Disturbing Allegations: Nursing Home Staff Accused of Orchestrating Fights Among Elderly Residents

Shocking details have emerged from a Florida nursing home, where former staff members are facing severe charges for allegedly encouraging and orchestrating fights among elderly residents, some suffering from dementia. The Elite Senior Living facility in Dania Beach, Florida, has become the center of a horrific investigation following accusations that employees treated vulnerable residents like combatants in a cruel spectacle.

Authorities revealed that Jamielynn Ricks, a former resident care manager, and Carolyn Felton, the former executive director, have been arrested and charged with multiple felonies.

Ricks faces four counts of felony neglect of an elderly or disabled person, three counts of battery on an elderly or disabled person, and one count of organized fighting. Felton is charged with one count of organized fighting, as well as three counts of felony neglect and three counts of battery on an elderly or disabled person.

The disturbing incidents, which reportedly occurred over several months, involved staff members allegedly inciting residents, aged between 70 and 90, to engage in physical altercations.

In a particularly egregious case, video footage allegedly shows Ricks pushing a 76-year-old resident into another 74-year-old resident, instigating a fight. The affidavit from the Broward County State Attorney’s Office paints a grim picture, stating that instead of intervening, staff allegedly filmed the altercations on their personal cell phones, seemingly for their own amusement.

One especially disturbing clip reportedly shows an 81-year-old resident, who suffers from dementia, being punched in the face by another resident.

The victim, known as 'M.B.', was allegedly encouraged to retaliate by staff, even after being struck. Another incident detailed in court documents describes a 93-year-old resident being punched multiple times by a 70-year-old resident, with staff again allegedly failing to intervene appropriately.

The investigation began after a complaint was filed in April 2023, leading to a thorough review of the facility's practices.

The evidence, including witness statements and the alleged video footage, has led to these serious charges, highlighting a profound breach of trust and duty of care. These former employees, entrusted with the well-being of some of society's most vulnerable individuals, are accused of exploiting their positions in the most depraved manner.

This case serves as a harrowing reminder of the critical importance of oversight and compassionate care in facilities housing the elderly and those with cognitive impairments.

It underscores the need for continuous vigilance to protect residents from abuse and neglect, ensuring that those responsible for their care uphold the highest standards of ethics and professionalism.