Former Alzheimer’s center worker convicted of patient abuse

DAYTON — A former Wood Glen Alzheimer’s Community worker accused of beating an elderly patient was convicted of patient abuse.

Vanesha A. Rice, 24, is scheduled to be sentenced Dec. 19, according to a Montgomery County court official.

>> RELATED: Alzheimer’s Center aide indicted for abuse of elderly patient who later died

Rice worked at the Miami Twp. Alzheimer’s center from Oct. 30, 2018, to Jan. 25, according to an Ohio Department of Health record.

An investigation into Rice began in January after a patient, John Sexton, was injured.

Photos provided by Sexton’s family showed bruising down both sides of his face. Medical reports indicated bones around his eyes were broken.

In a statement to police, Rice said that Sexton became combative and was swinging wildly at her, and that she back-handed him to protect herself.

Rice was fired that same day, according to the state report.

>> RELATED: Photos show injuries suffered by now-deceased local Alzheimer’s patient

“I am so sorry because he didn’t deserve that,” Rice’s statement read. “I was overworked and tired and made a mistake.” She also said she “didn’t mean to hurt him at all” and that she’s “not a monster.”

Her statement later was changed to say she hit Sexton twice with a closed fist, according to an ODH document.

Sexton died two months after the incident. He was 82 years old.

A previous statement from Sexton’s family said they believe the incident contributed to his death.

>> RELATED: Investigation of patient abuse at Alzheimer’s facility goes to prosecutors

“That the trauma of this and moving him — he had to be hospitalized and moved to a different center — he just went downhill rapidly,” said Craig Matthews, an attorney for the family.

An ODH Deficiency Report filed March 22 found that Wood Glen “failed to ensure a resident was free from staff to resident physical abuse during the provision of care.”