Worker branded home ‘loony bin’

AN Angus care worker has been struck off after swearing at an elderly resident and branding the home a “loony bin”.

Karen Laird, a care assistant at Carnoustie’s award-winning Braehill Lodge Care Home, verbally abused and pulled at pensioners she was meant to be looking after.

An investigation by the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) found her fitness to practise was impaired by her actions on May 11 last year.

The watchdog found she branded a resident a “f ****** b **** ” after being nipped by her.

She also pulled a male and female from their armchairs when the frail OAPs did not want to get up.

On the same day, an exasperated Ms Laird cried “I’ve f ****** had enough of this place” and “this place is a f ****** loony bin” in the presence of residents.

The SSSC ruling states: “By pulling two service users out of their chairs against their will, you could have caused them to suffer serious physical harm.

“As a result of your actions, these service users may be wary about seeking assistance from staff in the future for fear that their wishes may not be respected, which could have a detrimental effect on their health and wellbeing.

“By swearing at a vulnerable resident, you could have caused them emotional harm.

“Swearing and using derogatory language in the presence of residents is also likely to make them feel uncomfortable or unsafe in their own home.”

The ruling added the behaviour displayed was “abusive in nature and demonstrates a lack of respect”.

Ms Laird admitted the facts within the report and accepted the ruling. The report added: “There are significant public protection concerns arising from your behaviour.

“The behaviour you have displayed violates fundamental tenets of the profession, namely that social service workers should protect service users from harm, communicate in an appropriate manner and treat them with dignity and respect.

“Such behaviour raises concerns as to your suitability to continue working with vulnerable individuals.

“If the behaviour were to be repeated, other vulnerable service users could be put at risk of harm.”

Braehill is a family-run care home on Balmachie Road and has won numerous awards in recent years. Operators declined to comment on the ruling.

Braehill Lodge Care Home.