Twisted carer struck off for abusing woman with dementia

Based on these findings, the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) found Grant’s fitness to practise to be impaired and removed him from the register for social care workers.

The decision notice reads: “You used an inappropriate physical restraint on [the woman] on two separate occasions and used derogatory and intimidating language towards [her]. 

“Your actions demonstrated physical and emotional abuse towards a vulnerable resident in your care and placed [the woman] at risk of physical and emotional harm.

“The behaviour is serious. You have failed to show understanding that any type of physical restraint on a resident suffering from dementia is not appropriate and the impact this could have on a resident causing them confusion, distress and fear.

“The behaviour indicates character and values issues and a loss of self-control. You reacted in a physical and verbally abusive manner towards [the woman] when [she] was displaying escalated behaviour, rather than taking the necessary steps to de-escalate the situation.”

The report adds: “There are two separate occasions where you used inappropriate physical restraints on [the woman], which shows a pattern of concerning behaviour. 

“You were also employed as a senior carer and had received all the appropriate training to carry out your role safely and effectively. You would have the experience, knowledge and skills in knowing how to deal with challenging situations appropriately. There is a high risk of the behaviour being repeated.

“There is an ongoing public protection risk and if you were to continue to work with vulnerable people there is a potential risk of physical and emotional harm. 

“Service users are in a position where they have no choice but to trust the people employed to support them, even when they are showing escalated behaviour, and they should be made to feel safe and supported in a manner that is reassuring and caring.

“The public would have concerns in relation to the behaviour and would expect the SSSC to mark the behaviour as unacceptable to ensure the relevant professional standards are being upheld.”

Grant, who cooperated with the investigation by providing comments on the allegations and did not attempt to conceal his actions, had not been previously been reported to the SSSC.

However, the report stated he had shown “limited insight, regret and apology” for his “pattern of concerning behaviour”.

The council determined that he abused the trust placed in him to support the vulnerable person in his care, who showed “signs of distress” as a result of his behaviour.