Mechelle McBride repeatedly discovered her mother Elizabeth, 81, with unexplained bruises, swollen hands, and other injuries while she was a resident at Greyfriars Care Home in Mount Vernon, Glasgow. Elizabeth, who suffered a stroke during the Covid pandemic and had vascular dementia, died in December 2022. The care home later admitted liability and agreed to a five-figure compensation settlement after legal action brought by Mechelle.
Family’s complaints upheld by Care Inspectorate
Mechelle said her concerns were initially ignored by the care home, prompting her to contact the Care Inspectorate. The watchdog upheld all three of her complaints, finding that Elizabeth’s family “could not be confident” her nutritional needs were consistently met. Records showed she lost around 10kg over seven months. Inspectors also identified gaps in record-keeping, including a lack of evidence that planned referrals to a dentist, dietitian, or GP had been completed. Additionally, Elizabeth had not consistently met her recommended daily fluid intake, with no documented follow-up action.
The report raised concerns over communication with the family following falls that resulted in facial injuries, stating: “We were concerned that significant facial injuries had been sustained and external health professionals had not been contacted.” The Care Inspectorate made three recommendations: improving monitoring of residents at risk of malnutrition or dehydration, ensuring families are informed appropriately, and making prompt referrals to healthcare professionals after injuries.
One-to-one care not provided
Elizabeth entered the care home aged 79 after developing vascular dementia and was expected to receive one-to-one care, which she was paying for. Mechelle claimed her mother was left with just £16 a week from her pension and did not receive the care she paid for. “We were told she needed one-to-one care, but she didn’t get it. If she had she wouldn’t have had bruising to her face, swollen hands or a broken nail bed,” Mechelle said.
Due to Covid restrictions, every visit became increasingly distressing. “I’d go in and her face would be black and blue. Her hands were swollen. She was fading away,” Mechelle said. She also alleged her mother was admitted to hospital weighing less than five stone and that staff failed to adequately address her personal care needs.
Legal action and settlement
Following the Care Inspectorate investigation, Mechelle instructed Thompsons Solicitors Scotland to pursue a civil claim. The legal action concluded with a five-figure settlement after the home admitted liability. Mechelle said her campaign was never about financial compensation but about securing accountability. “It was horrendous knowing she was in there and wasn’t being looked after properly. Because my concerns and complaints were ignored, I went to the Care Inspectorate, which upheld every one of my complaints. 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,” she said.
Seonaid Brophy, partner at Thompsons Solicitors Scotland, said: “The mistreatment suffered by Mrs McBride at the Greyfriars Care Facility is simply abhorrent. It’s deeply regrettable that myself and my team are seeing too many cases of elder abuse. Elizabeth’s family showed great courage in standing up for their mum and pursuing those responsible. I’m glad we were able to secure accountability from the care home and secure the family compensation.”
Care home response
The Express has contacted the care home for comment.
