An Iowa hospice worker has pleaded guilty in a deeply disturbing dependent adult abuse case after an elderly woman she was assigned to care for was found living in horrific conditions before her death, according to court records.
Audrey Engler, 25, admitted guilt to one count of intentional dependent adult abuse resulting in serious injury. She was charged in December and remains held at the Des Moines County Correctional Center, where she awaits sentencing scheduled for March 23. Under Iowa law, Engler faces up to 10 years in prison.
According to a criminal complaint obtained by Law&Crime, police with the Burlington Police Department were notified on the morning of Aug. 15 that an elderly woman had died the night before. The woman had been paying Vibrance Homecare for in-home services, and Engler had been assigned as her caregiver.
Investigators found evidence of severe neglect. The victim—who was unable to move independently—had burns on her back, large bed sores, ulcers on her buttocks, soiled bedding, and a catheter filled with urine. According to the complaint, she was found sitting in feces, and the home was in such disarray that officers said there was nowhere to sit or stand.
The woman had previously been hospitalized on July 21 after her mattress caught fire, and Engler had been living with her up until that point. Police said Engler failed to administer necessary medications and moved the woman only once per day. A nurse who regularly visited the victim told investigators that Engler encouraged her to reduce visits, insisting the woman was being “adequately” cared for—despite signs the patient was becoming increasingly malnourished.
Further investigation revealed that the victim was paying the rent and electric bills for the apartment and had asked her case manager to purchase clothing because, according to the complaint, “all her money was going to Engler.” Detectives also reviewed text messages showing repeated instances where the victim reached out for help and received no response from Engler for hours at a time.
When questioned by police, Engler admitted she failed to properly care for the dependent adult. According to the complaint, she acknowledged that she “could have taken care of the dependent adult better,” checked on her more frequently, and shown more compassion.
The case has raised renewed concerns about oversight and accountability in in-home hospice and caregiving services, particularly for elderly patients who are physically immobile and entirely dependent on others for survival.
