Hidden Camera Caught Caretaker Abusing 90-Year-Old Woman: AG

A man was arrested and charged after a hidden camera allegedly caught him slapping and abusing a 90-year-old patient at a Bergen County assisted living facility, Attorney General Gurbir Grewal announced Wednesday.

Mitsou Gottheim, 50, of Nanuet, New York was charged with simple assault and endangering the welfare of an incompetent person, Grewal said.

The video allegedly shows Gottheimer slapping the 90-year-old victim's hand and pushing her head back onto the pillow several times while she tried sitting up and reaching for something in the Park Ridge facility, Grewal said.

It is the first time criminal charges have been filed against a caregiver as a result of video captured on a Safe Care Cam provided by the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs, Grewal said.

The footage was filmed on on a micro-surveillance camera the family got through the program, which provides free hidden cameras available to residents who suspect caregivers are abusing their loved ones.

The victim's daughter turned the footage into police.

The elderly's woman's family hired Gottheim. He is a home health aide certified by the New York State Department of Health, but not by the New Jersey Board of Nursing. The New Jersey board will review the case and bring possible action against Gottheim.

"Elder abuse is a national concern and this case illustrates why New Jersey took the unprecedented step of creating a statewide program to ensure that all residents, regardless of their financial means, have access to state-of-the-art technology to help protect their loved ones," Grewal said. "While it is heartbreaking for any family to see their loved one being physically abused by a caretaker, the video footage obtained through our Safe Care Cam program provided this family with the evidence they needed to immediately intervene to stop the harm and take action to bring the alleged abuser to justice."

Anyone who wishes to participate in the Safe Care Cam program should call 973-504-6375 and leave a message.

Patients who believe that they have been treated by a licensed health care professional in an inappropriate manner can file an online complaint with the State Division of Consumer Affairs by visiting its website or by calling 1-800-242-5846 (toll free within New Jersey) or 973-504-6200.

Email: daniel.hubbard@patch.com

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