SHOCK images showing half-naked care workers mocking frail OAPs and wearing the wig of a ‘dead woman’ have been described as “truly horrific” by an elderly charity.

An investigation has been launched and four care home workers have been suspended after the Evening Times alerted the owners of Beechwood Care Home in Wishaw to the disturbing pictures, which show staff wrapped in bed sheets as two other employees look on laughing.

The incident happened outside the lounge, at a time when residents were still awake.

According to our source, the female care worker is wearing the wig of an elderly woman who had recently died.

He said: “(The) two carers were practically naked outside residents rooms and lounge playing about in residents beddings and a deceased residents wig which (was) witnessed in front of 2 senior nurses who found this funny.”

Holmes Care Group (Ltd) which runs the home say the wig belonged to another resident who was alive at the time of the incident but added: “We are deeply appalled and disgusted.”

It comes weeks after a care worker, employed at the same home, was struck off after she put an elderly woman with dementia in ‘solitary confinement’ as a punishment for requesting more food.

Read more: Lanarkshire care home nurse put dementia patient in 'solitary confinement' 

Jacqueline Kelly subjected elderly residents and staff to a catalogue of verbal and physical abuse while employed at Beechwood and Avonbridge Care Home in Hamilton.

The Care Inspectorate said it was “deeply concerned” by the image, taken in April 2015, while North Lanarkshire Council said it was seeking answers about the, “appalling behaviour”of staff. The home is located close to Wishaw General Hospital.

Lesley Carcary, Director of Action on Elder Abuse Scotland, said: “This appears to show truly horrific behaviour by staff at a care home where vulnerable older people should be able to feel safe and their dignity respected.

“Given that this is the second alarming incident within the same period concerning the Holmes Care Group, we are dismayed that the Care Inspectorate have not carried out a full investigation into the quality of care and staff conduct within homes in this group. “

A spokesman for the Care Inspectorate said: “This is a serious matter and staff have behaved unacceptably in this care home.

“We are deeply concerned that this may have caused distress to residents or their loved ones.

“We have requested that they keep us updated on the action they take.”

A spokeswoman for North Lanarkshire Council said: “Although we are unable to verify the authenticity of this photograph or where it was taken, it appears to show appalling behaviour within a care home setting.”

Read more: Dementia nurse sanctioned for catalogue of abuse 

A spokesman for Beechwood Care Home said: “We are deeply appalled and disgusted by the behaviour photographed in 2015.

“We apologise unreservedly to all of those affected. The conduct of those involved falls far short of the high standards we pride ourselves on and that residents rightly expect.

“When this incident came to light yesterday, we immediately suspended the staff members involved and launched a full investigation.

“We will not rest until we get to the bottom of this, and will be taking appropriate action as soon as the investigation concludes.

“We are working closely with all relevant authorities, and have drafted in senior staff from our other homes to provide additional support.

“However, this historic incident does not reflect the overall positive experience of residents or the high standards of care provided at the home.

“Our most recent Care Inspectorate report from May 2018 graded us as ‘Very Good’ in all inspected areas.”