Houston police have arrested an elderly caregiver for beating the woman she cared for. A video of Brenda Floyd circulating the internet on Facebook and other forms of social media alike showed Floyd beating her 94-year-old patient. The victim had no way of defending herself.
Rachel Portnoy, community engagement specialist with Adult Protective Services, says it’s important to do background checks on everyone, not just people who work in nursing homes. In-home caregivers and nurses should have background checks done as well. Floyd is currently sitting in the Houston county jail awaiting trial, as of January 27th.
What To Do If You’ve Been Harmed
There have been countless cases where an elderly person has been beaten or victimized by someone more able than them. Caregivers have stolen money, abused their patients, and more. Below are a few ways to prevent this kind of abuse so you don’t ever have to worry about your parents or loved one’s safety again:
- Background checks – Whether you’re hiring an in-home caregiver or a nursing home, you need to do a background check on your caregiver so you know their history.
- Ask around – If you’re thinking about putting your loved one in a nursing home, ask other people who have put their loved ones in nursing homes which ones they like and don’t like.
- Be observant – Check your loved ones health and safety every time you see them. Check for sores, bleeding, bruises, and emotional and mental stability. Confront your loved ones caregiver immediately if you see anything wrong.
- Check Records – Similar to doing a background check, a record check of a nursing home will tell you a lot like: how much money they make, how many deaths have happened in the last year, and other vital information about the business operation.
Help Is On The Way
There’s nothing worse than hearing about an elderly person who was harmed because they could not defend themselves. If you or a loved one has been abused by a caregiver, call our office at (972) 632-1300 or contact us online today for more information.
