Wallace Beaumont nursed his wife through Alzheimer's

They are calling for new measures to tackle the situation, and ensure others do not have to endure sub-standard care.

Sue McMahon's father Wallace Beaumont went into hospital in Greater Manchester in February 2005 aged 87 with slight breathlessness.

He had exhibited similar symptoms in the past, which were related to his Parkinson's disease, but they were always previously treated by his GP.

He had wet his bed and night clothes and was crying Sue McMahon

While he was in hospital, Sue had to change her father's clothes for him, give him drinks and feed him.

His clothes were stolen, and on one occasion he was left with just a top on.

She said: "I was contacted and went to A&E. The doctor told me he had given him some treatment for his bad heart.

"I told him he did not have a bad heart, but the only response I got was shrugged shoulders.

"Still not knowing what was wrong, my father was sent to the medical assessment unit and I left him there about 10pm.

Horrific decline

"When I arrived the next day I was horrified - he was confused, couldn't walk and didn't know who I was.

"He had wet his bed and night clothes and was crying.

"I tried to get some answers but the staff changed and they didn't know his background.

"I noticed the name on his tag and on the bed board were wrong and they continued even though I had told them they called him by the wrong name for days.

"I was shocked and confused as to what had happened and asked to see the consultant. This took several days."

Eventually Sue was told her father had experienced a succession of mini-strokes. But during several weeks in hospital this was the only information the family received.

Not worth bothering

"The staff thought he had come from an old people's home but he had been completely independent, a smart gentleman who always wore a blazer and tie," she said.

The care he received in hospital was totally disrespectful Sue McMahon

"He had travelled abroad with family only months before and had until eight months before been the sole carer of our mother, who had Alzheimer's.

"I went on the ward the next day to find him sat on a chair near the door with his coat, hat and clothes in a bag as if he was leaving, but the staff told me he got upset if he was asked to go back to his bed and they didn't have time to talk to him so they left him there all morning in his own faeces.

"He stayed in hospital for several weeks - he lost a lot of weight and he was dirty - I changed him each time I arrived.

"He went to a temporary ward where no-one knew his history and just assumed he was a dirty, incontinent old man with dementia and wasn't worth bothering to keep him clean or take him to the toilet.

Hungry and thirsty

"One day I found a full cup of cold tea on the side next to him. When I gave it to him he gulped it back as though he had not had a drink all day.

"And when I gave him food that I had brought in he took it like an animal.

"I complained but none of the staff were consistent. They were either from the bank or from other wards and the consultant gave me no real explanation as to his condition, which didn't help.

"He was eventually sent to a rehabilitation centre. Then I found a care home near me, where I have to say he was well cared for.

"But the care he received in hospital was totally disrespectful. It was as if he did not matter. If people treated fluffy animals like that, everybody would be up in arms."

Mr Beaumont died in May as a result of a fall due to his confused state.