Video Catches Assault

Deputies responded to the St. Barbara’s Nursing Home in Monongah, WV on May 22. An administrator showed deputies footage of employee Desiree Heater allegedly assaulting the patient on May 19.

Footage showed Heater slapping the patient in the wheelchair with her right hand before walking away. Heater then came back and pulled the wheelchair in a manner that caused the patient to fall forward out of the seat, court documents said.

The patient was taken to a hospital for treatment, deputies said.

Heater was charged with abuse or neglect of an incapacitated adult and was booked into the North Central Regional Jail.

This is a shocking case, but unfortunately physical abuse of nursing home residents happens far too often.

Abuse can occur not only from staff but also other residents, so it important for family members to frequently meet with their loved ones so they can notice signs of abuse.