Resources available for families concerned about caregiver abuse
JACKSON, Tenn. — Following the arrest of an in-home caregiver accused of abusing a vulnerable adult, advocacy groups are offering resources for families who may be facing similar situations.
Cumekia Conner was working as an in-home caregiver when she allegedly abused a mentally disabled man in her care.
The Department of Disability and Aging referred the case to the TBI, who then launched an investigation. On March 17, Conner was arrested and booked into the Madison County Jail on a charge of abuse of a vulnerable adult.
Defining abuse
Carlene Leaper with The Arc Mid-South said her advocacy organization defines abuse in multiple categories.
“What we classify as a lot of different areas of abuse is physical abuse such as: hitting, slapping, you know improper restraints, force feeding or causing any injury at all, is abuse, that’s the physical part, but there’s physical, emotional, sexual, neglect, and you’d be surprised financial exploitation,” Leaper said.
The Arc Mid-South works to connect people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and their families, with services and support.
Reporting abuse
Leaper said families should take immediate action if they suspect abuse.
“Well we always told my staff and other people and families that if any immediate danger, you would call 9-1-1, that’s the first thing you do, you have to make sure the person is safe, the second thing is if there is abuse we have to make sure that we report it to Adult Protective Services of Tennessee, and if it’s a child then the Department of Human Services,” Leaper said.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness offers support lines, family education, and legal advocacy. Disability Rights Tennessee can also connect families with resources, agencies, and local legislators.
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