This just makes me sick to my stomach. Yesterday police in Punta Gorda, in southwest Florida, arrested an employee of the Punta Gorda Elderly Care Center on charges of abuse and battery on a 76-year-old resident. Police say 58-year-old Letitia Calderwood was employed as a Certified Nursing  Assistant at the facility. According to police, an employee of the center reported Calderwood had requested the assistance of her and an additional employee in helping the resident who had fallen in a bathroom. Calderwood and the two other facility employees had difficulty helping the resident to her feet and reports say Calderwood subsequently kicked in her lower back while using a profanity. Once the resident was helped to her feet, Calderwood reportedly struck her in the face with an open hand.

Detectives say Calderwood admitted to kicking and striking the resident as originally reported. She reportedly stated that her actions were done out of frustration although she knew the patient was disabled and had limited ability to stand on her own. Calderwood was arrested and transported to the Charlotte County Jail.

Thank goodness the other employees of this facility immediately stepped forward to report this alleged abuse. If you are concerned that someone you know is being abused or neglected in a Florida senior living facility, you can report it to the Florida Department of Children and Families. On their website – http://www.dcf.state.fl.us/abuse/ – you will find detailed information about the Florida Abuse Program, and how to submit a claim via phone, fax or online.