A CARE home has launched a review after a woman with dementia developed such a severe infection in her legs she ‘could have died’

Mary Dibley was under the care of staff at Basingfield Court Residential Care Home, in Huish Lane, Old Basing, from October 2018 until March 6 this year.

During this time, the family of the 86-year-old, who has dementia, claim staff did not react to a situation which needed “urgent” care and they believe could have led to Mary’s death.

A complaint submitted to the care home, seen by the Gazette, said Mary had developed weeping sores on her legs within a matter of weeks of moving into the facility.

The letter from Mary’s niece Teresa Smee read: “The condition deteriorated and her legs became very raw, weeping and painful. I asked whether anything else could be done to relieve the pain and for an emollient cream to be applied to ease the dryness and itching, but nothing was done.

“At one time, the itching was so severe I found Mary scrubbing her legs with a nail brush, and her tights and slippers were often sodden from the fluid leaking from her legs.

“On several occasions I asked whether anything else could be done and the situation was blamed on Mary peeling her plasters off.”

On March 1, Mary’s family were informed her legs had become “a bit more sore” but when a family member visited, she found her “very distressed and hallucinating”.

Teresa called 999, with paramedics saying they were “appalled at the condition” of Mary’s legs.

Mary was diagnosed with a severe infection in her legs, which paramedics believed had been present for some time, dehydration and a potassium deficiency.

Teresa told The Gazette: “Some people in these homes don’t have family so it is upsetting to know this type of care is being given.”

Sanctuary Care, which runs Basingfield Court, said an investigation is ongoing.

Sheila O’Connor, director of operations at Sanctuary Care, said: “We are committed to providing the highest possible standards of care for all our residents and a thorough review of the concerns raised in this case is ongoing.

“We will be providing a detailed response to the resident’s family as soon as the review is complete.”