A carer is being investigated after she was caught on camera apparently spitting on her patient’s doorstep following a row over a damaged wall.
Former school librarian Nargis Fakhri said the incident has left her feeling “disrespected” and as if she was “disgusting”.
The 43-year-old is disabled and has several health conditions which affect her spine and back meaning she struggles to walk unaided and uses a power wheelchair.
Nargis has carers visit her home, which has been adapted for her needs, in Strood, three times a day to help her clean, change and prepare food.
During one of their visits on June 1, the carer, from home care service Domiciliary Care Experts, caught the wall which separates Nargis’ and her next-door neighbour’s driveway with her car causing part of it to break.
The incident, captured on Nargis’ CCTV, shows the woman placing the bricks back into position before driving away without alerting anyone to the accident.
The following day (June 2), the mum questioned why the carer had not told her what happened.
She said: “She was mad because I said I would report it. I told her she should have let me know. She was very mad when she left.”
Doorbell footage showing the carer leaving captured the moment she drew her head back and “intentionally” spat on the handrails outside the front door.
Nargis said: “It really upset me, it is just disrespectful. I think she thinks I am disgusting.
“I am human. In any civilised society, it is thought to be disgusting and it should not be happening.
“It is very insulting. I am already sick, I do not want to become sick from her spitting.
“I cannot trust the carers now. I do not feel it is professional.
“It has affected me a lot. I am dependent on my carers.
“When you are dependent on them and you realise they must hate you or do not respect you, it is so upsetting. It made me cry to see it.”
She has reported the two incidents to the police, watchdogs Care Quality Commission (CQC), Medway Council, and Gillingham-based Domiciliary Care Experts.
A spokesperson for the care provider has confirmed it is investigating the events.
They said: “We were very saddened to hear from Mrs Fakhri that a care worker had caused damage to a wall on her driveway with their vehicle and had not notified her, or us, of the incident.
“We pride ourselves on providing the best quality care for all of those we support, as evidenced by our CQC rating of good. It is really disappointing to hear that this individual has fallen short of our high standards.
“As soon as were aware of the incident, we removed the individual from the rota to allow us to conduct a thorough investigation.
“We have apologised directly to Mrs Fakhri and informed her that we are investigating this fully and will take any appropriate action.
“As the investigation is ongoing, it would not be appropriate for us to comment any further at this time.”
Nargis carer package is organised by adult social services at Medway Council which commissions a range of services to help its vulnerable residents.
A spokesperson from the unitary authority added: “We are aware of the concerns that have been raised and will liaise with Domiciliary Care Experts to address any issues identified.”
Police officers have also said they are making inquiries into reports of criminal damage and alleged abusive behaviour at the property.
