A deputy care home manager has been permanently removed from the nursing register after stealing three-quarters of a million pounds from a vulnerable 99-year-old resident in her care, according to the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).
Rebecca Louise Burwood exploited the elderly woman living at Bryn Yr Haul Care Home in Mold, Flintshire, over a six-year period from 2017 to 2023. The nurse spent the stolen funds on cosmetic surgery, home improvements, a car and a campervan, while also gaining ownership of the victim’s £400,000 house.
The NMC hearing found that Burwood had cultivated a longstanding relationship with the woman before she moved into the care home in 2018. With no family members and left vulnerable after a fall, the pensioner became dependent on Burwood for friendship and social contact.
Abuse of power of attorney
Burwood abused her position of trust by becoming the resident’s lasting power of attorney whilst simultaneously overseeing her care. Evidence presented to the tribunal showed more than £370,000 had left the woman’s account over five years, with £160,000 withdrawn in large cash sums from ATMs.
The nurse also accompanied the resident to solicitors and arranged for the transfer of her £400,000 house into Burwood’s name. She claimed the property renovations – paid for before the UK’s Covid lockdowns – were necessary so the elderly woman could live with her in the event of another pandemic outbreak.
Bank staff who witnessed Burwood attempting to lift restrictions on the frozen account reported that she appeared to be “almost blackmailing” the resident, telling her she would not be able to take her on outings if she could not access the money.
Fabricated charity donations
Burwood told the tribunal that the woman had asked her to withdraw cash weekly for charitable donations of between £250 and £500, claiming the money went to charities supporting the blind or those with heart conditions. Her legal representative stated the resident “didn’t want anything to be left by the time she died, as she didn’t want the government to have her money.”
However, Burwood kept no records of these alleged donations. The panel also heard evidence of her purchasing a £20,000 car and a £9,000 campervan with the resident’s money, supposedly for days out together.
The resident’s bank referred the matter to North Wales Police, who launched an investigation. Another nurse reported overhearing Burwood tell the woman, “I will give you the money back” and “sign here”, which was reported as evidence of financial abuse. Burwood claimed she was merely helping the pensioner sign a condolence card due to her poor eyesight.
Although the woman initially described Burwood as a friend and believed she had “learned from her mistakes,” she later told safeguarding staff she was shocked by the amount spent from her account. The victim has since died, having been left with only enough money to pay for 23 months of care before local council support would have been required.
Professional misconduct findings
The NMC panel concluded Burwood engaged in a “sustained, calculated course of conduct” and manipulated the resident for personal gain. It found she had “weaponised” the trust placed in her and acted dishonestly by failing to inform her employer that she held financial power of attorney for a resident.
In its ruling, the committee described Burwood’s actions as “deplorable” and “morally reprehensible,” demonstrating “premeditated behaviour” and “a deep-seated attitudinal problem.” The panel determined her conduct fell far below the standards expected of a registered nurse.
Burwood told the hearing she “deeply regretted her actions” and explained she “saw the resident as her nanna,” which was why she crossed professional boundaries.
James Bradford, operations director at Bryn Yr Haul nursing home, said the team was “deeply saddened by this incident” and extended “sincere apologies to everyone affected.” He confirmed there have been changes in management and that safeguarding policies and procedures have been reviewed.
What this means for Poles in the UK
This case highlights the vulnerability of elderly people in care homes and the importance of safeguarding measures. Poles in the UK with elderly relatives in residential care should be aware of their rights and protection mechanisms.
If a family member grants lasting power of attorney (LPA) to someone, it should be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian. Banks and care homes must be informed, and there are legal duties preventing conflicts of interest – a care worker should not hold financial power over a resident in their own facility.
Anyone concerned about financial abuse of an elderly relative should contact their local council’s adult safeguarding team immediately. Banks can freeze accounts if abuse is suspected. The Office of the Public Guardian investigates concerns about attorneys and can revoke an LPA if necessary. Detailed guidance is available on the GOV.UK website under “lasting power of attorney.”
Regular monitoring of bank statements and maintaining family contact with care home residents remain the best protection against exploitation. Care homes are required by law to have safeguarding policies, and the Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspects compliance with these standards.
