Florida Nurse Charged with Four Counts of Elder Abuse
In Highlands County a Florida woman was charged with four counts of elder abuse after she reportedly abused an elderly man on four separate occasions. The four incidents occurred within a span of one month at a care facility used to help physically or mentally disabled adults that require ‘round-the-clock medical assistance.
Witnesses at the care facility stated they saw the woman pluck the elderly man’s pubic hair with her hands when he was uncooperative when she was changing his diaper. Facility workers said the man was unable to speak or defend himself against the woman. The woman was subsequently fired from her job at the facility when the supervisor found out about these incidents. Her bail at Highlands County jail was set at $20,000.
There are always times when people are uncooperative for one reason or another. This is especially true for elderly adults who, for the greater part of their lives, were used to doing things for themselves. When a person reaches old age, it is often difficult for them to succumb to the idea that they must let go of some of their independence and allow others to assist them with certain parts of their daily lives. Unfortunately, some medical assistants and nursing home workers find this too difficult to deal with and often react in abusive or harmful ways against the elderly person. However, a lack of cooperation from the elderly person is no excuse for physically harming or injuring them. Every step should be taken to make their lives easier for them and help them maintain good health and at least some of their independence whenever possible. The perpetrators of elder abuse and neglect should always be brought to justice for the harm and danger that they put elderly individuals through.
