Home Health Aide Charged After Elderly Long Island Woman Stabbed in Her Home

A shocking reminder of the dangers vulnerable seniors face — and what families can do when caregivers betray trust.

In a deeply troubling case out of Nassau County, a 23-year-old home health aide from Queens has been charged with attempted murder after allegedly stabbing an 84-year-old Massapequa woman in her own home. According to Newsday, Nassau County police discovered the woman gravely injured following a 911 wellness check.

The suspect, identified as Amanda A. Fraser, faces charges of second-degree attempted murder. Police report that Fraser, a home health aide from South Richmond Hill, allegedly attacked the woman she was hired to care for — a violation of trust that has left the community horrified.

The victim was found with a puncture wound to her chest and remains in serious critical condition at a local hospital. Police have not yet disclosed the name of the home care agency that employed Fraser, leaving families across Long Island questioning how such a tragedy could occur in what should have been a safe environment.

When Caregivers Become Abusers

Home health aides play a vital role in caring for elderly or disabled individuals who wish to remain in their homes. Many families rely on these professionals for companionship, medication management, and daily assistance. But when proper screening, supervision, or background checks are lacking, vulnerable seniors can be placed in extreme danger.

Cases like this highlight a critical issue in the home health care industry — inadequate oversight. Agencies are legally obligated to vet caregivers carefully, ensure ongoing supervision, and act swiftly if warning signs arise. When they fail in these duties, their negligence can have devastating consequences.

In many instances, the agency or employer may share legal responsibility for the harm caused by an employee under doctrines of negligent hiring, supervision, or retention. If an aide was unqualified, improperly trained, or had a history of misconduct that went unchecked, the company can be held liable for resulting injuries.

Legal Rights for Victims of Caregiver Abuse

Victims of in-home caregiver abuse — and their families — may be entitled to civil compensation in addition to criminal prosecution of the abuser. Compensation can cover:

• Medical bills and rehabilitation costs
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional trauma
• Costs of relocating to a safer care environment
• Punitive damages in cases of intentional harm
  

At Ketterer, Browne & Davani, LLC, our attorneys have represented victims and families in elder abuse and neglect cases across the country. While this particular case is still developing, it underscores why families must remain vigilant and why holding negligent care providers accountable is so vital.

Recognizing the Warning Signs of Home Care Abuse

Family members should be alert for red flags that could indicate a senior is being mistreated by a caregiver:

• Sudden, unexplained injuries or hospital visits
• Withdrawal, anxiety, or fear around a specific caregiver
• Missing personal items or financial irregularities
• Poor hygiene or neglect of medical needs
• Isolation from friends or family

If you suspect abuse, act immediately. Contact local law enforcement, Adult Protective Services, or — in life-threatening situations — call 911. Reporting concerns early can prevent further harm and may save a life.

How KBD Attorneys Can Help

At KBD Attorneys, we are committed to protecting vulnerable seniors and holding negligent caregivers and agencies accountable. Our team investigates:

• Whether the agency performed a thorough background check
• What training and supervision the aide received
• Whether prior complaints or red flags were ignored
• How quickly the agency responded to signs of abuse
  

By pursuing civil claims, families can seek justice and push for stronger safety standards within the home health industry.

We believe every elderly person deserves dignity, compassion, and safety — especially from those entrusted to care for them.

Preventing Future Tragedies

This Long Island case serves as a painful reminder that elder abuse can occur anywhere — even inside a loved one’s home. The best prevention is awareness and accountability. Families should:

• Verify agency licensing and caregiver certifications
• Request detailed background check documentation
• Schedule unannounced visits or use in-home monitoring devices
• Communicate regularly with the senior and all involved caregivers
  

No family should have to experience this kind of betrayal. But when it happens, legal action can drive meaningful change and prevent others from suffering the same fate.

Contact KBD Attorneys

If someone you love has suffered harm due to caregiver abuse, neglect, or assault, contact Ketterer, Browne & Davani, LLC today. Our compassionate attorneys can review your case, explain your legal rights, and help your family pursue justice.

Call us for a free consultation — because your loved one’s safety matters.

Source: Newsday – Home health aide charged with stabbing Massapequa woman, 84