BEXAR COUNTY, Texas – A Bexar County medical caregiver was arrested for allegedly assaulting a 91-year-old patient with dementia, according to the sheriff’s office.
Bailanda Garza Eady, 54, was arrested and faces an injury to an elderly person with the intent to cause bodily injury charge, Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar said in a press conference Friday afternoon.
The victim has “late-stage dementia” and relies on 24-hour care, according to BCSO. The family had a camera in their home to watch over her with the caregiver.
Salazar said surveillance video from the camera captured “disturbing cases of outright abuse.”
The victim’s family checked the video after they saw spilled food on the floor.
When the family asked Eady what happened, she said the patient knocked the food to the ground, Salazar said.
Investigators reviewed the evidence and said there were instances of forced feeding that caused pain to the victim. There was also another instance where Eady slapped the victim in the face, according to Salazar.
The alleged abuse occurred between January and March 2025, authorities said.
BCSO then executed a warrant and placed her under arrest.
Salazar said the victim’s family contacted the caregiver’s company, Senior Buddies, to make a complaint.
“The management indicated that they would prefer to handle this internally,” Salazar said. “As if it were some minor departure from their procedures and said they would not contact law enforcement.”
Salazar said the agency does not have direct evidence that Eady or the company was involved in anything untoward with other patients.
Senior Buddies emailed a statement to KSAT. It can be viewed in full below.
On Friday, June 20th, 2025, a former caregiver was arrested for elder abuse. In mid-March we were made aware of video footage showing maltreatment of one of our clients by Belinda Eady. We were shocked and outraged by her behavior and immediately removed her from this case and discontinued her employment. We do not tolerate abusive behavior from any of our staff.Contrary to inaccurate reports that the agency opted to handle this matter internally, the conduct of this caregiver was reported to our state regulating agency, Texas Health and Human Services Commission, which is responsible for investigating such matters. Additionally, we provided Ms. Eady’s contact information to law enforcement as requested. We remain in full cooperation with THHSC and law enforcement.During the decade and a half that Senior Buddies has been serving the senior population of San Antonio and the surrounding areas, we have never had a report or incident of abuse of our clients. This type of conduct does not represent our beliefs or the way we care for our clients. Senior Buddies is dedicated to providing the best and most loving care possible for all of our clients and will continue to care for those in need with dignity, compassion, and respect.
Senior Buddies In-Home Care
BCSO is asking the public to come forward if they have noticed anything suspicious. Anyone with information is asked to call the sheriff’s office at 210-335-6000.
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