Family investigating legal claim after death of Shropshire care home resident

Brian Ruff, 81, died in Shrewsbury on March 21, 2014. He had been a permanent resident of Ottley House, Coton Hill, since August 2012.

An adult safeguarding investigation following Mr Ruff's admission to hospital with dehydration concluded there was neglect on the part of the home in relation to his care.

It was noted Mr Ruff was not given adequate fluids while in Ottley House, which is owned by Barchester Healthcare Ltd.

Beth Harrison, of Lanyon Bowdler Solicitors who are acting on behalf of Mr Ruff's son David, and daughter in law, Dawn, said the family are investigating a clinical negligence claim in relation to failures to provide basic care.

Ms Harrison said: "Prior to becoming a resident at Ottley House, Mr Ruff predominantly lived with David and Dawn who provided Mr Ruff with all his care.

"However, following the rapid onset of vascular dementia I understand that the care became too much for them and he required specialist dementia care.

"David and Dawn were advised that Mr Ruff required full support with all personal care, mobility and food and fluid intake.

"He was a very vulnerable man who was highly dependent on others for all aspects of daily living."

On January 30, 2014, David Ruff received a call to attend Ottley House and on arrival insisted an ambulance be called for his father. Mr Ruff was admitted to the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital with dehydration.

After treatment he made some recovery and was discharged to Mount House in Shrewsbury – also owned by Barchester – on March 7. Mr Ruff remained at Mount House until his death.

Anne Clarke, home spokeswoman, said: "We offer our deepest sympathies to the family of Mr Ruff for their loss. We cannot comment on their claims relating to 2014 but we can confirm that a new general manager is in place, significant improvements have been made and recently the home performed strongly in Your Care Rating, a nationwide survey of care home residents."