Families share distressing experiences of neglect and mistreatment in care facilities.
Topics covered
Introduction to the troubling situation
The Castlehill Care Home in Inverness has become the center of a storm of allegations regarding neglect and mistreatment of residents. Families connected to the facility have come forward with harrowing accounts of their loved ones suffering due to inadequate care, leading to serious injuries and emotional distress.
The Care Inspectorate’s previous rating of ‘unsatisfactory’ has only heightened concerns about the standards of care provided at this facility.
Personal stories of neglect
One of the most poignant stories comes from Kerry Ross, who described the final weeks of her mother, Jessie Martin, at Castlehill.
Despite some improvements being made since the initial complaints, the lingering trauma experienced by residents and their families remains evident. Kerry’s account highlights a disturbing pattern of neglect, where basic needs were overlooked, and dignity was stripped away from vulnerable individuals.
Another family, led by Siwar Louati, faced a shocking eviction of their grandmother, who had been receiving palliative care at Castlehill for two years. Siwar expressed her frustration over the facility’s response to their requests for better care, stating that their expectations were deemed ‘too high.’ This sentiment resonates with many families who feel that their loved ones are not receiving the care they deserve.
Concerns over medication practices
One of the critical issues raised by families is the administration of medication without proper communication. Siwar Louati reported that her grandmother was given Lorazepam to calm her down without prior notification, despite the family’s insistence on being informed. This lack of communication raises serious ethical questions about the care practices at Castlehill and the rights of families to be involved in their loved ones’ care plans.
Justine Robertson, another family member, shared her mother Barbara Coull’s experience, where a head injury went untreated for hours. The family was misinformed about the incident, and it was only after a week that a doctor was consulted. Such negligence not only endangers the health of residents but also erodes trust between families and care providers.
The impact of complaints on families
Families who have voiced their concerns about the care provided at Castlehill have reported facing backlash from the facility. Siwar and Justine both highlighted how their advocacy for better care led to accusations against their character and, in some cases, eviction of their loved ones. This culture of intimidation and retaliation against families who dare to speak out is alarming and raises questions about the accountability of care homes.
Regulatory oversight and future actions
The Care Inspectorate has been actively monitoring Castlehill Care Home, conducting inspections and issuing Improvement Notices in response to the complaints. However, families remain skeptical about the effectiveness of these measures. They argue that the systemic issues within the facility require more than just oversight; they demand a fundamental change in how care is delivered and how families are treated.
As the situation unfolds, it is crucial for families to continue advocating for their loved ones and for regulatory bodies to take decisive action to ensure that care homes like Castlehill are held accountable for their practices. The stories shared by families serve as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by residents in care facilities and the urgent need for reform in the sector.
