Margaret Wilson, sixty three, had been bedridden after a stroke for nearly a year. Her son, Jason Wilson, thirty two, worked as a rideshare driver in Phoenix, Arizona. Long hours on the road kept him away from home most of the day. After his mother became ill, he hired a home caregiver named Ashley Miller, twenty eight, recommended by a neighbor.
At first, Ashley seemed perfect. She spoke gently, cleaned Margaret carefully, changed the sheets daily, prepared soft meals, and never missed medication time. Neighbors praised Jason for finding such a responsible caregiver. Feeling relieved, Jason even sent extra money for adult diapers and nutritional drinks.
But something bothered him. Every time Ashley bathed his mother, she closed the bedroom door and locked it. When Jason once tried to step closer, she smiled and said, “It is awkward for a man to be in here during bathing.” Jason accepted it and backed off.
A week later, he noticed his mother’s eyes. Margaret could barely speak because of facial paralysis, but her gaze was full of fear. One evening Jason leaned close.
“Mom. Are you okay?”
She made faint sounds and weakly tugged at his shirt sleeve.