Three Perth care workers struck off after taking money from vulnerable resident

Three care workers have been struck off after taking thousands of pounds from a vulnerable resident.

Michelle Elder, Victorita Tudor and Stephen Gilruth were all employed by Care Services Perth Ltd when they were found to have taken money from an “overly generous” resident.

An investigation by the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) found that all three had accepted or asked the woman for money.

Between February 2023 and November 2025, Elder and Tudor were found to have bought items for the resident with their own money.

In September 2024, Elder accepted £600 from the woman for car repairs, while Gilruth asked for money, eventually accepting between £200 and £500.

At the time of the transaction, Gilruth had stopped supporting the woman as part of her care package due to concerns raised over their relationship.

Elder also accepted a gift of £5,000 from the resident, while Tudor accepted £2,000 and £3,000 on two separate occasions.

According to SSSC, Elder also facilitated the exchange of money between the woman and her colleagues.

The care watchdog found that their actions were a “significant abuse of trust and caused financial harm” to the woman.

In regard to Elder, the report stated: “AA was known to be vulnerable, overly generous and prone to forming close attachments to carers.

“The conduct involved substantial sums of money, personal financial benefit and financial benefit to colleagues.”

She was also previously warned about professional boundaries and instructed to stop supporting the woman outside the professional relationship.

Tudor was also criticised for forming an inappropriate relationship with the woman, referring to her on multiple occasions as “mum”.

While it was noted that all three had shown some insight into their conduct, the SSSC said this did not excuse their actions.

In conclusion, the SSSC struck all three care workers from the register, as this was “necessary and justified” to maintain the trust and confidence in the social service sector.

Care Services Perth Ltd have been contacted for comment.