Bexar County Home Health Aide Charged with Elder Abuse

Bexar County: Home Health Aide Charged with Elder Abuse

A home health aide in Bexar County has been charged with elderly abuse after disturbing video evidence surfaced, implicating her in the mistreatment of a 91-year-old patient suffering from late-stage dementia.

The accused caregiver, Belinda Garza Edy, aged 54, was employed by Senior Buddies, a private home healthcare company serving the San Antonio area. Allegations now stem from a video recorded by an in-home surveillance camera that allegedly shows Garza Edy force-feeding the elderly victim in a painful manner and striking her across the face.

Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar reported that Garza Edy was fully aware of the surveillance camera in the residence at the time she exhibited her abusive behavior. The troubling footage prompted the victim’s family to take immediate action, as they reviewed the recordings and subsequently contacted management at Senior Buddies.

Although the company initially indicated they would address the matter internally—without notifying law enforcement—the family’s concerns grew when they felt the response was inadequate. They escalated the situation by reaching out to the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office, which launched an investigation into the alleged abuse.

Following the investigation, formal charges against Garza Edy were filed. The sheriff’s office has also reached out to state authorities regarding the case, indicating potential broader implications for elder care standards.

In light of the incident, Sheriff Salazar described the situation as “deeply troubling” and has encouraged community members to remain vigilant about possible cases of elder abuse, particularly those involving caregivers or the Senior Buddies company. He has urged anyone with additional information or suspicions regarding elder abuse to contact the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office at (210) 335-6000.

Background on Senior Buddies

Senior Buddies has been operational since 2009, focusing on providing in-home elder care to residents of San Antonio and surrounding areas. The company has established a presence in the community as a provider of healthcare services, specifically targeting elderly individuals in need of assistance. However, the recent allegations have raised significant questions about the safety and oversight associated with caregiver practices within the organization.

As of the latest reports, Senior Buddies has not yet issued a public statement regarding the incident involving Garza Edy. The outcome of the investigation and subsequent actions taken against the caregiver remains crucial for the family involved and others who may rely on in-home care services.