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Caregiver accused of abusing Alzheimer’s patient: ‘I was tired and made a mistake’

MIAMI TWP., Montgomery County — Prosecutors recommended felony charges against a woman accused of causing serious injury to a patient in her care at the Wood Glen Alzheimer’s Community.

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

The woman is no longer employed there, but investigative reports reveal the moments that led to the violence in late January that injured 82-year-old John Sexton.

Attorney Craig Matthews represents his family, and is investigating whether those injuries contributed to Sexton’s death last week.

“They’re devastated. This is their dad. They loved him,” Matthews said.

Sexton spent 30 years working for Middletown City Schools. He reared two kids. And he suffered from Alzheimer's, spending the last three years of his life at Wood Glen Alzheimer's Community in Miami Twp.

Photos show him after records show a worker admitted to hitting him in the head when he became combative.

“He has huge bruises about his face ... I understand broken bones around his eye socket.

“You don't ever hit back. You might have to restrain someone, but to beat someone in the head is inexcusable,” Matthews said.

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The caregiver admitted to police she hit him in the head. In her statement, she wrote: “I was overworked and tired and made a mistake. I didn’t mean to hurt him at all and I do apologize because I am not a monster and love what I do.”

Later, she changed her story, but detectives “confirmed she struck the resident two times in the face with a closed fist.”

Prosecutors approved one count of patient abuse against the woman. Her case will go to a Montgomery County grand jury. This news outlet will not identify her unless she is formally charged.

The report from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services noted: “the facility failed to ensure a resident was free from staff to resident physical abuse. This resulted in immediate jeopardy and serious injury.”

Wood Glen would not comment, but their attorney said they fired the worker accused of abuse. The attorney also said caring for Alzheimer’s patients is exhausting work, but that feeling tired is never an excuse for hurting someone in your care.

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