Former Caregiver Faces Nursing Home Abuse Charges for Harm Caused to 96-Year-Old Patient

A Florence, Alabama skilled nursing facility employee has been indicted for nursing home abuse committed against a 96-year-old patient that she cared for.

Labarbara Deshay Currin, 27 years old, has been indicted for second-degree elder abuse and neglect during a December session of the Lauderdale Grand Jury.

Currin had been an employee of the Glenwood Nursing Home in Florence, Alabama. According to reports, on August 10th, Currin was caught abusing the 96-year-old victim, and the nursing home abuse was reported to local police. The report stated that Currin intentionally committed the abuse, “grabbing or twisting her arm, hitting and thumping her on the head.”

“Apparently (Currin) got aggravated with the lady and just hit her,” police officers said.

Jeanne Moore, spokeswoman for the Glenwood Nursing Facility, said the care facility has a “zero tolerance policy with regard to abuse” and when the facility receives a report from any source “we immediately suspend the implicated individuals and thoroughly investigate the allegation.”

If convicted, Currin faces between 2 and 20 years in prison. Second-degree nursing home abuse charges are Class B felonies.

Signs of a History 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.  Common signs and symptoms of abuse include:

• 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

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 South Carolina Nursing Home 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