Florida Nursing Home Aides Arrested on Abuse Charges

Tampa, FL (Law Firm Newswire) December 17, 2014 – Two certified nursing assistants employed by a nursing home in Winter Haven, Florida, have been arrested after a hidden camera recorded them apparently abusing an elderly Alzheimer’s patient.

“Abuse and neglect are significant problems in nursing homes,” said Robert Joyce, a Tampa attorney who handles cases of nursing home abuse and neglect. “If these allegations are true, then this is a particularly outrageous case.”

Dale Wilson’s father is 76 years old and suffers from Alzheimer’s disease. Dale and his wife Debbie became suspicious when they noticed that his father had unexplained bruises. Wilson said his father is not able to communicate, so he could not tell them what had happened. The Wilsons placed a “nanny cam” hidden video camera in Dale’s father’s room and captured the apparent abuse by two aides.

In the video footage, two nursing assistants can be seen apparently striking and tormenting an elderly man. The two were arrested and charged with battery of an elderly person. They are being held without bond in the Polk County Jail. The Winter Haven Police Department, the Agency for Health Care Administration and Florida’s Department of Children and Families are investigating the alleged abuse.

Jeff Bomberger, Palm Healthcare Management’s Chief Operating Officer, said in a statement that the employees involved have been suspended without pay while authorities investigate, and that the company is committed to providing a safe environment.

The Wilsons have spoken out, stressing that it is important for people whose loved ones are nursing home residents to be on the lookout for warning signs of abuse, such as unexplained bruises or changes in the loved one’s attitude or demeanor.

Learn more at http://www.joyceandreyespa.com Joyce and Reyes Law Firm, P.A. 307 S Hyde Park Ave Tampa, FL 33606 Call: 813.251.2007