Sometimes the people that should be trusted the most to care for a loved one are the ones who end up hurting them. A Palo Alto woman faced charges of abuse and neglect of her mother. Last Friday, she was sentenced to probation. Her felony conviction was reduced to a misdemeanor in the elder abuse case where she failed to properly care for her elderly and dependent mother.
51-year-old Pamela Neeley pleaded no-contest on July 14th to felony elder abuse. She faced up to two years in prison in a case where her mother was found malnourished, in soiled diapers, and had been lying on a couch for more than a month.
Neeley’s defense attorney was able to get the charges reduced to a misdemeanor based on the fact that Neeley has mental disabilities.
Neeley was sentenced to two years of probation and was ordered to receive a full year of mental health treatment. While on probation, Neeley cannot be a caretaker.
The case was discovered when a family friend discovered Neeley’s mother had been being neglected.
The friend contacted 911. Paramedics found that the 87-year-old woman only weighed 92 pounds and was malnourished. The woman was also septic and had pressure sores, some of which were to the bone.
Paramedics reported that they found Neeley’s mother with soiled diapers that had leaked onto the couch. The woman’s body had molded to the couch, which was covered in urine and feces.
The mother had not seen a doctor in many years.
If you or a loved one has been the victim of elder abuse or neglect, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact the law offices of Schenk Smith. Our attorneys will help you to get the compensation you deserve. Contact us today.
