Campaigners have described as "absolutely shocking" new figures which show that almost 700 people died from dehydration in care homes between 2005 and 2009.

The figures, just released from the Office for National Statistics, showed 667 deaths due to dehydration with another 157 dying of malnutrition. Campaigners say the true figure is likely to be even higher as residents who were admitted to hospital and died there are not included in the numbers.

The ONS statistics also show that between 2005 and 2009 almost 5,000 in care homes died from falls, 1,349 died from the superbug Clostidium difficile, almost 1,500 died from pressure sores and 579 were victims of MRSA.

Campaigners, including Age UK and the National Pensioners Convention, have said that families are often having to pay exorbitant care home fees for a sub-standard service. They say that in many cases the deaths were entirely avoidable and proper care and supervision would have resulted in a reduction in the figures.

Paul Burstow, the Care Services Minister said: "Having sorted out the family finances to pay for care there should at least be the comfort of knowing that their loved one will receive dedicated, expert care. But while there are excellent homes it is simply unacceptable that people still die undignified deaths from wholly avoidable causes."

Many families find themselves incorrectly paying care costs when they are entitled to it free. We can help claim back care home fees that should not have been paid.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/8292239/Hundreds-of-care-home-residents-killed-by-thirst.html