"Granny Cam" Catches New Jersey Elder Abuser on Tape
Fifty-nine year old Julia Galvan was arrested on March 2, 2011, after authorities viewed "granny cam" footage showing Galvan attacking a paralyzed, terminally ill hospice resident.
It all began on January 15, 2011, when Modesta Alvarado, a completely defenseless resident of Harborage nursing home in North Bergen, New Jersey, reportedly was slapped awake with an open-handed blow to the top of her head. Video footage shows Alvarado's stunned reaction: eyes and mouth wide open, face registering pain. Due to her condition, she was unable to communicate further or even call for help. She suffered through two more violent blows, again caught on tape. Her abuser was her facility caretaker, Julia Galvan, who was supposed to care for her. Sadly, Modesta Alvarado was found dead less than 24 hours after the violent attack, although authorities do not attribute her death to the incident. It's sad to realize that rather than receiving love and care during her last hours, Modesta Alvarado had to fight for her life and experienced pain, suffering, and fear.
On February 23, 2011, Alvarado's daughter contacted local police after reviewing the video footage that she shot using a camera hidden in a clock radio. In addition to the abuse discussed above, the footage caught Galvan ripping an oxygen mask from Alvarado's face, even though she was not authorized to remove any of Alvarado's medical equipment.
Galavan was charged with assault, abandonment, and neglect of the elderly and has been terminated from the facililty. She has posted $5,000 bail and is currently out on bond.
When asked why she attacked Alvarado, Galvan told police that she was "stressed" and suffers from depression.
The Terry Law Firm has handled many cases involving nursing home abuse and neglect. Some signs to watch for if you suspect your loved one may be suffering abuse or neglect at the hands of nursing home facility staff are:
- Unexplained bruising or crying or other emotional outbursts
- Signs of depression
- Unexplained fear - often of just one individual
- Withdrawal from activities normally enjoyed
- Clinging to visitors or family members
Take time to listen to your loved one and watch their reactions. If you suspect that abuse or neglect may be occurring, contact Illinois and Missouri Nursing Home Abuse Attorney David Terry for a FREE, no-obligation consultation toll-free at 1-888-317-2525 or 314-878-9797.
