Former Barchester carer found guilty of abuse

A former Barchester carer has been found guilty of abuse after being filmed punching a resident who was living with dementia.

Dimitrinka Yonova, a former employee of Lanercost House in Carlisle, was given an 18-month community order, with 20 days rehabilitation and 200 hours of unpaid work and ordered to pay £500 costs, the News & Star reported.

Ms Yonova, who denied the charges, was caught abusing 62-year-old Royston Abbot in June last year after his wife installed a secret camera after becoming concerned about his wellbeing.

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Mrs Abbott said: “My daughters and I also noticed something which was totally out of character: he was crying when we visited him, which alarmed us.”

Having reviewing the footage of her husband’s abuse, Mrs Abbot said: “I could not believe what I was seeing.”

A Barchester Spokesperson: “At Lanercost House the safety and wellbeing of our residents is of the utmost importance and we have a zero tolerance to those that don’t uphold that principle. The case involving Dimitrinka Yonova was an isolated incident; she was immediately suspended following these allegations and then dismissed after an internal investigation took place.

“We worked with the relevant authorities throughout their investigation and would like to reassure every one of our commitment to those residing at Lanercost House.  The health and wellbeing of our residents and staff is at the forefront of everything we do.”