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Third Suspect Charged In Elderly Abuse Case, New Details Emerge Surrounding Living Facility

HAVERFORD TOWNSHIP, Pa. (CBS) - A Delaware County assisted living facility that reportedly has a history of violations is at the center of a patient abuse investigation.

A third suspect has been charged (see previous story). Ayesha Muhammad has allegedly confessed to abusing a 78 year-old patient at The Quadrangle senior living community in Haverford Township.

Two fellow workers were arrested Wednesday after the patient's son-in-law and daughter planted a hidden camera that allegedly recorded the suspects slapping and shoving the 78 year-old women as she stood partially clothed.

Muhammad allegedly admitted that she laughed and mocked the elderly alzheimer's patient, dancing and shadow boxing, refusing to allow her to leave her room even as she became more and more upset.

"I was totally shocked and surprised to hear it," said Harry Hollingsworth, the president of the Haverford Township's Senior Citizens Council.

Hollingsworth has been caring for his wife of 53 years, since her Alzheimer's diagnosis 12 years ago.

"I wash her and dress her. So I know what these people go through," he said.

Watch the video...

The Quadrangle's parent company, Sunrise Senior Living, released a statement saying,

"We are taking these allegations very seriously and the employees in question have been terminated, effective immediately. Our number one concern, above all else, is the safety of our residents. We have a number of policies and procedures in place that address their welfare and are intended to prevent any inappropriate activity in our community. To ensure that all necessary steps are taken, Sunrise's CEO immediately traveled to the community."

"It is important for to us find out what happened," said Mark Ordan, the CEO of Sunrise Senior Living.

Meanwhile, Hollingsworth says he knows very well the special dedication it takes to care for someone trapped in the silent, frightening world of Alzheimer's, making what allegedly happened to this patient all that much harder to comprehend.

Reported by Walt Hunter, CBS 3

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