“I am heartbroken by the footage released today of a caregiver abusing an 83-year-old patient at the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans, and I am gratified to hear that charges have been filed against the person who committed such a thoughtless act. Sadly, I am also not surprised by this information, given that two separate audits conducted last year found that abuse was rampant. I have been fighting for residents of the home since 2013, and though we have made progress along the way, I will continue that fight until the protection and safety of every patient in the home’s care is guaranteed. After fighting to defend our freedom, the treatment that these elderly veterans have received there is abhorrent, and I am grateful for the family of this patient that justice is being served.”
