Karie Lynn Lightfoot (Marion County Jail).
In a concerning case emerging from Florida, a caretaker tasked with looking after an 81-year-old woman suffering from dementia allegedly abandoned her duties. The elderly woman, instead of receiving proper care at home, was reportedly compelled to endure sleeping outside in a tent, as her caregiver left the state.
Authorities have charged 53-year-old Karie Lynn Lightfoot with elder neglect. According to a report from ABC affiliate WFTV and NBC affiliate WESH, deputies from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office were called to the scene at an Ocala residence on June 3. This action followed the Department of Children and Families’ discovery of the elderly woman living outside.
The victim, who battles dementia as well as mobility issues, reported that Lightfoot had relegated her to the tent situated outside her dwelling. Deprived of adequate food and water, the tent was positioned too far for her to reach the house, leaving her stranded. It was furnished with a mattress and a few basic appliances, but lacked other essential amenities.
The affidavit further reveals that Lightfoot provided the elderly woman with adult diapers but expected her to change herself. Tragically, this arrangement persisted for about a week before authorities intervened.
The victim’s son, who was out of the country for work, reportedly told cops that Lightfoot had been caring for his mother for about two years, but then decided she no longer wanted to do so.
Lightfoot allegedly moved to Texas and forced the victim to stay inside the tent, never bothering to find someone else to care for her.
The victim subsequently suffered a fall. Cops took her to the hospital for treatment.
She is expected to move to a nursing home upon discharge from the hospital, the affidavit reportedly said.
Cops arrested Lightfoot on Saturday and took her to the Marion County Jail, where she has since posted a $2,000 bond. Her next court date was not listed.