BEDFORD CARE HOME STAFF FOUND GUILTY OF ILL-TREATMENT AND NEGLECT AFTER SECRET FILM FOOTAGE
Three members of staff at a Bedford care home have been found guilty of ill-treatment and wilfully neglecting an elderly resident after her family installed cameras to capture the treatment she was receiving.Willows Care Home on Shakespeare Road was home to the 88-year-old great-grandmother for two years after she began to suffer from dementia.
The family were concerned about her welfare throughout her stay, but said that complaints to management were ‘brushed aside’.
They installed cameras in her room, which revealed evidence of physical and mental abuse.
Court cases followed for three staff members: Oliver Egwu, Sigita Nickuviene, and Shital Karavadra.
On 3 November, Nickuviene and Karavadra were both found guilty of multiple counts of ill-treatment and wilful neglect of the resident.
They each received a suspended sentence of two months, with Nickuviene also ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work.
Oliver Egwu appeared at Luton Crown Court on 25 February and was convicted of six counts of ill-treatment and wilful neglect.
He was sentenced to three months in prison for each charge, to run concurrently, suspended for 18 months.
He will also undertake 200 hours of unpaid work.
The family expressed their distress, stating: “Our elderly mother – who suffers from dementia – had to endure horrific inhumane and unacceptable care.
Many people were involved with this physical and mental abuse in a care home that should be deemed as safe.
Complaints to the management were brushed aside.
The family therefore had no choice but to put in cameras to find out what was happening.
The footage showed horrific incidents of abuse.
This has been a nightmare for the family leaving them shattered.
Our mother is now in a care environment where staff understand dementia and can meet her needs.” Willows Care Home’s management responded by removing those involved and cooperating with investigations.
The Care Quality Commission rated the home as 'Requires Improvement' following the incident.
The provider, Hestia Healthcare Limited, stated they immediately took action to remove staff involved and cooperated with authorities, with no actions taken against the home afterward.
