Why was gran left in such a state?

Photo: Darren Robinson

HORRIFIED: Edith Wilson and her granddaughter Jennie Wilson have complained about her care.

CLAIMS that a care firm left an 84-year-old grandmother in urine-soaked bed sheets and with unexplained injuries are being investigated by Oldham Council.

Edith Wilson employed AmberCare North-West to visit her Tame Lane, Delph home and help with preparing meals, bathroom visits and other home care for three weeks.

But family members say they are horrified at the treatment the grandmother of two has apparently received. Oldham Council is investigating the complaints as a matter of urgency, it says.

Concerned granddaughter Jennie Wilson (30) said: “Since this new company took over her care at the end of March, her condition has rapidly deteriorated.

“The company is supposed to help her get out of bed occasionally but they haven’t even tried. As a result her muscles have been dramatically weakened.

“She is being left in urine-soaked bedding for days on end and the carers are preparing her food in the same gloves they use to clean her and remove dirty clothes and bedding. She also has cuts on her head and bruises on her legs which cannot be explained by the GP or carers - there is nothing in the room that she could have accidentally cut herself on.”

Jennie said carers had left medication and muscle-building drinks unopened on a table by the bed. Her grandmother’s arthritis and Parkinson’s Disease means she can’t open them herself..

Jennie, who works in the NHS, added: “You read these horrid care-neglect stories, but you don’t expect your family to be treated in this way. We are all scared she may never get out of bed again because the muscle wastage is so severe. You wouldn’t treat an animal the way they are treating her.”

Since the complaint was made, AmberCare has withdrawn its services.

Maggie Kufeldt, executive director for health and well-being at Oldham Council, said: “We are in constant touch with the family and will update them fully with our findings. Oldham Council takes allegations of this kind very seriously.”

The Chronicle has received no response from several attempts to contact the company