VALENCIA, PA — Two nursing aides from St. Barnabas Arbors Valencia face serious charges after allegedly abusing a 96-year-old resident. The charges against Heather M. Kilgore, 48, and Allison L. Schrey, 25, followed the discovery of disturbing footage captured by a Ring camera.
Incident Details
The video, recorded on May 5, shows the aides dragging the elderly man through his living room and hallway. He cried out in pain as they moved him. His daughter, who had installed the camera, reviewed the footage after noticing her father’s discomfort the next day.
Medical reports confirm that the man suffered a crushed vertebra and severe bruising. After the incident, he was taken to UPMC Passavant and later moved to another facility for hospice care.
Conflicting Accounts
Kilgore, who worked at St. Barnabas for 15 years, told police they found the man on the floor. She claimed they walked him backward to his room and placed him in bed. She acknowledged they could have used a wheelchair but said there wasn’t one nearby. Schrey initially agreed to speak with police but later declined. She expressed regret for the incident and stated that she never intended to harm the man.
Community Outrage
The incident has sparked outrage among local residents. Melinda Kutzer, who has family in personal care, emphasized the importance of quality care. “If this happened while they knew they were being recorded, what else is happening when no one is watching?” she asked.
The Need for Accountability
This case underscores the need for better oversight in long-term care facilities. Families and advocates are calling for more transparency and stricter regulations to ensure that all residents receive the compassionate care they deserve. The community will be watching closely as the legal process unfolds, hoping for justice and systemic change.