A care home in West Kingsdown has been placed on an “adult protection alert” by Kent County Council after concerns about the care of a Second World War veteran suffering from dementia.

Walter Newman, 94, was admitted to privately-run Manordene in Forge Lane earlier this year.

However, his family, who live in Wilmington, claim the former Royal Engineer was not cared for properly and even lost the use of his legs after being left alone in his room.

Mr Newman was admitted to Darent Valley Hospital suffering from pneumonia. It was reported he was also dehydrated and had bed sores.

He has since fully recovered and is awaiting placement in another care home.

However, KCC stated that “level 2 poor practice and adult protection alerts” have since been placed on the home.

No KCC-funded placements are being made without approval from the commissioning and safeguarding team.

A spokesman said: “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.

“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.”

The highest alerts is a level three, which means that no KCC clients would be placed at a home under any circumstances.

Alerts remain in place until KCC is satisfied care has improved and issues addressed.

The Care Quality Commission - the independent regulator of health and social care in England - has also been notified by KCC. Privately-run homes can only be closed by the CQC.

Manordene, which is run by Manorville Care Homes, provides accommodation for adults who require nursing or personal care, those with dementia and physical disabilities, and treatment of disease, disorder or injury.

“We have raised two warnings on the home relating to safeguarding issues and poor practice" - A KCC spokesman

A CQC inspection in March found that improvements had been made after concerns were raised at an earlier assessment in November last year.

According to the CQC website, residents were reported to be “satisfied” with the service, with family members stating relatives were “well cared for” and their health had improved.

Earlier concerns included staff not always treating people “with dignity and respect”, their needs not always being assessed and their care records not always giving “sufficient guidance”.

The home was also criticised over “lack of activity and stimulation” for residents.

No one at Manordene was available for comment regarding Mr Newman’s care.