Irvine Carer Struck Off After Assaulting Vulnerable Dementia Patients

Irvine Carer Struck Off After Assaulting Vulnerable Dementia Patients

An Irvine care worker has been permanently struck off after being found guilty of assaulting elderly residents living with dementia.

Margaret Cavin, who worked as a care assistant in a local care home, was removed from the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) register following a series of incidents described as “deeply distressing” and “wholly unacceptable.”

Investigations found that during one incident in December 2018, Cavin shouted at a resident and struck them on the arm with their own wet underwear while assisting with personal care. In a later incident in June 2024, she hit another resident several times with a hoist remote.

The SSSC report also highlighted that Cavin had repeatedly used “disrespectful and degrading” language towards vulnerable residents, showing what the watchdog called a “concerning pattern of behaviour” spanning several years and different workplaces.

In its decision, the SSSC said Cavin’s actions demonstrated a “complete disregard for dignity and compassion” and posed an “immediate risk” to those in her care.

As a result, Cavin has been permanently banned from working in any care setting across Scotland.