When you think of abuse in nursing homes and home health environments, the elderly are often the targets. In one case in Florida, a young adult was the victim of shocking acts of abuse.
A 24-year-old home health nurse, Nia Ayers of St. Cloud, Florida, has been arrested on felony charges after allegedly assaulting an 18-year-old quadriplegic woman with cerebral palsy. The incident was caught on the family’s home surveillance cameras.
On May 3, 2025, the victim’s mother discovered red cuts and scrapes on her daughter’s face and around her mouth. Concerned, she reviewed their home security footage and saw distressing scenes of abuse. The following days culminated in Ayers turning herself in to the St. Cloud Police on May 7 and being booked at the Osceola County Jail on May 8, where she remains held without bond.
According to law enforcement and the arrest warrant, Ayers is seen repeatedly taping the teen’s mouth shut and then aggressively ripping the tape off. She used a washcloth to cover the victim’s mouth. She held it in place for about 10 seconds, then again for seven seconds. The paralyzed young woman tensed and tried to pull away both times.
In one particularly disturbing moment, Ayers is seen shaking the victim’s BiPAP breathing machine, which was connected to her nose. She did it so violently that it caused her to experience nosebleeds.
A police officer who reviewed the footage described these acts as “acts of torture.” The victim is non-verbal, quadriplegic, and has cerebral palsy, rendering her completely defenseless and unable to speak or call for help.
Chief Douglas Goerke of the St. Cloud Police Department condemned the abuse as a “truly heinous act,” emphasizing that the victim could not defend herself at all. He also warned that Ayers worked for two different healthcare companies, both of which have been informed of the incident.
The police believe there may be additional victims. Chief Goerke urged anyone whose loved one received care from Ayers and experienced any suspicious or abusive incidents to contact the St. Cloud Criminal Investigations Unit at (407) 891-6700. He stated, “If we do find something else, there will be additional charges coming. We will drop charge after charge after charge on this person to ensure either she never sees the light of day, or she doesn’t ever do this again.”
According to state records, Ayers has been a licensed practical nurse since 2021 and, until now, has had no prior documented complaints or disciplinary actions on her record. As of now, Ayers remains held without bond at the Osceola County Jail. Her next court appearance has not yet been scheduled.
How to Identify Abuse by Home Health Nurses
Because abuse can be subtle or hidden, families must know the signs. They include:
- Unexplained bruises, cuts, burns, or marks.
- Bedsores, poor hygiene, or frequent infections.
- Sudden weight loss or signs of malnutrition/dehydration.
- Frequent hospitalizations without clear explanations.
- Withdrawal, fearfulness, or flinching when the caregiver is present.
- Unusual aggression or agitation in the patient.
- Sudden changes in sleep patterns or appetite.
- Non-verbal patients showing tension, tears, or panic around the nurse.
- Medical equipment being used improperly or care routines skipped.
- Overmedication or withholding medication.
- Frequent accidents or falls under questionable circumstances.
- Unsanitary living conditions.
- Missing money, jewelry, or personal belongings.
- Sudden changes in banking activity or unexplained purchases.
- Nurse discouraging family visits or trying to isolate the patient.
How to Prevent Abuse by Home Health Nurses
Prevention begins before care starts and should continue throughout the care relationship.
- Work with licensed, accredited agencies that conduct background checks.
- Verify a nurse’s state licensure and look for disciplinary records.
- Ask for references from prior families or employers.
- Install home surveillance cameras.
- Schedule regular, unannounced visits by family members.
- Keep a daily care log that tracks medication, meals, and activities.
Patient advocacy and family involvement are also critical. If the patient is able, encourage open communication about their care. Provide them with a way to signal distress (such as a phone, alarm, or safe word). Empower patients to know they have the right to refuse care if mistreated.
In addition, family members should stay actively engaged in the care process. Build a relationship with the caregiver to establish mutual accountability. Ask direct questions about care routines, medications, and any incidents.
Reporting Issues
If a loved one has been harmed by a nurse, medical provider, or other caregiver, so the following:
- Document suspicious injuries, behaviors, or missing property.
- Report concerns to the home health agency immediately.
- Contact Adult Protective Services or local police for suspected abuse.
- In life-threatening cases, call 911 without delay.
Contact Us Today
Family members rely on nursing homes and professional medical staff to provide their loved ones with the best care possible. Unfortunately, neglect and abuse are rampant.
A Florida nursing home neglect lawyer from Brill & Rinaldi, The Law Firm can help you best pursue justice for your loved ones. To schedule a consultation with our office, fill out the online form or call (954) 876-4344. We have offices in Weston, Coral Gables, and Daytona Beach.