An eighty-five-year-old female resident was allegedly assaulted by an employee of the Emeritus Senior Living Center, a nursing home facility located in Charlotte, North Carolina. According to a report compiled by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, the staffer reportedly kicked the woman in her legs sometime between December 18 and December 19. Physically, the woman suffered minor injuries, bruising, and scratches. The emotional damage she suffered may be far more serious.

According to Kristi Anthony-Keeter, a spokesperson for Emeritus Senior Living Center, “Our residents are like family and we hate when there are allegations like this.”

Sadly, more and more nursing home residents are being subjected to physical assault and even sexual assault by the very employees who are supposed to care for them and keep them safe. Of course, some of these assaults can be attributed to the fact that so many nursing homes are understaffed, which is a decision made by the corporation in charge. Nursing home jobs are difficult and there should be as many employees as necessary to provide a safe environment and proper care for the residents.