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Namatirai Chipere, representing her client, stated that her client herself had previously faced challenges within the social care system. Despite this, the chairman of the hearing, Iain Burke, described the incidents involving the client as a serious breach of trust and authority, noting that she had demonstrated no insight or remorse for her actions. Burke asserted that her conduct and mindset were fundamentally at odds with the standards required for registration as a social care worker.
The owner of the care home, Morar Living, responded by affirming that it acted swiftly once concerns were raised. The company also disputed claims made by Sani that she lacked proper training. The care facility, now operating under the name Morar Highland, had received a “good” rating in its latest inspection. During the hearing, video footage lasting over 20 minutes was presented, showing Sani repeatedly telling a male resident that it was time for a shower, despite his vocal and visible distress. The man, who was heard shouting “no” and “leave me alone,” also swore at the carers during the exchange, while Sani and another worker were seen laughing.
The man’s daughter, Su Christie, gave evidence about her father’s longstanding fear of showers stemming from childhood trauma, noting his confusion as an elderly man living with dementia. After the judgment, she expressed how distressing the footage was to witness, highlighting the growing anxiety evident in her father’s behavior and lamenting the absence of any effort to calm or de-escalate the situation. Christie described the experience as “devastating” and said, “He didn’t know what was going on. He’s a confused 81-year-old man living with dementia. He was frightened.”
The panel also found that Sani threatened the resident by saying, “We will call the police and they will take you to court,” and made remarks questioning whether a male cleaner would harm him. Further, she caused the resident distress by pulling the duvet from him without any warning. Delivering the panel’s verdict, chairman Burke acknowledged that the employer had some institutional failings but emphasized that this did not absolve Sani of her personal responsibility. He highlighted the lack of compassion shown throughout the incident, remarking on the inappropriate laughter from Sani and a colleague, which seemed disrespectful rather than supportive. Burke concluded that the resident had been harmed and his dignity disrespected, adding that the carer’s behavior stemmed from her attitude and was not something that could simply be corrected through additional training. The panel noted that no de-escalation techniques had been employed during the encounter.
Sani’s lawyer stated that she wished to apologize to the family. Christie, who had moved her father into a new care home following the incident, commented on the outcome: “I think it was the right decision. Whilst the panel did comment on institutional failures, this hearing is about her own personal accountability. And I think it sends the message that personal accountability matters.” She further underscored the need for people living with dementia to be treated with respect, dignity, patience, and courtesy — values she felt had been completely lacking in her father’s case.
The hearing is still ongoing regarding another carer, Oluwabunmi Salami, who admitted to raising and lowering the same resident’s bed without warning, causing distress. Morar Living reiterated its position, denying Sani’s training claims, and emphasized its prompt and decisive actions when concerns were reported. The company said it took steps including suspending staff as necessary, conducting formal investigations, and making referrals to the Scottish Social Services Council and the Protecting Vulnerable Groups Scheme. They affirmed that the safety, dignity, and well-being of residents remain their highest priority, and all staff conduct concerns are addressed seriously
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
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