Two Nursing Aides Accused of Abuse in Florida Nursing Home
After a suspicious video surfaced showing two nursing assistants allegedly slapping and mishandling an 85-year-old legally blind resident who was being treated for a spinal injury, a Florida County Sheriff’s Office was notified by the resident’s grandchild.
The Sherriff’s Office investigated and reported that a surveillance camera captured the actions of two nursing aides while they were getting the resident dressed for breakfast. The video shows the pair forcefully pushing down the legs of the resident onto a bed while trying to pull the resident’s upper body up by a T-shirt that was wrapped around her neck. This was followed by their almost throwing the resident to get her into her wheelchair. When the woman reacted and tapped one of the aides on the arm, the aide slapped her and yelled, “Quit hitting!” Right after that, one of the aides is seen covering the camera with a cloth.
When the police interviewed the two aides, one told them that she was regularly involved with helping the resident to get up and get dressed. She also admitted that she did “pop” the resident because she was being combative. The other aide denied any abuse allegations and also claimed that the resident was combative.
The police report states that “both of the aides should have known that the resident was legally blind, had osteoporosis, and was being treated for a recent spinal injury.”
The two aides turned themselves into the police after they were formally accused of the elderly resident’s abuse. They were charged and held on a $50,000 bond.
Compliance Perspective
Failing to provide adequate supervision and prevent nursing assistants from physically abusing residents under the guise that the residents are resistant or combative is an infringement of residents’ rights to be free from abuse and neglect and may be considered provision of sub-standard quality of care, in violation of state and federal regulations.
Discussion Points:
- Review policies and procedures regarding abuse, neglect, and sensitivity training for all staff members.
- Train staff on abuse and neglect and have them acknowledge understanding that physically slapping or rough-handling a resident is strictly forbidden, even in situations where a resident may be resisting care or combative. Provide sensitivity training so staff understand how to provide care to a resident with hearing, sight, or other limitations in a way that reduces the potential for the resident to feel insecure or act out.
- Periodically audit staff while they are providing care to residents who are considered combative or resistive. Also interview residents and family members to determine their level of satisfaction with the care residents are receiving.
