St Annes care home staff under investigation for allegedly dressing up dementia patients in silly costumes for own amusement

The Hamptons Care Centre on Heyhouses Lane is advertised as a 'lovely and luxurious care home' for up to 76 people, some of whom suffer from dementia, and was rated 'good' overall following its last inspection in August 2018.

So a family member of one resident, who did not wish to be named, was shocked when she was told what had happened to her elderly relative at the home earlier this month.

She said a manager informed them that other members of staff had been caught dressing residents up in comical novelty sunglasses and taking photographs of them."

She said: "They didn't even tell us who the member of staff was. All they could do was apologise.

"Dementia patients can't speak up for themselves and as family members we're not allowed to go in due to coronavirus restrictions, so we don't know what's going on. You have to put your trust in the care team to protect the vulnerable. But they have been abused by the people who we are putting our trust in. I think it's awful.

"With lockdown, our only way of contact is by video call.

"It's just really disappointing to think that you put your faith in these people to look after them, and now it's like they are taking advantage."

She said she believed the photographs were posted online, but have since been deleted.

A spokesman for New Care, which oversees The Hamptons, said: “We can confirm that an issue was raised by one of our staff members at The Hamptons. We are currently investigating the issue within our disciplinary procedures and have notified all of the relevant parties involved. The safety and wellbeing of our residents is always our primary concern.”

The Care Quality Commission, which regulates health and social care in the UK, has also been informed.

A CQC spokesman said: “We are aware of an incident at the Hamptons Care Centre, which prompted its manager to undertake an investigation and engage with us. As the service’s internal investigation is still underway, we cannot comment further at the moment to avoid prejudicing the process.”