Collegedale Police began investigating Moraa’s Assisted Living Home for Seniors after receiving reports of elder abuse in February. After being transported to the hospital residents were discovered to be suffering from neglect and physical abuse, officials said.
Moraa’s Assisted Living, at 8616 Apison Pike, owned by David and Agnes Machoka, was found to employ only one worker, Margaret Adhiambo. Ms. Adhiambo, responsible for the care of eight elderly patients in a converted home, was many times reported to be the only person on duty, and unlicensed to administer medication or care for their needs, it was stated.
The facility's license with the State of Tennessee allowed as much, as long as the patients could administer their own medication; however the investigation revealed that none of the patients were in any condition to do so, officials said.
Further violations were noted as Collegedale investigators brought Adult Protective Services and the local Fire Marshal’s office onto the case. The facility was found to be grossly out of fire code compliance, and had already been on notice for several violations from a previous inspection which had not yet been corrected, officials said.
Two elderly patients were found to have been removed previously from the facility due to suspicion by family members of neglect and abuse. In both cases medical records showed that their blood work was absent of critical medication they should have been receiving while residing at Moraa’s. In one case witnesses had reported seeing Ms. Adhiambo grabbing a 96-year-old patient by the ankles and roughly shaking the patient. Medical records supported the witnesses’ statement as well as finding the patient to be severely dehydrated, suffering from a urinary tract infection.
The investigation concluded that the Machokas and Adhiambo have been criminally negligent and that all residents of Moraa’s Assisted Living Home for Seniors are endangered. As a result David and Agnes Mochoka and Margaret Adhiambo have been charged with two counts of physical abuse gross negligence and six counts of willful abuse, neglect or exploitation prohibited. All three suspects are held on a $10,000 bond.
Notifications were dispatched to all patients’ next of kin, and the family members were able to quickly respond to handle all care and transportation for the patients to other facilities of care.