'I was shocked' -- Family impacted by RTE Investigates nursing home scandal speak out
In a new interview airing on RTÉ Prime Time tonight, the Guy family from Dublin have described their distress at seeing footage of their father Audeon being roughly handled at the Beneavin Manor nursing home in Glasnevin.
The documentary, which featured two nursing homes – Beneavin Manor and The Residence Portlaoise, which are both run by private company Emeis Ireland, left viewers in shock at real life footage gathered by two undercover healthcare assistants. Audeon Guy. Pic: RTÉ Investigates
'No one should have to go through what we've seen,'Paul Guy told RTÉ Investigates.
'No one should be handled like our father was. These are human people – people who lost their dignity and no one should have to go through that.'
The documentary highlighted a number of repeated care failings including chronic staff shortages, vulnerable residents left unsupervised, the inappropriate handling of frail older people and a lack of basic supplies such as towels, bedsheets, gloves and sanitary wipes. Paul Guy. Pic: RTÉ Investigates
'Our dad is the loveliest man' said Sarah Guy, daughter of 80-year-old Audeon added. 'He'd do anything for you, really kind, loving, charitable and a big hugger.'
Audeon was diagnosed with Lewy body dementia following a particularly bad fall late last year. His condition causes severe confusion and hallucinations, meaning he needs around the clock care.
Paul, Sarah and their other siblings Kassandra and Dave began the search for a suitable nursing home for their father, having turned to the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) for support.
'I think there were 17 nursing home we applied for, and we went through all the HIQA reports for every nursing home,' Paul said. 'For Beneavin Manor we read the reports, and it seemed to be a very safe place to go. We looked at the brochures, I went and did the tour. It seemed to be fine.' Audeon Guy. Pic: RTÉ Investigates
Their father Audeon moved into Beneavin Manor in January 2025 where he was assigned one-to-one care, however before long they started to have concerns.
'He was actually left alone many times,' Paul explained.
'I have examples of him sitting on his own in the corridor ripping up pieces of paper which was meant to be some form of activity. I've witnessed really poor personal care in terms of his toenails left for weeks to grow and rot.'
'On another day there was urine all over the floor in his bathroom and there was no toilet seat. It just seemed to be a consistent flow of poor care for people who are in dire need of attention.' Paul, Sarah, Kassandra and Dave Guy with their father Audeon Guy (centre). Pic: RTÉ Investigates
Shocked by the level of neglect, Paul and his siblings started to make complaints to management at the nursing home. Their emails referenced concerns about a general lack of carers and residents being left alone.
The family also referenced residents who wanted to use the toilet being left unattended for lengthy periods of time, while they were worried their father had on occasion been inappropriately handled and sometimes did not have enough clothes because his laundry had not been done.
In early March 2025 their detailed complaint was upheld with management at Beneavin Manor assuring the family corrective actions had been put in place to address their concerns. However, three weeks later, RTE's undercover carer captured disturbing footage including their father.
In the startling scene he is directed along a corridor at pace to his bedroom by two carers to change his incontinence pad. The carers steered his walking frame while one held the waist of his trousers. Confused Audeon lashed out before being forced into his room, his trousers pulled down and pushed into an armchair.
'When I saw the actual footage, I was shocked, but it wasn't a revelation'Paul said.
'That's what is unfortunate. We had done everything. We put in all the complaints, notified everyone that was required, got responses back, acknowledgement of all their mistakes, plans being put in place, and this still happened, and it happened to all the other people in the footage as well. That's the bigger issue – there's no accountability for this.'
In the wake of the documentary, Emeis Ireland apologised to Audeon's family, saying the standard of care depicted in the footage was unacceptable.
Among the actions the family was assured have now been taken to immediately safeguard their father is a full investigation into staff practice and additional management supervision training and staff.
As the family now begin the search for alternative care for their father, they stressed that the Government must move urgently to enact the Adult Safeguarding Bill – a vital law which could protect vulnerable individuals like their father from harm, abuse and neglect.
'We hope this brings some positive results and awareness to all that's happened to make sure our dad or anyone's loved one never has to go through this ever again,' Sarah continued.
Watch the full interview tonight on RTÉ Prime Time, Tuesday at 9.35pm on RTÉ One and RTE Player
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