A young care worker who posed for a Snapchat selfie next to a vulnerable pensioner on the toilet has been struck off after being found guilty of abuse and dishonesty.
Mocked OAP on Snapchat
Cara MacLennan, 20, from Fortrose in the Highlands, was working at Eilean Dubh Care Home when she took the photo in February last year. In it, she made a ‘V’ sign while the elderly resident, dressed in pyjamas, sat on the toilet. The caption included the mocking phrases “can’t see me ha ha ha” and “doesn’t know what I’m doing.” The image was initially sent to a friend but ended up being shared publicly on Facebook, causing widespread concern.
Behaviour Branded ‘Abuse of Trust’
A panel from the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) ruled MacLennan’s actions amounted to a serious breach of trust. “You were expected to care for the resident in an appropriate manner, thus your behaviour placed the resident at the risk of emotional harm,” the ruling stated. “Your behaviour therefore amounts to an abuse of trust and showed a level of disregard for the Codes of Practice and amounted to abuse of a vulnerable resident.”
Lied to Land New Job
After being dismissed, MacLennan applied for another care job, telling her new employer she had simply moved on after receiving another offer. She also failed to disclose she was under active investigation by the SSSC, which the panel described as showing “dishonesty and concealment.” Despite cooperating with the investigation and expressing some remorse, the panel found her behaviour was “fundamentally incompatible with continuing registration.”
Removed from the Profession
MacLennan has now been permanently removed from the care sector. The SSSC stated: “The SSSC considers a Removal Order is the most appropriate sanction as it is both necessary and justified in the public interest and to maintain the continuing trust and confidence in the social service profession.”
Public Reaction and Wider Concerns
The shocking incident is the latest in a string of cases exposing mistreatment in the care sector. Advocacy groups have repeated calls for stricter oversight and training to protect elderly residents. Eilean Dubh Care Home has not issued a public comment on the case but is expected to review its internal procedures.
MacLennan is banned from working in social care indefinitely.
