Columbus nurse”s assistant Janice Lovelace, 40, admitted Friday she abused a patient at the Windsor Place Nursing and Rehab Center.
Lovelace pled guilty to one count of misdemeanor abuse of a vulnerable adult Friday in Lowndes County Justice Court before Judge Mike Arledge, according to a press release from Attorney General Jim Hood.
Lovelace, a certified nurse”s assistant, had struck a patient”s buttocks. The patient was bruised and “visibly shaken by the event,” but “wasn”t seriously injured physically,” according to Hood.
Mark Clay, the Windsor”s administrator, said Lovelace was dismissed from the center about a year ago. He did not recall what day she was dismissed.
“We would”ve discharged that person the same day we made the report to the state,” he said.
The Windsor”s staff does not condone physical abuse or intimidation by employees or visitors, Clay said.
“That”s something that we zealously adhere to,” he said. “We preach that with our employees from the day one they”re hired.”
A phone number listed in Lovelace”s name was disconnected Monday afternoon.
Lovelace was sentenced to pay $874.50, which comprises a fine and court costs. Her name will be added to a registry prohibiting her from working at any care facility accepting Medicaid for at least five years, according to the press release.
“Providing care to the elderly, mentally handicapped, and even children can be very demanding and at times difficult work,” said Attorney General Hood. “It takes a special person to work in this field: Someone with lots of patience and self control. It is best to know and understand your limitations before working with this population, because once you”ve raised your hand in anger or frustration to one of these vulnerable individuals it becomes a crime, and one this office will prosecute you for committing.”
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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