A hidden camera has captured a shocking attack on an elderly man by his carer at a nursing home in Adelaide, prompting calls for better monitoring of people in aged care.
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The footage, broadcast on Monday night's 7.30 program, appears to show a carer attacking bedridden 89-year-old Clarence Hausler at the Mitcham Residential Care Facility. In the video, Mr Hausler is sneezed on, flicked, held down, force fed and finally suffocated with a large napkin.
Daughter Noleen Hausler told the program that she installed the secret device in the room after she became worried about bruises on her father's face.
"I got to a point that I felt I wasn't being heard and I was suspicious of a certain staff member," she said.
Ms Hausler took the video to police and the carer, 29-year-old Corey Lyle Lucas, was convicted of two charges of aggravated assault.
Secret camera captures nursing home staff member appearing to attempt to suffocate 87-year-old. Tonight on #abc730https://t.co/mtoFOvPnhW— abc730 (@abc730) July 25, 2016
In a statement, Mitcham Residential Care Facility apologised for the incident and for sending a threatening letter asking Ms Hausler to cease and desist from filming.
"This was a rogue act by someone who has now been criminally prosecuted," the statement said.
"We reiterate our sincere apologies to the resident and his family. As soon as we became aware of the incident, the individual was immediately suspended and we have assisted with the police investigation which has since led to a conviction."
Ms Hausler said that by taking her concerns to the media she hoped video surveillance would become more widely available for residents in aged care.
The Aged Care Complaints Commissioner is reportedly reviewing the case.
