Jailed care home workers caught out by hidden camera

We are raising awareness of the signs of abuse and neglect during Safeguarding Adults Week (18 to 24 November), as we continue our work to protect vulnerable people in Staffordshire.

The national campaign highlights the devastating impact this type of crime can have on victims and their families, and encourages organisations and individuals to feel more confident about reporting safeguarding concerns.

This year’s theme is ‘working in partnership’ and covers coming together to reduce risk of harm whilst ensuring that policies and procedures are in place so safeguarding concerns are raised, recognised, and responded to effectively.

Throughout the year, specialist trained police officers and staff from our adult safeguarding team work with multi-agency partners to protect vulnerable adults in our county.

At the start of this month, two former members of staff at a Staffordshire care home were jailed after the family of a 79-year-old woman noticed extensive bruising on her arms.

The victim’s daughter put a camera disguised as a digital clock in her mother’s room.

After watching harrowing footage recorded in September last year, she told bosses at the care home, who then completed a safeguarding referral.

After a discussion with a detective from our multi-agency safeguarding hub (MASH) was requested by social care practitioners, a police investigation began.

The two suspects were suspended from work and charged with wilful neglect on 5 April this year.

In July, the women appeared at Cannock Magistrates’ Court, where one admitted the offence. The other, who denied any wrongdoing, was found guilty after trial.

They were sentenced to three months in prison and 10 weeks in prison respectively on Friday 1 November.

Detective inspector Carla Thompson, from our adult safeguarding team, said: “Where abuse is happening we will do our upmost to stop it whilst keeping victims at the front and centre of any investigation.

“Sometimes the person causing harm is a family member, or someone who is paid to care. Often the perpetrator is seen as a friend. Incidents of abuse can take place in many locations, including a victim’s home, or as seen here, a care home.

“Our team is passionate about listening to the voice of the adult; in this case the victim couldn’t speak up for herself but her family had a bad feeling that something wasn’t right and acted.

“We have two dedicated MASH sergeants for adults. While they sit with Staffordshire County Council’s Adult Social Care team, they also work with Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s Adult Social Care services.

“People and organisations working together can make a huge difference in preventing abuse and neglect of adults at risk.”

If you are worried that you or someone you know is a victim of abuse or neglect please speak up.

You can contact us directly by calling 101, or via Live Chat on our website.

To report anonymously, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.