North Country Gazette

CNA Accused Of Abusing Alzheimer’s Patient

Posted on Thursday, 6 of September , 2007 at 6:09 pm

TALLAHASSEE, FL -A certified nursing assistant has been accused of abusing an elderly resident of a Pensacola nursing home.

Nicole Gamble was taken into custody based on allegations that she fought with an Alzheimer’s patient under her care, causing injuries to his face and neck. The arrest was carried out in Louisiana by the Houma Police Department, acting on behalf of the Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. “This victim was suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and clearly relied on support from his caretakers,” said Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum. “Our senior citizens deserve a high standard of care and respect and we will continue to enforce those standards.”

Eyewitnesses informed investigators with the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit that the incident took place after Gamble had bathed the resident. The elderly man was gripping a piece of equipment in the shower room and began to resist Gamble’s efforts remove him from the shower. The witnesses stated that when Gamble was unsuccessful in her attempts to break his grip, she began to strike him. Nursing home staff observed injuries on the resident after Gamble was removed from the scene. Her employment at the facility has since been terminated.

Gamble has waived extradition and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office will be transporting her to the Escambia County Jail. She will be charged with one felony count of elder abuse. If convicted, she faces up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine.

The case will be prosecuted by the State Attorney’s Office for the First Judicial Circuit.   9-6-07