Bethanie aged care: Male aged care worker sacked over alleged stomping assault on female resident in Como

A Perth aged-care worker has been sacked after he was recently charged by police for allegedly “stomping” on a female resident in her 90s. The West Australian can reveal the disturbing allegations centre on the Bethanie aged care home in Como. Cannington detectives have charged the male employee with aggravated common assault after an investigation was launched into the alleged assault of the female resident in January. “It will be alleged the 33-year-old man — who was employed by the home at the time of the incident — assaulted a 95-year-old female resident in his care by stomping on her feet multiple times,” a police spokesman said. The man is due to appear in Perth Magistrates Court on March 5. Bethanie interim chief executive Roule Jones told The West the male worker in question was immediately sacked following the alleged incident coming to light. She said an internal inquiry into the incident had also been launched, and an apology given to the family of the 95-year-old woman. “Bethanie is aware of unacceptable behaviour towards residents. The individual was immediately stood down from duties and their employment was ultimately terminated,” Ms Jones said. “An internal investigation was immediately launched, and we are also working with WA Police while they conduct a full inquiry. The (Aged Care Quality and Safety) Commission has been advised of the incident. “Bethanie has apologised to our residents and their families and is deeply regretful that this has occurred. The care and wellbeing of our residents, their families and our staff is our highest priority.” In recent months police have been called in to investigate other alleged assaults in Perth aged care homes. In July, an elderly female resident at a Perth aged care home was allegedly indecently assaulted by a man who gained access to her facility on the pretext of visiting a friend. Cannington detectives were also called in to deal with that alleged incident, and they later arrested and charged Patrick Oliver Walshe, 77, with two counts of aggravated indecent assault. Mr Walshe has pleaded not guilty to both charges and he is next due in court on February 19. In January last year, another aged-care worker was charged with allegedly sexually assaulting three elderly residents at two Perth facilities. Armand Lutula Wema, 56, was charged with three counts of aggravated indecent assault and one count of sexual penetration without consent over a series of alleged incidents said to have taken place between July 2022 and January 2023. Mr Lutula Wema denies the charges and he will next face court on April 26 for a trial listing hearing.