WARNING: This story contains graphic images
GREENWOOD, Ind. (WISH) — An Indiana woman was charged with neglect in an elder abuse case.
According to a release, charges were filed against Theresa Wilson, 45, for neglect of a dependent resulting in serious bodily injury, Thursday.
A hospital staff at Community South Hospital called the Greenwood Police Department on Saturday, Nov. 12 around 6:35 p.m. and reported 85-year-old Nancy Young had arrived with significant bed sores, was severely dehydrated, septic, and appeared to have not eaten for several days, according to the probable cause affidavit. Young also had critically low blood pressure and was in and out of consciousness.
The affidavit says the physician told police the bed sores may require surgery. The physician documented the decubitus ulcers on a level one through four, with a four being the most involved, as a level three or four. A level four implies a complete hole with the ability to see the underlying bone. The physician transferred Young to the intensive care unit.
Wilson, Young’s granddaughter and caregiver, spoke with detectives and said Young had been living with her for the last 20 years. At first, Wilson said she saw the bedsores about a month ago, but later recanted her statement and said she first saw them about three months ago, the affidavit said.
Wilson had been treating the sores with anti-septic and triple anti-biotic cream. She told police she planned on taking her grandmother to the emergency room, but she was unable to due to her work schedule.
The affidavit says Wilson had been using Young’s social security payments to pay bills, rent and utilities. Wilson told police she takes out $1,030.00 from Young’s accounts. She said the money came from social security and her grandfather’s Teamsters pension.
Wilson told police she took responsibility for Young’s condition and said ‘I am guilty” and “It is my responsibility,” the affidavit states.
Wilson was arrested Wednesday morning.