Resident at Dumbarton's Castle View care home left in "heartbreaking" situation

21.12.2022 - 18:41 / dailyrecord.co.uk

The daughter of a resident at Dumbarton’s Castle View care home has hit out at the ‘heartbreaking’ condition she found her mother in had faced.

Sharon Calderwood contacted the Lennox after being appalled to find her beloved mum, Agnes McKenzie Ross, who has advanced dementia, left wearing soiled clothes, in pain and with little support or stimulation.

The Care Inspectorate say they are looking into the family’s concerns.

Daughter Sharon praised hardworking Castle View carers, but feels they are under pressure.

Agnes, 75, moved into Castle View after her condition deteriorated, leaving her husband unable to care for her at home.

After a spell living with dairy farmer Sharon, who has a son with additional support needs and another with a lifelong illness, the decision was taken that Agnes would be best supported in a nursing home. She received an emergency placement at Castle View.

However quickly Sharon says became concerned when she discovered her mum in soiled clothing, was suffering from toothache and hadn’t been washed.

Sharon told the Lennox: “Unfortunately we didn’t get off to a great start.

“The main reason for visiting my mum isn’t to do little activities to try and make as many memories as we possibly can. I’m going in there to clean my mum.

“I’ve asked on numerous occasions how long a resident will be left in a soiled pull-up.

“Someone with dementia has human rights.

“If my mum is difficult or rude, I understand that, but will they go back again, or will they just be left?

“I think that’s one of the biggest nightmares for my dad. He always had mum clean, tidy and respectable.

“I know my mum is in the later stages of her disease. She has no understanding of personal care.

“That’s the whole reason why we contacted social work