A home healthcare worker in Grovetown has been arrested and charged with elder abuse after allegedly failing to assist a bedridden elderly man who became trapped in a dangerous position while under her care, according to Grovetown Police Chief Jamey Kitchens.
The Grovetown Police Department was contacted on Tuesday by family members of the 65-year-old disabled adult who resides on the 300 block of Katherine Street. The man is permanently bedridden, nearly immobile, and requires 24-hour in-home medical assistance due to multiple serious health conditions.
Relatives told investigators that the incident occurred the morning of Monday when the man attempted to reposition himself in bed. His lower body slipped off the side, leaving only his upper torso and head on the mattress. Due to his physical limitations, he was unable to correct his position or move to safety.
Police say that during this time, a home health worker — identified as Vernieshia Bell — was seated just eight feet away with a clear view of the situation. Despite the man’s repeated calls for help over a 30-minute period, Bell did not intervene. Assistance only arrived when another healthcare worker came to relieve her and discovered the man in distress. The entire incident was recorded on a security camera installed in the patient’s room by his family.
When interviewed by investigators, Bell stated she was aware of the man’s condition but said she did not help because of back problems and a recent childbirth. When asked why she didn’t call 911 for assistance, Bell admitted she could have but failed to offer a reason for not doing so.
Bell, a licensed practical nurse working as a temporary employee through Consolidated Medical Staffing, was arrested and booked into the Columbia County Detention Center. She is charged with Exploitation or Intimidation of a Disabled Adult (Neglect). She has already been released on a $10,100 bond.
According to the arrest warrant, Bell willfully allowed the elderly man – who is non-ambulatory and mentally diminished – to remain in a compromised position for an extended period, causing him mental anguish and depriving him of essential services.
Grovetown Police Chief Jamey Kitchens urged families to take steps to protect vulnerable loved ones in similar care situations.
“The Grovetown Police Department highly encourages family members or caregivers to install video surveillance equipment if they have a relative or loved one that is receiving in-home medical care or treatment,” Chief Kitchens said in a press release.
