Three dementia patients are alleged to have been subjected to serious abuse at a nursing home in Värmland. Their hands were tied together and their mouths sealed shut to keep them quiet.
The incidents are said to have taken place last year at the Oskarslund dementia care home in Karlstad. The information came to light after staff reported what was said to have occurred in connection with care situations.
According to the reports, the first incident occurred during a shower. A resident is said to have had their hands tied while a face mask was placed over their mouth. The incident is reported to have been witnessed by another employee.
Another resident was later reportedly subjected to similar treatment by the same staff member. This event was also, according to reports, observed by colleagues.
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In a third case, a resident is described as having been handled roughly during personal care. The person identified in the reports is no longer employed at the facility.
The Lex Sarah investigation describes how the affected pensioners reacted after the incidents. Several reportedly displayed strong discomfort towards both the staff and situations involving the bathroom and shower.
For one of the elderly individuals, the fear was said to be so strong that it remained for several months after the incident.
“Serious Incidents”
Facility manager Helena Holmstrand has described the information as very serious and says the operation has been deeply affected by what has emerged.
– Of course, these are serious incidents. The staff involved are no longer working here, she told Värmlands Folkblad.
Not Reported Immediately
Even though the incidents were reportedly witnessed by other staff members, they were not reported immediately. It was only later that the Lex Sarah reports were submitted, leading to an investigation.
In elderly care, there is an obligation to report suspected misconduct or risks of misconduct as soon as they are discovered.
After the information came to light, the care home has reviewed its routines and care plans. The case has also been reported to the Health and Social Care Inspectorate (Ivo) for further investigation.