The healthcare system is expected to provide essential care for elderly individuals in need. Regrettably, some seniors entrusted to the care of professionals face instances of abuse, whether at home with caregivers or in nursing facilities.
Research shows that around 15 percent of people aged 60 or older experience some form of abuse, though the actual number might be higher as many cases go unreported, according to the World Health Organization.
A heart-wrenching case has come to light in Georgia, where the family of a disabled man hopes to shed light on the potential horrors that can occur when caregiving is delegated to others. When the family had to work or couldn’t provide the needed care, they enlisted the assistance of a caregiver.
Joey Cason, aged 55, was placed in a care facility for individuals with mental or physical disabilities. At the time, his family believed they were making the right decision, given his unique needs. While Joey can attend to his physical needs, there are certain aspects he is not aware of due to his mental condition.
Shockingly, a hidden camera captured a caregiver using belts to strike Joey and forcefully pushing him to the ground. Even more distressing is that the worker allowed other residents in the facility to abuse Joey physically. In one disturbing scene, caregivers were heard teasing and taunting Joey with food, denying him when he was hungry.
Once Joey’s family discovered the horrifying abuse on video, they decided to share it online to raise awareness of the issue. In Georgia, authorities have been working to eradicate the abuse of disabled individuals in care facilities since these places lack the regulation seen in nursing homes and assisted living facilities.
A caregiver involved in the abuse was arrested following police investigations, and the facility had its license revoked as a consequence.
