"My mother's condition is deteriorating"

My mother who is 86 has slight dementia and is on medication. She was doing quite well and self caring. She recently had a bad relapse and the GP thought it could be a water infection and antibiotics were given at home. However, her condition deteriorated and she was and still is in Sunderland Royal. Since admission she has had several falls and antibiotics have ceased. We have requested a further water test on several occasions and I feel this is being delayed. She should also be receiving immodium and very plain diet as her tummy is easily upset. I have told the staff this on several occasions and I found out on my visit recently that they were unaware and had given her sausage for breakfast and didn’t realise why she couldn’t eat it. As a result, they have her in a side ward in incontinence pants and she seems to me to be loosing weight fast and has the runs. I think this is partly due to no one knowing the basics of her diet or time to take her to the loo.

She talked to me and was so concerned about the situation as a whole. I took her to the loo and put clean stuff on and she seemed so much better. Although still sometimes confused, I do not think she is as bad as some of the staff make out. In my opinion, she is not receiving the basic nursing care or nutrition she needs. As a little extra she has also now lost glasses and a bed jacket. I think she should be helped to the loo as she is unsteady on her feet, and she has never needed incontinence pads in her life. I feel this side of things is due to wrong food, not being fed the proper diet. I do not feel that I can accept any excuses for this situation as it seems to me all stem from patient care and basic nursing and nutrition knowledge. We all thought she was being cared for in the right place but I feel seriously in doubt about this now.