Care Home Horror: Carer Caught on Camera Abusing Dementia Patient
Shocking Abuse Filmed at Nursing Home
Valentina Baghiu, a care worker from Tranmere, has been exposed for poking, threatening, and roughly grabbing the wrist of a frail dementia patient at Birch Tree Manor Nursing Home. The chilling attacks were recorded on Baghiu’s own mobile phone while she was on duty.
The first video shows Baghiu poking the elderly woman with a broom, shouting at her to “stay awake.” In the second, Baghiu, hidden from view but audible and laughing, taunts the distressed resident. When the victim tries to move away, Baghiu drags her back by the wrist, causing the victim to cry out in pain. The carer then threatens the woman with a clenched fist.
Victim Dies Before Justice
The vulnerable resident, who required 24-hour one-to-one care due to a high risk of falls, died on 21 November 2019 from unrelated causes. Baghiu was suspended weeks later and arrested on 9 December. The victim’s daughter revealed her mother had complained of staff grabbing, pushing, and even punching her. Bruises were noticed but blamed on her delicate condition.
A translator confirmed that Baghiu shouted abusive threats at the victim, including: “You’re gonna get it,” “Watch out, you’ll see what a good plucking you’re gonna get tonight,” and “I’ll mess you up like nothing else.”
Sentence: Suspended Jail and Community Service
Baghiu admitted ill-treatment and wilful neglect at Birkenhead Magistrates’ Court on 5 January 2021. This week at Liverpool Crown Court, she was handed a six-month jail sentence suspended for 18 months. She must complete 75 hours of unpaid work, a Rehabilitation Activity programme lasting up to 15 days, and remain under probation supervision. A £122 court surcharge was also imposed.
Family’s Heartbreaking Statement
“My mother was a social worker who cared for vulnerable people her entire life. To find out she was abused when most vulnerable is sickening. We believed the one-to-one care meant she was safe, happy, and well looked after. Instead, her last weeks were filled with misery, fear and trauma,” said the resident’s daughter.
Associate Prosecutor Alan Currums of CPS Mersey Cheshire said: “This is an incredibly sad case. The family planned a funeral but it was delayed by this investigation. They thought their mother was safe but she became a victim of a heartless bully who thought assaulting and filming her was funny.
“Most carers, including many at this home, provide compassionate, skilled care despite the challenges of dementia. The dreadful actions of Valentina Baghiu are the exception, not the rule, and should not overshadow the hard work of dedicated staff.”
