Authorities Charge Three Women for Elder Abuse at Guthrie, Oklahoma, Nursing Home

In a deeply troubling case out of Guthrie, Oklahoma, three women are facing charges of conspiracy and elder abuse at the Golden Age Nursing Home. The case surfaced in April 2024 after a former employee came forward with information that led to a police investigation. This investigation uncovered a series of Snapchat videos, which allegedly show the three women engaging in severe mistreatment and sexual exploitation of the elderly residents under their care.

The videos reveal a range of abusive behaviors inflicted upon the residents. These include instances where the women exposed residents on camera while they were in vulnerable positions, such as using the toilet or covered in fecal matter. In one disturbing video, the suspects used Snapchat filters and grotesque comments to mock a recently deceased resident.

There are also allegations of inappropriate physical contact, including instances where the women played with the pubic hair of some residents. Guthrie Police Chief Don Sweger, a seasoned law enforcement officer, expressed deep concern over the case. He stated that while he has handled elder abuse cases before, this one stands out due to the sheer volume and disturbing nature of the evidence.

Charges and Legal Proceedings

The three women have been arrested and charged with conspiracy and elder abuse. As of July 2024, the women had been released on bond while awaiting further court proceedings. On July 18, 2024, two of the women appeared in court. During this hearing, the judge denied one woman’s request for a lower bond. The other two women are scheduled to appear in court again in August. None of the women had prior abuse charges on their records.

KFOR reports that on the day of the court hearings, a group of concerned citizens gathered outside the Logan County Courthouse to protest and demand justice for the victims. An organizer voiced the group’s collective disgust, emphasizing that caregivers are supposed to be protectors of those in their care, not perpetrators of harm. The group also highlighted the betrayal of trust that occurs when caregivers exploit their positions of power over vulnerable individuals. Members have pledged to continue attending court proceedings and advocating for justice until victims and families get the accountability they deserve.

Nursing Home’s Statement

In response to the allegations and public outcry, the Golden Age Nursing Home issued a statement outlining its commitment to the safety and well-being of its residents. The facility emphasized that its primary mission is to create a safe environment where residents can live with dignity and respect.

The facility also stated that all employees undergo thorough background checks and receive training on patients’ rights and safety protocols. Despite these measures, the nursing home acknowledged the severe nature of the allegations against the three former employees.

The statement confirmed that once the facility became aware of the potential violations, it immediately contacted local law enforcement and began cooperating fully with the investigation. The nursing home assured the public that it promptly terminated the employees involved in the alleged abuse and is taking steps to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.

Broader Issues in Nursing Home Care

Nursing home abuse is a serious and growing concern in the United States. National studies estimate that around 10 percent of people 65 and older experience some form of abuse, with even higher rates in long-term care facilities like nursing homes. Alarmingly, despite these high numbers, only about one in 14 cases of elder abuse gets reported to the appropriate authorities. These victims are nearly three times more likely to require hospitalization and have significantly higher mortality rates.

The most common types of nursing home abuse include physical abuse (29 percent of reported cases), resident-to-resident abuse (22 percent), gross neglect (14 percent), financial abuse (7 percent), and sexual abuse (7 percent). One study found that 40 percent of nursing home staff admitted to committing at least one instance of psychological abuse over a 12-month period.

In interviews with nursing home residents themselves, the rates of reported abuse are even higher. In one study, 44 percent of nursing home residents reported that they had been abused, and 95 percent said they had either been neglected or witnessed neglect of another resident.

While the actions of abusers are inexcusable, some studies suggest that the high levels of stress among nursing home staff might contribute to these behaviors. Many nursing homes are severely understaffed, with up to 90 percent of facilities having insufficient staff to adequately care for their residents.

In some cases, a single nurse’s aide might be responsible for up to 30 patients at once, far exceeding the recommended guidelines of one aide per three to six residents. These staffing shortages leave caregivers overworked and overwhelmed caregivers, and some might take out their frustrations on residents.

Nursing Home Care Issues in Oklahoma

The situation in Oklahoma is particularly concerning, as KOSU reports that the state ranks among the worst in the nation for nursing home care. Recent reports show Oklahoma is 46th in the country for its long-term services and support. Oklahoma also ranks 47th in the nation for nursing home staffing levels and 48th for the highest nursing home staff turnover rates, further compounding the challenges these facilities face.

High turnover rates disrupt the continuity of care and contribute to a lack of experienced staff familiar with residents’ needs. Additionally, low staffing levels mean that residents receive less personalized and attentive care, increasing the risk of neglect and abuse.

Like nursing home caregivers in many other states, Oklahoma nursing home staff work in physically and emotionally demanding environments without adequate support or compensation. The average nursing assistant salary is $30,210, which is hardly adequate, especially given the challenging nature of the work.

The need for long-term care services, which continues to grow as the U.S. population ages, only exacerbates these issues. The U.S. Census Bureau projects that by 2034, there will be more people over 65 than under 18. This aging population is also becoming increasingly impoverished, with the percentage of seniors living in poverty rising from 8.9 percent in 2020 to 10.3 percent in 2021. The growing financial strain on the elderly makes it even more difficult for them to access appropriate long-term care services.

Compliance and Regulatory Challenges in Oklahoma

In 2022 and 2023, the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) conducted audits of 20 nursing homes in Oklahoma. These unannounced site visits revealed serious deficiencies in all 20 facilities. Specifically, the audits found 98 deficiencies related to life safety, 16 related to emergency preparedness, and 32 related to infection control.

These deficiencies put the health and safety of residents, staff, and visitors at risk during emergencies such as fires or infectious disease outbreaks. The frequent management and staff turnover in Oklahoma nursing homes contributes to a lack of awareness of federal requirements, making it difficult for these facilities to comply with regulations. Additionally, the state has limited resources to conduct the required surveys of all nursing homes, further hindering its ability to enforce compliance.

Concerned About Your Loved One? Seek Help Now

At FreeNursingHomeAbuseReport.com, we want to help build a world where every senior receives the quality care they deserve. If you suspect your loved one has suffered abuse at their nursing facility, we invite you to fill out a simple form on our website to report your suspicions, request more information about your loved one’s nursing home, and get connected with experienced elder law attorneys in your area. Remember, you don’t have to face this challenging situation alone—we are here to help, and our services are completely free of charge.

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