Care Workers Filmed Making Vile Comments About Elderly Stroke Patient
Two property care workers have been caught on a doorbell camera making appalling comments about a 65-year-old stroke patient, including asking "is she dead yet?" in a shocking incident at an assisted living complex in Worcester. Janice Dwyers, the elderly resident targeted, reported feeling "physically sick" after viewing the footage, which captured the Platform Housing employees joking and making sexualised remarks outside her flat at Henwick House in St John's.
Disturbing Footage Reveals Callous Behaviour
The incident unfolded on Friday afternoon when the two workers arrived unannounced at Ms Dwyers' apartment. Doorbell camera footage shows the pair waiting outside her front door, with one man knocking before stating: "So is she dead yet?" He then pretended to read instructions from an iPad, mentioning "vulnerable person with medical conditions" and adding: "Don't bang the door too hard, take your pants off before you go in."
The second carer responded with "Oh the usual," normalising the disturbing exchange. Ms Dwyers, who moved into the retirement complex after suffering a stroke two years ago, answered the door but found the men had already departed. She subsequently reviewed the video to identify who had knocked.
Resident's Trauma and Outrage
Ms Dwyers expressed profound shock at the workers' cruelty, stating: "I didn't recognise the men who knocked on the door and one of them wasn't wearing a carer's lanyard so could've been anyone. He suddenly said 'ain't she dead yet'. It just shocked me that someone could be so cruel."
The retired counsellor emphasised: "I am a tough cookie but I live in this assisted living complex to feel safe. What was most chilling was they weren't even laughing, they were just making these cruel, callous comments as if I was nothing."
She revealed the incident triggered traumatic memories of a past abusive relationship, saying: "Many years ago I was in an abusive relationship with a man who spoke to me in the same horrible way. After watching the footage, it brought it all back to me."
Immediate Aftermath and Company Response
Ms Dwyers was so distressed by the ordeal that she left her flat to stay with her 38-year-old son Warren in Stourport-on-Severn. She described feeling "actually physically sick because of it" and condemned the workers' comments as "vile" and "disgusting."
She is now calling for their dismissal, arguing: "They should be sacked. I am not a doddery old lady. I am the youngest person living here, but there are many vulnerable people there and God knows what they say about them before they go in."
Platform Property Care, the employer of the two men, has launched an immediate investigation. Managing director Alan Haywood stated: "We are deeply concerned by the footage captured at one of our homes in Worcester and the distress this has caused Ms Dwyers. This behaviour is completely unacceptable and does not reflect the values or standards we expect."
He confirmed the company has been in direct contact with Ms Dwyers to offer apologies and support, adding: "Appropriate action will be taken as a matter of urgency. The safety, dignity and wellbeing of our customers must always come first, and we recognise how seriously this incident has impacted her."
