas Milroy, the 85-year-old dementia sufferer found barely conscious lying on his bedroom floor at a Bromsgrove care home, say they believe the incident shortened his life.

Mr Milroy spent more than a month in hospital following the neglect incident at Breme Care Home, Providence Road, in February 2011. He died in January this year.

Following the sentencing of three care workers, who worked at the home, Mr Milroy’s family - who were paying £650 a week for his care - released this statement:

"Having sat in court listening to the evidence for and against the defendants it became apparent we needed to question whether dad had ever been checked during the night, and it has also left us unsure as to whether he received his correct medication.

"Dad was in hospital for five weeks.

“As a family, we firmly believe that as a result of the care dad received, we lost the man who we knew and cared for, and instead ended up with a frail old gentlemen unable to stand weight bearing, let alone walk.

"We believe this whole incident was a life shortening event for him.”

Mr Milroy was originally from Scotland and moved to Bromsgrove in 1952. He had three children, and was a great-grandfather.

Detective Constable Paul Lofthouse said: “This has been a very complex and tragic case.

“We hope the outcome provides them (Mr Milroy’s family) with some measure of closure.

“It is a huge decision for a family to place a loved one in a care home - and when that goes wrong it can have a devastating impact.”

Det Con Lofthouse added Breme Care Home had co-operated fully throughout the investigation, and had revised its policies and procedures as a result of the case.

A civil case against the care home, brought by the family, is ongoing.