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Michigan Caretaker Charged with Elder Abuse
December 19 , 2008
Recently Michigan police responded to an anonymous 911 call that directed them to the home of an 85-year-old woman and her 50-year-old caretaker son. They discovered what police are calling one of the worst cases of elder abuse neglect they’ve ever encountered.
Elder’s Home Filled with Trash and Debris
Upon arriving at the elderly woman’s home, police and other emergency crew members had difficulty entering the residence due to the piles of trash and debris blocking entrances and covering the floors inside. Once they managed their way into the house they were hit with an almost unbearable stench that caused some to retreat back to the front yard.
"There were two firefighters and two EMT’s that came out and puked right over there by that tree," according to one neighbor.
Startling Discovery of Elder Neglect
Once inside the house police and emergency crew members say they were appalled by what they discovered. On a couch lay an 85-year-old woman who was covered in her own excrement. It turned out that she had been lying on the couch, in piles of her own urine and feces for weeks.
"I've been in my career around a couple of things like this," said Chief Tony Kleibecker, "for me this is the worst where someone was actually still alive."
Woman Showed Obvious Signs of Elder Neglect
Elder neglect is just one type of elder abuse. There are certain physical indicators that are typically associated with an elderly person that’s been neglected. These indicators include:
• Bed sores (decubitus ulcers)
• Unsanitary environment
• Malnutrition, dehydration
• Smells of urine and/or feces
• Unkempt appearance
• Poor personal hygiene
• Untreated medical conditions
Son Failed to Fulfill His Role as Caretaker
Police were startled once again when they found the elderly woman’s 50 year-old-son and supposed caretaker in another part of the house.
"He'd given her some food, he'd given her some water," said Chief Kleibecker, "but from his statements he said she'd been on the couch for three weeks, had not moved from that spot in over three weeks.”
Son Charged with Elder Abuse
Fortunately someone had enough awareness to realize that their might be a problem and called 911. As a result:
• The house has been condemned
• The 85-year-old-woman is in bad shape but is expected to survive
• The 50-year-old son was arrested and charged with elder abuse
"Nobody should have been left in those conditions, nobody," said Chief Kleibecker. "I wouldn't leave an animal in those conditions, let alone a human being, let alone your mom."
(Source: WWMT News Channel 3)
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If so, contact us today to speak with an elder abuse lawyer who will provide you with legal advice and resources that will help the victim win much deserved and needed compensation.
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