A certified nursing assistant in Chattanooga, Tennessee, has been charged with elder abuse after a shocking incident involving a 90-year-old Alzheimer's patient. The accused, Gary Christopher Crownover, allegedly assaulted the patient during a shower, expressing a disturbing desire for the victim to die soon. The incident has raised serious concerns about the treatment of vulnerable individuals in care facilities.
Key Takeaways
- A nursing assistant was charged with elder abuse after assaulting a 90-year-old patient.
- The incident occurred at Ascension Living Valley Residence, a facility for Alzheimer's patients.
- The victim sustained injuries, including a knee injury and facial redness.
- The incident was reported by another nursing assistant, leading to Crownover's arrest.
Incident Details
The incident took place early Wednesday morning at the Ascension Living Valley Residence, a facility dedicated to caring for individuals with Alzheimer's disease. According to reports, the victim required assistance from two certified nursing assistants (CNAs) during his shower.
During the shower, the victim accidentally hit Crownover in the face, knocking off his glasses. This seemingly minor incident triggered a violent response from Crownover, who became enraged. Witnesses reported that he pulled the shower chair, with the victim still seated, out of the shower and dropped both the chair and the patient onto the floor.
Assault Description
The affidavit detailing the incident describes the following actions by Crownover:
- Physical Assault: Crownover allegedly struck the victim multiple times in the head with a closed fist and then smacked him in the face with an open palm.
- Verbal Abuse: During the assault, Crownover reportedly shouted, "I can't wait for you to die soon!"
- Injury: The victim sustained a knee injury during the fall, and there was visible redness around his right eye.
The other CNA present during the incident expressed shock at Crownover's behavior and later assisted in cleaning up the victim before reporting the incident to their supervisor.
Response and Arrest
After the incident, the CNA informed her supervisor, who promptly contacted the authorities. By the time police arrived, Crownover had already been sent home on suspension. Later that day, he was arrested and charged with abuse of a vulnerable adult.
Implications for Care Facilities
This incident has sparked a broader conversation about the treatment of elderly patients in care facilities. It raises critical questions about staff training, oversight, and the measures in place to protect vulnerable individuals from abuse.
As investigations continue, the community is left to grapple with the implications of such a disturbing event, emphasizing the need for vigilance and accountability in caregiving environments. The safety and dignity of elderly patients must remain a priority in all healthcare settings.
