Brooke Carman worked at the rest-home in South Dunedin for about two and a-half years, until mid-October this year.
She said her dismissal at that time was a way to stop her personal grievance case and stop her from supporting other workers.
The Otago Daily Times has recently been contacted by multiple family members of residents and former residents at the rest-home complaining of the treatment received by some staff and residents at Oxford Court, which has rejected the allegations.
Mrs Carman said she had filed a personal grievance against the rest-home and it, in turn, had filed one against her.
She said she could not talk about details but her experiences at the rest-home had left her frustrated and angry at the way she had been treated.
"It was just an endless tide of threats and abuse. Constant undermining," she said.
Mrs Carman said she worked as a healthcare assistant at the rest-home, having completed a nursing degree but having taken time off to raise a family.
"I started out [at Oxford Court] really well and loved it. Everyone was really helpful and it was a nice place to work.
"But it changed and things just kept getting worse. It was horrible and people were scared."
She listed behaviours of management she said created a hostile environment.
Staff were told they could not associate with people not working in the same roles — so nurses could not talk to healthcare assistants about anything apart from work, she said.
Social media was monitored, people were not allowed to talk in their own language anywhere and threats were made of instant dismissal, Mrs Carman said.
Many workers had left because of management and patients were scared of making a complaint, she said.
On the day of her departure she was told to get out despite being in the middle of showering a resident.
She said she had stood up to management and had become the person who helped disgruntled workers, even after she left, and was shocked when she received the trespass notice on Wednesday.
The ODT has seen the notice, which says Mrs Carman was trespassed for sending abusive texts and threatening behaviour.
"I couldn’t believe it. I have never been back. Have never talked to any of the management again. I have never done any of that which is accused," she said.
In a statement issued yesterday, Oxford Court Ltd said articles about the rest-home in the ODT might have caused concern among residents, families and the wider community.
"We strongly refute the nature and scope of the allegations reported over the past week. Oxford Court is committed to delivering high-quality care, and the dignity and wellbeing of our residents and staff remain our highest priority at all times," it said.
"While some residents may have complex needs that can present challenges, our team works tirelessly to ensure compassionate, professional care. We are deeply concerned that the ongoing media coverage is causing distress to both residents and staff," the statement said.
Oxford Court was in a difficult position as due to strict privacy obligations and ongoing employment-related proceedings it was unable to comment on specific allegations, it said.
"However, Oxford Court understands that a number of the reported allegations originate from a former employee whose employment was terminated and who has since been trespassed from the care home.
"We have not been made aware of any steps taken to verify the accuracy of these allegations and would encourage any concerns to be raised directly to Oxford Court or with the health and disability commissioner so that they can be properly and specifically investigated.
"We remain committed to providing the highest standard of care to our residents and continuously strive to support our staff and residents alike."
