Texas Caretaker Accused of Nursing Home Abuse

A caretaker at a Texas nursing home has been arrested and charged with elderly and nursing home abuse after a hidden camera allegedly pinching a 94-year-old woman on the face numerous times.

According to the Austin American-Statesman, police received a video on July 30 from the family of the victim that was recorded using a hidden camera that had been placed in her room at the Summit at Lakeway nursing home. The video showed 26-year-old Cornelius Dwayne Neal, a listed caretaker who was assigned to the victim’s room, pinching the victim’s face numerous times.

After each pinch, the victim – who is unable to communicate verbally – “reacted in pain,” according to investigators.

The family of the victim had initially put the hidden camera in the room after becoming concerned by a number of unexplained injuries to the victim.

Following an investigation, Neal was arrested earlier this month on elderly abuse charges. He has also since been fired from the nursing home.

“We take the charge of protecting and safeguarding our residents very seriously. Improper conduct or behavior by an associate is never tolerated at our community under any circumstances,” Paul Harrison, the executive director of the nursing home, said. “There were no other residents impacted in this case. The Summit at Lakeway maintains extremely high standards and operates in the best interest of our residents to protect their safety, privacy and dignity.”

If you or a loved one has been victimized by elderly abuse, there may be legal actions worth pursuing. Call Sokolove Law today to learn more about pursuing a nursing home abuse lawsuit.

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