A Napier rest-home is being investigated after claims of abuse and neglect of residents with dementia.
Ministry of Health officials have confirmed they are looking into complaints by present and former workers at Parkview Resthome that they had seen staff members hitting and pushing fragile elderly people.
Verbal and emotional abuse is also alleged.
An investigation team from the ministry, which audited the home last week, reportedly found hygiene, food and safety practices were all substandard, according to one caregiver.
She spoke of beds being made up with dried faeces on the sheets and caregivers being forbidden to change residents if they soiled themselves after 1 am.
The residents' diet was poor in quality and quantity.
A group of past and present staff members began the formal complaint process six months ago, after previous attempts by individuals were allegedly stonewalled.
They are critical of the time it has taken to deal with the complaints, and what they call the apathy of the authorities.
Parkview Resthome management refused to comment.
* Do you know someone who has received inadequate care in a rest-home? Please e-mail josie_clarke@herald.co.nz
Government investigating rest-home abuse claims
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