Friday, December 05, 2008

Two teen girls charged with abusing nursing home residents

Albert Lea, Minnesota - The Associated Press reports that two teenage girls who worked as part-time aides at a Good Samaritan Society nursing have been charged with abuse, accused of taunting, spitting on and groping residents who suffered from Alzheimer's disease. According to the criminal complaint filed on Monday, the girls, aged 18 and 19, laughed earlier this year as they spat in residents' mouths, poked and groped their breasts and genitals, and at times mocked them until they screamed. Both girls have been charged as adults. Four other teens who worked with them were charged as juveniles for failing to report the incidents. A total of eight teens were allegedly involved in the incidents, but there was no record of criminal charges being filed against two of them. If found guilty, the girls "most likely will face suspended jail sentences and probation." The Minnesota Department of Health released a report in August showing that 15 residents with Alzheimer's disease or other dementia disorders were abused at the facility between Jan. 1 and May 1. According to the complaint filed Monday, one of the aides said the group gathered at work or school to "talk and laugh about the incidents."


Full story here ...