DOTHAN, Ala. (WDHN) — Virginia Haden won Dothan Woman of the Year in the 1970s and also was born and raised in the Circle City, now at the age of 88 years old, Haden is a victim of elder abuse.
“Told me that she had been taken to the hospital, she was injured, and that she was being taken care of and had gotten home,” Virginia’s son, Bill Haden said. “She had been fairly severely injured.”
Helping another family stay clear from possible elder abuse is why her son is speaking out.
“I just don’t want this to happen to mother or to anyone else that’s what I want,” Haden said. “I want my mother taken care of and nobody else to get hurt in situations like this.”
The Nursing Home Abuse Center says that five signs of elderly abuse can include:
- Injuries
- Severe Weight Loss
- Poor Hygiene
- Symptoms of depression or confusion
- Unexplained losses of money
- Withdrawal from family members
The incident happened on the 1200 block of Woodlawn Drive in Dothan.
Since 2016, Haden has been under the care of one of her other sons and also ‘First Light Home Care, where Kiara Graham was employed.
Graham was arrested on Wednesday and charged with second-degree assault-elder abuse and neglect.
She was released from the Houston County Jail on a $30,000 bond.
The status of Graham’s employment with First Light is unknown as the case remains under investigation by the Dothan Police Department.
Now, Haden’s family just wants to ensure their loved one is being well taken care of.
“My mom is a good Christian lady and doesn’t deserve to have this happen to her,” Haden said.
In addition, they say their mother has never had this happen before which is why they are asking First Light Home Care to make sure abuse like this, never happens again.
First Light Home Care says they take these incidents very seriously and that police have been involved in the case from the beginning.
Stick with WDHN News as we continue to follow this case.