Care home workers in video probe

A MUM is furious after a leaked video showed a worker at her daughter’s special needs care home lying on the floor faking a tantrum.

The 40-second video shows a worker at The Shores care home in Poole shouting “I want my mummy” and kicking her legs in the air as colleagues laugh.

Three care workers were initially suspended after a complaint about the footage. But the home has since said the workers were “innocent” and were playing a forfeit game which is being promoted on packets of Ready Brek.

The video was dropped anonymously through the door of Mandy Smart in Highcliffe, whose 36-year-old daughter Jodi lives at the home in Brixey Road.

“I can’t believe this, it’s awful,” Mandy said.

Jodi has had an undiagnosed learning difficulty since birth. Her mum says she is like a nine or 10-year-old.

Mandy, who is a social worker, said the clip is from the lounge at the care home.

She added: “As a professional I can’t believe somebody would do that.

“This shows a lack of compassion, respect or dignity and I’m horrified.”

Mandy said she was often impressed with the staff but had complained about Jodi’s care while on a trip out before.

The home’s owners initially suspended three staff and said it took a “very serious view” of the behaviour in the video.

But a statement issued by the home last night said the leaked video was of an innocent game being promoted on cereal packets. It said it had been in touch with the family concerned.

Mandy Smart said last night she had not been contacted by the home and stood by her criticism of the home.

A statement on behalf of Craegmoor, part of the Priory Group which owns the home, said: “It is regrettable that someone has anonymously used ill-advised, but innocent, film footage to cause distress to the family of one of our residents.

“Immediately this footage was brought to our attention we carried out a thorough investigation and are satisfied that there was no malice towards any resident in the film, but staff were playing a forfeit card game promoted by a well-known cereal brand.  

“We have spoken to the family and made them aware of this. Our residents are treated with respect and dignity and the home is fully compliant with all the Care Quality Commission’s rigorous high standards.”