ST. CLOUD, FL – A home health care nurse in Florida faces charges of aggravated abuse following disturbing allegations of mistreatment towards a severely disabled teen in her care. Nia Ayers, 24, reportedly subjected her 18-year-old patient, who has cerebral palsy and is quadriplegic, to several acts of abuse, according to authorities.
Employed to take care of the teen one day each week over the past year, Ayers was entrusted with the care of a young woman entirely dependent on others for all aspects of her daily needs. The victim’s mother first noticed unexplained injuries on her daughter’s face on May 3, prompting her to review their home’s security footage. What she discovered led to a swift police response.
The footage, shared with law enforcement, reportedly showed Ayers engaging in behavior that has now brought severe legal consequences. In one instance, the nurse allegedly placed tape over the patient’s mouth, subsequently ripping it off after holding a washcloth tightly against her face—a task intended solely for nighttime eye coverage, according to the mother.
More alarmingly, Ayers was captured on video forcibly manipulating the young woman’s limbs and obstructing her breathing. On two occasions, she allegedly held a washcloth over the patient’s mouth, causing visible distress and a struggle to breathe.
Further examination of the footage revealed Ayers handling the victim’s breathing apparatus with excessive force, resulting in a nosebleed. The accused nurse also reportedly engaged in other forms of mistreatment, such as aggressively rubbing and pinching the patient’s face.
Authorities expressed grave concern over the nature of the case, emphasizing the vulnerability of the victim, who is unable to communicate or fend for herself. St. Cloud Police Chief Douglas Goerke labeled the actions as “heinous,” underscoring fears of potential additional victims.
Ayers surrendered to police late Wednesday night, and the investigation remains ongoing, with officials encouraging others to come forward if they have witnessed or experienced similar incidents.
The alarming details highlighted by this case shed light on the critical need for rigorous oversight in home health care situations, especially for non-verbal, disabled individuals who cannot advocate for their own safety.