LONGVIEW, TX – In a disturbing incident that underscores the ongoing challenges facing the nursing home industry, a 34-year-old certified nursing assistant (CNA) has been arrested for allegedly restraining a resident with a pair of leggings at Whispering Pines Lodge in Longview, Texas. Simone Monique Barnes has been charged with unlawful restraint, exposing the resident to potential serious bodily injury.
According to an arrest affidavit obtained by KLTV, the incident came to light on March 6 when a dayshift CNA discovered a 55-year-old resident tied to her bed with black leggings at approximately 8:15 a.m. The resident, who suffers from Huntington’s Disease, schizoaffective disorder, and anxiety, is reportedly unable to move safely on her own and has a history of falls.
The investigation revealed that Barnes, who worked the overnight shift, admitted to restraining the resident around 3:15 a.m. to prevent her from falling while she attended to another resident. However, she reportedly forgot about the restrained resident and clocked out at 6 a.m., leaving the individual tied to the bed for approximately five hours.
This incident brings to the forefront the immense pressures and challenges faced by CNAs in nursing homes. “Staffing shortages and high workloads contribute to increased stress and burnout among caregivers,” says Dr. Eleanor Higgins, a gerontology expert, in a recent interview with the Journal of Gerontological Nursing. “These conditions can compromise patient safety and quality of care.”
The strain on nursing home staff is well-documented. According to a 2023 report by the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL), 77% of nursing homes reported moderate to high levels of staffing shortages. This shortage directly impacts the ability of facilities to provide adequate care and maintain safety standards.
The Longview case is a stark reminder of the critical need for improved staffing, training, and oversight in nursing homes. It also highlights the importance of robust protocols for resident safety and the need for better support systems for caregivers.