Two Winter Haven nursing assistants have been charged after accusations they abused an elderly Alzheimer's patient.
A man set up a nanny cam in his father's room at the Palm Gardens Nursing Home after noticing unexplained bruises on his dad's arms and legs. He said the video confirmed his suspicions and shows workers getting rough with his father.
Rose Blaise is supposed to care for the 76-year-old man with advanced Alzheimer's and dementia, but video shows her tossing his legs to one side while working with him at the home.
Police said the video also shows her stomping or kicking the man's feet as he lunged forward in pain.
Yashika Jones was also hired to help the man, but video shows her pretending to punch him and grabbing his wrists as they get into a struggle. The man tries to pull away, but police said Jones forced him to hit himself in the face with his own hands.
Blaise and Jones were arrested and charged with battery of an elderly person.
The victim's son said his father is so ill he can't communicate, but police said the video speaks for itself.
After grabbing the man's wrist, investigators said Jones slapped him on top of the head and then ran away as he tried to sit up.
Jones told police the victim was combative and she didn't slap him, but was only trying to reposition him.
Police didn't buy it. She and her colleague are being held on no bond.
The head of the nursing home called their behavior "sickening."
About the Author