The Commissioner for Older People for Northern Ireland has called on families to be proactive in protecting relatives in care, after a hospital worker was sentenced for taking degrading photographs of dementia patients.

Ciara Corvan, who worked at the Bluestone Unit in Craigavon Area Hospital, received a probation order and 100 hours of community service at Craigavon Crown Court. The case prompted the commissioner, Siobhan Casey, to outline steps families can take.

Casey said families should keep in regular contact with loved ones and talk about their experiences whenever possible. She advised them to ask questions about safeguarding policies and to raise any concerns with the provider.

If abuse is suspected, families should report it to the care home manager and escalate through the complaints process if necessary, she said. The relevant Health and Social Care Trust should be contacted, or the PSNI if a criminal offence may have occurred.

Service providers must also take preventive steps, Casey added. Mandatory staff training and appropriate supervision by care managers are required. She said there should be robust safeguarding policies, including rules on mobile phone use and social media, and a working environment where staff feel confident reporting poor practice.

Families can research safety records by reading Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority inspection reports for registered health and social care services, which are available online. They can also ask institutions about their safeguarding and complaints procedures and speak with residents and other families about the level of care.

Casey stressed that the case was an isolated incident and that most health and social care staff provide excellent care. The commissioner's office can be contacted for support and advice on 028 9089 0892.

Richard Robinson, chief executive of the UK elder abuse charity Hourglass, also offered guidance. He said families should remain involved in their relative's care by visiting at different times, getting to know staff, and asking how concerns are recorded and handled. Unexplained injuries, changes in mood, behaviour, appearance or personal care can be warning signs. Where possible, older people should be given private time and space to express any concerns.

Hourglass operates a 24/7 helpline for abuse of older people across the UK on 0808 808 8141, providing confidential support every day of the year.