A former resident care aide at a Florida assisted living community has been arrested for allegedly abusing a resident in her care.
Savitri Seenanan, who worked at Hampton Manor, a Virtue Senior Living community in Ocala, FL, “allegedly pinched, slapped, struck or tugged the victim on a reoccurring [sic] basis, causing bruising,” an investigation by the state Medicaid Fraud Control Unit found, according to a press release from Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi.
“We have extended our deepest and most sincere apologies to our resident and their family during that time,” the community’s director told McKnight’s Senior Living. “An occurrence of this nature is disappointing and saddens us. Hampton Manor does not tolerate this type of behavior and will continue to be an advocate for our residents.”
Seenanan faces one count of abuse of an elderly person or disabled adult, which is a third-degree felony, Bondi said. If convicted, she faces up to five years in prison and $5,000 in fines.
The Feb. 28 arrest stemmed from an incident that allegedly occurred June 6, Danielle Conley, the community’s director, told McKnight’s Senior Living.
Without naming Seenanan, Conley said that the resident care assistant’s employment was suspended immediately, in keeping with Hampton Manor’s “zero tolerance” policy for such violations, after Conley was informed that Seenanan might have violated the rights of a resident.
“The resident’s spouse and the state authorities were immediately notified,” Conley said. “I worked closely with the Department of Children and Families to complete a thorough investigation, and it was determined that the employee violated the resident’s rights.”
Seenanan was fired June 7, Conley said. “The state authorities were notified of the separation, and law enforcement took over the case,” she added.
All Hampton Manor employees receive training on residents’ rights as well as on the prevention of abuse, neglect and exploitation before they interact with residents, Conley said, adding that staff members also are required to participate in ongoing training throughout their employment.
“We provide our employees with the knowledge and skills to provide outstanding, compassionate care, and we expect our staff to show our residents respect and provide exemplary care, always,” she said
