Certified Nursing Assistant Charged with Elder Abuse at Chattanooga Care Facility

Disturbing Incident at Chattanooga Care Facility

Chattanooga, TN – In a shocking turn of events, a certified nursing assistant is facing serious charges after an alleged incident of elder abuse at a local dementia and Alzheimer’s facility. Gary Crownover, 51, hailing from LaFayette, Georgia, has been charged with assault and abuse of a vulnerable adult, according to an affidavit filed by authorities.

The Incident Unfolds

This distressing event took place at Ascension Living Valley Residence on Mountain Creek Road. On a Wednesday afternoon, Officer Beau Allison was called to the scene after receiving a report of abuse against a 90-year-old resident.

According to a female witness, both she and Crownover were tasked with providing care to a male resident during his shower. This routine procedure required two certified nursing assistants to ensure the safety and dignity of the elderly man, who was seated in a shower chair facing the wall.

Things took a turn for the worse when the victim accidentally hit Crownover in the face, knocking off his glasses. Instead of responding professionally, Crownover allegedly reacted with anger and aggression. The complaint details how he supposedly pulled the chair, with the elderly man still seated, out of the shower area and onto the floor.

Witness Account

The gravity of the situation escalated quickly. As reported by a witnessing assistant, Crownover allegedly began to strike the elderly man in the head with a closed fist and repeatedly slapped him in the face. Even more disturbing, he reportedly uttered, “I can’t wait for you to die soon,” while verbally abusing the vulnerable resident.

“I was shocked by what I witnessed,” said the assistant, clearly rattled by the event. After the altercation, both aides helped the injured man off the floor and dried him off, but it’s important to note the visible injuries that were apparent. Blood was found on the towel from the victim’s left knee, and his right eye appeared red.

Immediate Aftermath

Following the incident, the victim was returned to his room and placed in bed, where he remained silent due to his diminished mental capacity. Concerned about the seriousness of the accusations, the witness immediately reported what she had witnessed to the authorities.

Meanwhile, Crownover was suspended from his nursing assistant duties and sent home before law enforcement arrived at the facility. He is currently being held on a bond of $20,000 at the Hamilton County Jail and is scheduled to appear before General Sessions Judge Larry Ables on October 31.

Community Reaction

This troubling incident has understandably shaken the local community. Many people express their outrage and concern regarding the treatment of vulnerable individuals in care facilities. It’s a stark reminder of just how important it is to ensure that those who are entrusted with the care of the elderly and incapacitated are held to the highest standards of conduct.

The situation also raises questions about safety protocols and oversight in facilities housing vulnerable populations. Families of residents deserve to know that their loved ones are in a safe environment and treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.

Looking Ahead

As we move forward, we can only hope that justice prevails for the victim and that incidents like this serve as a call to action for tighter regulation and monitoring of care facilities. With Crownover’s court date fast approaching, many are waiting to see how this situation will unfold and what it will mean for those living in care homes in Chattanooga and beyond.

This incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for vigilance, compassion, and stringent care standards in our community’s long-term care facilities.