Florida Woman Charged with Neglecting Dementia-Afflicted Elderly Mother

Janet Edwards, a 49-year-old Florida woman, faces serious charges including neglect of an elderly or disabled adult and battery on a person aged 65 or older after allegations surfaced that she mistreated her 77-year-old mother suffering from dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Edwards reportedly confined her mother to a bedroom locked from the outside, neglected basic hygiene by refusing to change soiled diapers, and allowed her mother to consume feces on multiple occasions without intervention. Her children accused her of physical abuse, including slapping their grandmother and leaving her unattended in poor living conditions, including being on an air mattress in a room without electricity. Edwards admitted to police that her neglect was due to frustration and being the sole caregiver but denied physically harming her mother. She was arrested, released on bond with an order to stay away from her mother, and faces a court date in December 2025. The case highlights the critical need for safeguarding vulnerable elderly individuals and ensuring proper caregiving and dignity.