Iowa Sisters Leave Dementia-Stricken Mother on Floor for 4 Days

As was first reported by KWQC in the Quad Cities, two women in the Davenport area are each being "charged with dependent adult abuse with intentional physical injury," after they allegedly left their 86-year-old, dementia-stricken mother on the living room floor of their residence.

Per the arrest affidavit that was acquired by KWQC, Beverly Jean Steen, 65, and Barbara Joan Steen, 59, are the primary caretakers of their mother.

The story elaborates: "Their mother fell onto the living room floor and could not get up without help. Both women left their mother on the ground for at least four days before calling for medical attention on March 25, 2021."

It was also reported that while their mother was lying alone on the floor, the sisters did not provide her with food, water, or change her Depends adult diapers.

The affidavit adds that "The sisters admitted to intentionally not getting help for their mother for four days."

When paramedics finally arrived at the scene, they reported that "Beverly and Barbara’s mother was not coherent and had pressure ulcers on her face and left side of her body."

The two sisters were then booked into Scott County Jail this Sunday, April 24. They're each being held on a $10,000 bond, and a preliminary hearing will take place on May 5 for each of them, per court records.

According to legis.iowa.gov, "A caretaker who intentionally commits dependent adult abuse on a dependent adult in violation of this chapter is guilty of a class 'C' felony if the intentional dependent adult abuse results in serious injury."

Per bmckhlaw.com, "Class 'C' felonies are punishable by a prison term of up to ten years and a fine of $1,000 to $10,000. (Iowa Code § 902.9.)."