Mechelle McBride has spoken of her horror after discovering her elderly mother, Elizabeth, covered in bruises at Greyfriars Care Home in Mount Vernon, Glasgow. Elizabeth, who had vascular dementia, died in December 2022 at age 81. Mechelle pursued legal action against the care home, securing a five-figure payout to Elizabeth's estate.
Unexplained injuries and neglected care
Elizabeth moved into the care home at age 79 after a stroke during the Covid pandemic. Despite paying for one-to-one care, Mechelle said her mother suffered repeated falls, significant weight loss, and unexplained injuries. “My mum had been paying for one-to-one care and she was left with just £16 a week from her pension and wasn't receiving the care she was paying for,” Mechelle told the Sunday Mail.
During visits, Mechelle documented bruises and injuries with photos. “I'd go in and her face would be black and blue. Her hands were swollen. She was fading away. She had cradle cap and they were using dry shampoo on her,” she said. Elizabeth once ended up in hospital weighing less than five stone.
Care Inspectorate upholds complaints
After repeated concerns were ignored, Mechelle contacted the Care Inspectorate, which upheld all three of her complaints. The inspection report stated: “We were concerned the dentures may have contributed to the weight loss and appropriate referrals to a dietitian or GP had not been completed. As a result of the evidence, we confirmed the family of Elizabeth McBride could not be confident her nutritional care and support needs had always been met.”
Inspectors also found failures in communication after falls and noted no record of contacting external health professionals when Elizabeth became unable to bear weight. The report said: “We were concerned that significant facial injuries had been sustained and external health professionals had not been contacted.”
Legal action and settlement
Mechelle instructed Thompsons Solicitors Scotland to pursue a civil claim. The care home admitted liability, resulting in a five-figure settlement. “It was never about the money. It doesn't bring my mum back. It was about making them listen. I don't believe they are fit for purpose. Everything was just brushed under the carpet and I don't want that to be the case for other families and their loved ones,” Mechelle said.
She hopes speaking out will prevent similar ordeals for other families.
