Care home worker given warning after she struck 90-year-old resident during 'pillow fight'

A care home worker has been given a warning after assaulting a 90-year-old during a “pillow fight”.

Lauren Garry was employed by Beechwood Care Home in Wishaw at the time of the incident on May 16, 2024.

A report by the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) detailed how Garry first struck a colleague with a pillow and then a 90-year-old female resident in the same manner.

She was subsequently convicted of assault at Hamilton Sheriff Court.

The report noted that Garry characterised the incident as a “pillow fight”, but the SSSC argued that her actions could have caused the resident distress.

The SSSC stated: “While there does not appear to have been any intention to harm anyone, your actions put a vulnerable resident at risk of harm and have resulted in your conviction for a serious offence, namely assault.

“However, the behaviour is at the lower end of the scale of criminal assault, as reflected by your sentence, and the behaviour is capable of remediation.”

The watchdog found that Garry had demonstrated insight and regret into her actions, meaning the risk of repetition is low, and did not consider her a public protection risk.

In addition to the two-year warning she received, Garry will have to complete additional training, including in adult protection, support and professional conduct.

She has also been tasked by the SSSC to complete a written reflection on the seriousness of her behaviour, which fell below professional standards.

A spokesperson for Beechwood Care Home said: “The Scottish Social Services Council have provided confirmation that they have concluded their regulatory process.

“When the matter first came to our attention, we immediately followed our safeguarding procedures, reported the matter to the appropriate authorities and fully cooperated throughout the investigation.

“The individual concerned no longer works for Beechwood Care Home and hasn’t since May 2024.

“We remain committed to providing safe, compassionate care in an environment where residents are treated with dignity and respect.”