TEXAS CITY – The family of an 87-year-old man who was beaten by Texas City nursing home employees is calling for them to be arrested and charged.
Video shows two employees of Solidago Health and Rehabilitation dragging Cornelio Salinas across the floor, hitting and kicking him, and then tossing him on the bed.
His family said facility staff told them he fell and had to go to the hospital.
“You never think it’s going to happen to one of your family members,” his grandson, Lizandro Solis, said. “It’s sad.”
The family installed the camera after Salinas complained of staff members mistreating him.
“That’s no way to treat nobody, especially an elderly person with one leg. What is he going to do to you? How can he hurt you?” Solis said.
Salinas is now in the hospital with bruised eyes and wearing a neck brace.
The incident was reported to the Texas City Police Department.
The nursing home responded to the video now seen hundreds of thousands of times online.
“The health and safety of our residents remain our first priority. Our thoughts are with the resident and the family. Solidago Health and Rehabilitation enforces strict policies prohibiting patient abuse. Prompt action has been taken to ensure our residents are safe. Any violations of the abuse policy are reported to the appropriate agencies and legal authorities and the facility works closely with those agencies,” a representative for Solidago Health and Rehabilitation wrote in a statement.
According to Texas Health and Human Services Commission records, inspectors found 11 violations of state standards at Solidago during the most recent check-in in July 2021.
Among the violations are allegations that the facility “failed to provide residents with care and services related to activities of daily living” and “failed to attain or maintain the highest practicable, physical, mental, and psychosocial well-being.”
State records show the nursing home was fined $19,800.
“HHSC is aware of the allegations involving this nursing facility and we are actively investigating to determine compliance with all relevant health and safety rules,” a spokesperson for the HHSC wrote in a statement to KPRC 2.
Salinas is expected to recover, but in the meantime, his family has a message for others with elderly relatives.
“Keep an eye on them. Put a camera on them. You never know when it can happen to y’all,” Solis said.
According to the Houston-Galveston Area Council, elder abuse is one of the fastest-growing crimes in the country. Signs could include trouble sleeping, confusion or depression, or unexplained bruises, burns or scars.
If you suspect elder abuse, you can report it to the Texas Department of Family Services at 1-800-252-5400.