A family say their grandad was "left in a room to die" at a West Kingsdown care home after he was admitted with dementia.

Jon Green, 50, and his wife Nadine, 46, had looked after 94-year-old Walter Newman for the last seven years at home in Albert Road, Wilmington.

Mr Newman is a Second World War veteran who served as a sergeant major in the regiment of the Royal Engineers.

In February the family made the heartbreaking decision to seek a care home placement for Mr Newman because his worsening vascular dementia.

Mr Newman spent some time in Gravesham Place Integrated Care Centre before a place was found for him at Manordene Care Home in Forge Lane.

The family claim staff at the home did not care for Mr Newman properly and that he was left alone in his room where he lost the use of his legs, despite using a frame to walk around at home.

Mr Newman was admitted to Darent Valley Hospital in Dartford on May 25 and the family were told by doctors he was unlikely to survive.

Mr Green said: "Grandad had a chest infection which was allowed to develop into pneumonia.

"He was so dehydrated they thought he was going to die and had three high grade pressure sores because he was left in a chair all day.

"I feel like they left in that room to die.

"On my arrival to the hospital I was told urine was stuck in his stomach due to a build up of grit in his catheter due to it not being flushed out.

"His blood sugar level was dangerously high at 28mmols.

"He is still in hospital and amazingly we have been told he is medically fit and we are in discussions with social services."

Kent County Council says Manordene has been put on a 'level 2 poor practice alert' meaning no placements can be made without the permission of the safeguarding or commissioning lead.

A Kent County Council spokesman added: "Vulnerable people in Kent deserve to be cared for to a high standard and with dignity.

"Manordene is a privately owned care home.

"Mr Newman was admitted to the home in February and since concerns were raised about his care, we have been visiting the home regularly and working with staff to improve standards.

"The Care Quality Commission has also been notified and we are keeping them updated.

"We have raised two warnings on the home relating to safeguarding issues and poor practice.

"All KCC placements are being individually considered by commissioning and the safeguarding team before being approved.

"We will continue to work with Mr Newman’s family to address these issues and this alert will not be lifted until we are satisfied that care has improved."

Care home manager Nick Howe said: "I cannot comment on any specific allegations because of confidentiality.

"We are working with KCC to resolve issues and they are aware of the situation."