Nursing facility fires 3 workers charged with abusing patients

BROOKVILLE - Three people are facing charges in Jefferson County after they were accused of abusing elderly patients at a nursing facility.

Haley Shirey, 20, of Strattenville, and Hannah Shirey, 20, of Strattenville, are facing multiple charges including strangulation, neglect of a care-dependent person, recklessly endangering another person, simple assault and harassment.

Rebekah Call, 20, of Strattenville, is facing conspiracy to commit those charges.

According to court documents, police said a caregiver in training reported abuse toward two residents at Laurelbrooke Landing in Brookville.

Laurelbrooke Landing is owned by Women's Relief Corp Senior Services (WRC).

WRC said the three employees were fired.

Police said the abuse happened sometime between 5 and 10 p.m. on June 6 in the memory support unit at the McKinley Health Center.

According to its website, McKinley Health Center is a nursing and rehabilitative facility that offers short-stay rehab, comprehensive care and memory support.

Police said Hannah and Haley Shirey were helping a patient get up and dressed for supper.

Police said he was kicking and moving around when Haley started squeezing his neck and hitting him in the face.

Later that night, witnesses told police Haley stated to several people that she "would love to punch him in the face."

Police said that when getting the patient ready for bed, the duo chocked him, pulled his hair and bent his leg toward his head, causing him pain.

Police said the patient was gasping for air, had a bruise on his forehead and scratch on his neck.

Hannah Shirey is also accused of dumping a cup of ice down another patient's back because he was making noises and screaming.

According to court documents, LPN supervisor Rebekah Call observed the actions by Hannah and Haley Shirey.

Police said Call is a mandated reporter for this type of abuse, but failed to report the actions of her co-workers.

WRC released a statement saying, "The main focus at WRC has been and will continue to be the well-being of our residents and clients. We have a zero tolerance policy for abuse."

Police said WRC immediately contacted them after becoming aware of the allegations.

The Shireys and Call have preliminary hearings scheduled for July 11.

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