Former Caregiver Charged with Nursing Home Abuse for “Slapping Around” Patient

A former caregiver at a Hoover, Alabama nursing home has been charged with nursing home abuse for “slapping around” a bed-ridden 80-year-old Alzheimer’s patient.

Taneka Kiera Hopkins, a 28-year-old Pinson resident, has been charged with second-degree elder abuse.

Investigations into the potential nursing home abuse began because the patient’s family became concerned that their loved one was being physically abused. The 80-year-old patient, who suffered from severe Alzheimer’s and was confined to his bed, lived in the memory care ward of South Haven Health and Rehab.

Reportedly, the nursing home abuse occurred on August 13th. “Her actions were appalling, awful and disturbing,” said Hoover police Capt. Gregg Rector. “He is unable to care for himself and unable to speak … He’s bedridden, frail and totally helpless.”

“We were provided with visual evidence that will prove what this suspect did,” Rector said. Although reports have not specified what type of evidence, it was enough for police to issue an arrest warrant for Hopkins.

“[The patient], he did suffer from Alzheimer’s and dementia, he was basically helpless and bedridden, one of the most vulnerable people in our society and he was certainly taken advantage of physically by a worker there at South Haven,” Rector added.

Hopkins is currently being held in jail on a $15,000 bond.

“You expect the elderly, more so than anyone, to be treated with dignity and respect,” Rector said.

The nursing home also issued a statement of apology to the family.

Signs of Nursing Home Abuse in Your Loved Ones

Nursing home residents may suffer from physical, emotional, and even sexual abuse by their caregivers (home caregivers, family member caregivers). In many cases, these elderly victims cannot communicate due to dementia or other health problems, which makes reporting caregiver or nursing home abuse especially difficult. However, your loved one may show some signs of potential nursing home abuse, and it is important to keep an eye on these problems and report them immediately.

• bruises, welts, burns
• unexplained fractures or other physical injuries
• repeated accidents
• injuries left untreated
• references to caregiver’s temper or anger
• nervous or quiet around caregiver
• runs away from the home or tries to
• has marks or scars from restraints on wrists
• shows effects of chemical restraints such as incoherence, grogginess, excessive sleep
• sudden fear, restlessness, anxiety
• prevented from getting medical treatment or being alone with visitors
• unexplained changes in behavior
• withdrawal
• unexplained weight gain or loss
• sudden loss of interest in life
• appearance of sudden demise of mental health
• symptoms of extreme shock such as the development of tics: rocking, refusing to speak
• isolation

The Strom Law Defends Victims of Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect

Nursing home abuse and neglect cases can be difficult to establish because of an widespread tendency by insurance adjusters, physicians, among others, to discount an elderly person’s injuries and the diminished quality of life that results from these damages.

If your loved one has physically suffered, or died wrongfully, due to neglect or abuse in a nursing home, you may have a nursing home abuse case. The attorneys at the Strom Law Firm understand the sensitive nature of elder abuse cases, and will treat you with respect and compassion. It is important to fight elder abuse so you, your family, and others no longer suffer because of criminal behavior. We offer free, confidential consultations to discuss the facts of your case. Contact us today for help.803.252.4800