A Rockcastle County man has been arrested and charged with elderly neglect after authorities discovered his mother in horrifying conditions inside their home. According to a complaint warrant filed by the Rockcastle County Sheriff’s Office, the elderly woman was found “sitting in a reclining chair with maggots crawling on the chair and on her body” in a residence described as “in very poor condition.”
The investigation began on October 20 when officers were called to Rockcastle Regional Hospital following reports of possible abuse and neglect. Hospital staff told deputies that an elderly woman had been brought in after her son, Jeremy Cook, called for emergency assistance, claiming she was experiencing shortness of breath.
Emergency responders who arrived at the home were met with shocking conditions. According to the report, the woman was found covered in feces and wearing a diaper that appeared to have been soiled for several days. The home’s floors were littered with piles of trash, and parts of the structure appeared to be rotting.
Paramedics also discovered that the woman was suffering from multiple wounds, and dried insects were later removed from her body at the hospital. During the examination, the woman reportedly told EMS personnel that she “had been in the reclining chair for two months,” suggesting she had been largely immobile and unattended for an extended period.
Deputies questioned Cook about the situation. He claimed he had been caring for his mother since August 1 and insisted that he changed her diaper “three times a day” and bathed her “twice a week.” However, the condition of both the woman and the home told a different story, leading investigators to believe the neglect was both prolonged and severe.
Cook, whose age was not immediately released, was arrested on October 31 and charged with one count of knowingly abusing or neglecting an adult. The charge is a serious felony under Kentucky law, carrying potential prison time if convicted. Authorities have not disclosed the current medical condition of the victim, but officials confirmed that she remains under professional care.
Local officials described the case as one of the most disturbing instances of elder neglect the county has seen. Investigators say the home’s condition and the woman’s physical state made it clear that she had been living without proper care for an extended period.
The Rockcastle County Sheriff’s Office has urged residents to report any suspected cases of elder abuse or neglect to local authorities, emphasizing the importance of protecting vulnerable adults from harm.