Colonial Heights, Va. (Newsradiowrva.com) - Multiple staff members at Colonial Heights Rehabilitation and Nursing Center were arrested Wednesday following an investigation into possible elder abuse and neglect at the facility.
In early October, the Colonial Heights Police Department received a complaint from the Virginia Department of Adult Protective Services regarding a recently discharged patient.
On Wednesday, Dec. 18, five staff members at Colonial Heights Rehabilitation and Nursing Center were arrested in connection to the investigation. Thirteen others received outstanding warrants.
In a statement, Colonial Heights Police said the investigation stemmed from a case involving a patient who died as a result of receiving "inadequate care" at the facility.
“On Oct. 5, we received notice from the Adult Protective Services of a potential elder abuse case which was involving a 74-year-old female, who was previously a patient at Colonial Heights Rehabilitation and Nursing Center.”
Police say the 74-year-old woman was discharged from the facility and transported to a hospital. Police, along with the state Attorney General’s Elder Abuse Task Force, began investigating the case.
“She received inadequate care while at the facility, which ultimately led to her having to be transported to the hospital,” Major Rob Ruxer with Colonial Heights Police said.
The woman died at the hospital within a few weeks as a result of the care she received at the facility. Police are working with other law enforcement agencies to find and arrest the other 13 people wanted.
