A high-profile aristocrat says her 102-year-old uncle died at a care home with three inch toenails.
Norbert Marshall, a retired jeweller, was 102 when he died after fracturing a hip in a fall at Plas Isaf Home in Rhos-on-Sea, Conway, North Wales.
An inquest in Ruthin heard Lady Bristol said she was shocked when she saw his feet in hospital, reports the BBC.
“His toes were blue, his nails were three inches long and he was very unkempt,” she said.
“I had a shock when I saw him. He was in a terrible state.”
Lady Bristol, mother of socialites Victoria and Isabella Hervey, believes his nail length left him unsteady, leading to the fall.
She claimed it was “negligence” on the part of the home.
The inquest heard Mr Marshall retired to Llandudno after falling in love with the town as a child.
He was diagnosed with dementia and moved into the home two and a half years ago.
While he could walk without assistance, the inquest heard he had fallen about six times.
He was taken to Glan Clwyd Hospital with a urinary tract infection on October 29, 2003, but returned to Plas Isaf.
On November 2 he was found lying on the floor of the lounge and was taken to hospital.
His condition however worsened and he died on November 13, his cause of death was given as pneumonia.
The fall, frailty and dementia were contributory factors.
Gwyneth Conway, the current manager of the home, told the Telegraph staff were “shocked”. She told the inquest on Wednesday that improvements had been implemented at the home, including regular visits from a chiropodist.
Recording a conclusion of accidental death, Mr Gittins said he appreciated changes had been made.
He added that Mr Marshall had been walking with the assistance of carers.
“I certainly do not attribute the fall to his feet,” he said.
