Authorities in Grovetown, Georgia, have arrested a home healthcare worker following allegations of elder abuse after a 65-year-old bedridden man was left in a dangerous position for an extended period without assistance. The incident has sparked concern about the safety and oversight of vulnerable adults receiving in-home care.
The Grovetown Police Department was contacted on Tuesday by concerned family members of the disabled man, who resides on the 300 block of Katherine Street. The man is permanently bedridden, nearly immobile, and requires 24-hour medical supervision due to multiple serious health conditions.
According to investigators, the incident occurred Monday morning when the elderly man attempted to reposition himself in bed. His lower body slipped off the side of the mattress, leaving only his upper torso and head on the bed. Due to his physical limitations, he was unable to correct his position or move to safety.
Police reports indicate that a home health worker, identified as Vernieshia Bell, was seated just eight feet away with a clear view of the patient. Despite the man’s repeated calls for help over a 30-minute period, Bell allegedly did not intervene. The patient only received assistance when another healthcare worker arrived to relieve her and discovered him in distress. The incident was captured on a security camera installed by the family, providing investigators with crucial evidence of the neglect.
When questioned by authorities, Bell admitted she was aware of the man’s condition but cited back problems and a recent childbirth as reasons for not assisting him. She also acknowledged that she could have called 911 but offered no explanation for failing to do so.
Bell, a licensed practical nurse employed temporarily through Consolidated Medical Staffing, was arrested and booked into the Columbia County Detention Center. She faces charges of Exploitation or Intimidation of a Disabled Adult (Neglect) and has since been released on a $10,100 bond.
According to the arrest warrant, Bell willfully allowed the non-ambulatory and mentally diminished patient to remain in a compromised position, causing mental anguish and depriving him of essential services. The case highlights the critical responsibility of caregivers to provide continuous, attentive care to vulnerable adults.
Grovetown Police Chief Jamey Kitchens emphasized the importance of safeguarding at-risk family members. In a statement, he urged families to consider video surveillance for loved ones receiving in-home care, stating:
“The Grovetown Police Department highly encourages family members or caregivers to install video surveillance equipment if they have a relative or loved one that is receiving in-home medical care or treatment.”
This arrest serves as a stark reminder of the duty of care owed to elderly and disabled adults, and the legal consequences that can result from neglecting those responsibilities. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the case to ensure accountability and prevent similar incidents in the future.
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