3 Pinay caregivers in Canada charged over alleged abuse of elderly man

Three Filipina caregivers have been charged in Canada for allegedly abusing an elderly man under their care, reports said.

A report on Calgary Sun said the three — Maria Dumo, 36, Angelina Borja, 36, and May Casimero, 37 — were charged with common assault.

The three were employees of Carewest Garrison Green, a nursing home in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. They have already been fired by their supervisors following complaints in connection with the alleged abuse of a 90-year-old man.

The complaints came from the family of the victim, who was able to inform them of the abuse last year, the Calgary Sun reported.

“The (victim’s) injuries weren’t serious, they didn’t require hospital treatment, but they definitely met the threshold of common assault," Calgary Sun quoted domestic conflict unit Staff Sgt. Ryan Ayliffe as saying.

A separate report on Calgary Herald said the attack was not premeditated, but the three were nevertheless removed from duty and subsequently arrested. They were released from prison after promising to appear in court on April 23.

In a statement that was published on Global News Canada on March 6, Carewest encouraged residents, clients, and their family members to report further concerns to the management.

"Carewest remains committed to providing quality care to our residents and clients in a safe, compassionate and respectful manner," read the statement.

Alberta's health minister, Fred Horne, ordered an investigation into the case, and said the incident concerned and disgusted him, according to CBC News.

Seniors' advocate Deb Runnals said that seniors are hesitant to report maltreatment, and didn't know which organizations to contact for their needs.

In 2013, care facilities reported 161 cases of confirmed abuse, increasing from 140 in 2012. — Rie Takumi/KBK/JL, GMA News