HARRISBURG, PA — A Northampton County caregiver faces felony charges after Pennsylvania investigators alleged that a care-dependent woman died from complications of untreated pressure ulcers while under her care.
The Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office identified the defendant as Susan Edwards, 59, of Pen Argyl. Edwards was charged with two felony counts: neglect of a care-dependent person causing serious bodily injury or death and endangering the welfare of a care-dependent person.
The investigation centers on the Oct. 15, 2023, death of a 51-year-old woman with Down syndrome who was found inside Edwards’ home, according to the Attorney General’s Office.
Investigators with the office’s Medicaid Fraud Control Section allege Edwards, who served as the woman’s Lifesharing provider through Access Services, left her in the care of another resident with an intellectual or developmental disability on the day she died.
According to investigators, Edwards was responsible for assisting the woman with daily activities, including meals, hygiene, medical care and transportation to medical appointments. She was also required to monitor the woman’s health and report significant changes in her condition to Access Services.
Authorities reported that the woman died from septic complications associated with untreated pressure ulcers. According to the Attorney General’s Office, a wound-care expert determined the wounds had been present for more than four weeks and would have been noticeable to a caregiver.
Investigators further allege Edwards failed to notify Access Services that she was unable to provide care so an alternate caregiver could be arranged. Authorities also determined that multiple medical appointments were canceled or delayed as the woman’s condition worsened.
During an interview with investigators, Edwards allegedly acknowledged that she had known about the wounds for several weeks and attempted to treat them herself instead of seeking medical care, according to the Attorney General’s Office.
Edwards was arrested and arraigned, with bail set at $50,000 unsecured. Her preliminary hearing is scheduled for Aug. 19.
Senior Deputy Attorney General Christopher R. Sherwood is prosecuting the case.
All suspects, arrestees, and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
