A Warrigal Care staff member has been stood down amid allegations she used “excessive force” against a dementia patient at the aged care provider’s Warilla nursing home.
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Two staff members reported the allegation to managers on December 24, prompting Warrigal to immediately suspend the woman and report the matter to police.
Warrigal acting executive officer Craig Smith told the Mercury the incident, alleged to have occurred sometime in December, involved the staff member “using more force than necessary with the resident”.
He said the exact details of what took place were still being determined.
Mr Smith said during the police investigation, officers were told of a second incident – believed to involve the same staff member – with another resident.
“Police made an allegation that the staff member used a spray bottle on the resident,” Mr Smith said.
The daughter of the second resident was notified of the allegation on Thursday.
She claims she was told the spray bottle contained a cleaning chemical. However, Mr Smith disputed that allegation, saying it would have been “unusual” for chemicals to be in that area.
Meanwhile, the woman, who the Mercury has chosen not to identify, said she had been left horrified by what she’d heard.
“I feel like I let my mother down by putting her in a nursing home,” she said.
“I feel like I have failed her. She has paid so much money to get into care and it is so disappointing that she has not received the best level of care.
“These residents are in the hardest part of their lives and they deserve so much better.”
The woman praised those staff members who had spoken out on behalf of the patients.
“I know 99 per cent of people who work in the industry really care about the residents,” she said.
Mr Smith confirmed he had received only two formal reports against the worker in question – both originating from fellow workers.
“No resident or family members of any resident have made an allegation,” Mr Smith said.
Mr Smith said Warrigal’s reporting process was “robust” and the organisation would provide as much information and support to police as needed.
“When there is any allegation made against a staff member, the safety of residents is assessed, the staff member is suspended immediately and police are contacted,” he said.
“The priority for us is the safety and care of residents.”
On Friday, Lake Illawarra police refused to confirm they were carrying out any investigation regarding the facility.
