Care home ‘financial abuse’ probe

A Northern Ireland couple are under police investigation after the regulator found significant financial abuse of six vulnerable adults in care.

The probe focused on Bawn Cottage Residential Care Home at Hamiltonsbawn.

The regulator found owners Norman and Mildred Wylie unfit to run the County Armagh home.

The body responsible for inspecting health and social care services is the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA).

It has given notice of a proposal to cancel the registration of Mr and Mrs Wylie.

It said: “The Southern Health and Social Care Trust concluded that on the information and evidence obtained through investigation…that on the balance of probability, significant financial abuse of the six vulnerable adults did take place.”

This included unjustified overpayment for day care meals when this was included in the weekly tariff, inequitable mileage rates and supervision charges.

The PSNI said: “Police can confirm they are aware of the allegations and an investigation is under way.”