Hidden Camera Catches Nursing Home Abuse in Florida

Disturbing abuse of an elderly Alzheimer's patient leads to the arrest of two Florida nursing home employees.

Two employees of a Florida nursing home are being held without bond at the Polk County Jail for allegedly inflicting abuse on an elderly man said to be suffering from Alzheimer’s, dementia and psychosis. The two, 28-year-old Yashika Jones and 35-year-old Rose Blaise, were allegedly caught on camera taunting and physically abusing the 76-year-old Alzheimer's sufferer on several occasions.
[youtube id="vCD7EcBsDU8" align="right" mode="normal" autoplay="no" aspect_ratio="4:3" maxwidth="400"]On one occasion, an employee were seen punching the air in front of the old man’s face as he seemed to lunge forward. In another instance, Ms. Blaise along with another employee was seen kicking or stomping at the man’s feet as they moved him from his bed to his wheelchair. In yet another episode, Ms. Jones (together with another employee) grabbed his wrists, pinned the man’s legs to the bed and slapped him on his head as they attempted to change his clothing.

The victim's son wisely decided to set up a hidden camera.

Dale Wilson, who is the son of the victim, decided to set up a surreptitious nanny cam in his father’s room when he noticed bruising on his arms and body. Winter Haven Police Chief Charlie Bird said that this egregious behavior from the accused duo that were supposed be caring for the man was absolutely sickening and that there was no reason for anyone, especially an Alzheimer’s patient, to be treated like that.
Mr. Wilson said that he reported the injuries to staff at the nursing home, but the bruising continued. In addition, he said that it was disturbing that anyone would treat an elderly person that way, and that he has apologized to his dad for what he had to endure in the nursing home.

The abusive duo were suspended from work and booked on charges of elderly abuse at the Polk County Jail. In addition, 6 other employees are also under investigation for suspicion of abuse.
Nursing home abuse is a disturbing trend that continues to grow over the years. Despite the stringent rules on abuse and those who perpetrate it, not much is being done to curb this on a macro level. At the same time, abuse may not be as apparent to family members as most nursing home residents do not have cameras in their rooms. Sometimes abuse may be as subtle as making continuous threats to someone who can’t fend for themselves, or even neglect when it comes to feeding them or changing their clothing and bedding.
According to Texas law, you ARE allowed to place surveillance cameras in a nursing home room if you suspect that your loved one is being abused! This will help you gather hard evidence that can go a long way in ensuring that the abused person gets the justice that they deserve, and that the abuser is adequately punished.
Before placing a hidden camera in a nursing home room, you must, under Texas law, meet the following requirements:

• You need to give the nursing home prior notice.
• You may need to get written consent from the resident’s roommate (if applicable).
• The nursing home needs to be released from all liability for violation of the resident’s right to privacy.
• There needs to be a visible note in the room stating that the room is being monitored, as well as dates and timestamps on video.
• You will also be responsible for the costs of installation, internet access and maintenance of the surveillance system.

Abuse can leave lasting physical, psychological and emotional scars. If you have a loved one that you suspect is being abused, you need the help of an experienced law firm on your side. Please call Rasansky Law Firm today at (214) 651-6100 or fill in our email form and send it to us for your free case evaluation.