Arbroath care home worker given three-year warning after abusing three residents with dementia

A care home worker has been given a warning after he shouted at one resident with dementia to “f*****g sit down”.

Cody Duke was employed by Balhousie Care Group at Antiquary House in Arbroath, when he physically and verbally abused three residents with dementia, according a new Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) report.

The report states that on February 19, 2026, Duke forcibly pulled the duvet off of a female resident, pulled her up by her arms, forcibly moved her legs and pulled her up by her hands into a standing position, which caused her distress.

Duke also shouted at another resident, telling them to “f*****g sit down”, and also placed a blanket over the head of a third resident when she complained about being cold.

The SSSC found Duke’s fitness to be impaired due to his actions.

The report stated: “You have engaged in a pattern of verbally and physically abusive conduct towards three separate residents.

“This includes pulling a resident out of bed, putting a blanket over a resident’s head when she said she was cold, and shouting and swearing at a resident.

“This behaviour amounts to a failure to treat the residents you were trusted to care for with kindness and compassion, and a failure to promote their rights and wishes.”

The SSSC said that Duke was clearly unaware of the power dynamic between him and the residents and he used his power and authority irresponsibly.

Duke’s actions were labelled “abusive” by the SSSC and called into questions his suitability to remain in the care sector.

It was determined that a three-year warning should be placed on Duke’s file and he must abide by certain conditions.

This includes additional training on caring for people with dementia, how to administer dignified care and manual handling.

Duke was also made to provide a written account about how his actions fell well below standards expected of a registered worker and the harm he caused to the three residents.

Balhousie Care Group was approached for comment.