They were supposed to care for their patients.
But instead a doctor, nurse and pharmacist are under arrest, accused of over-medicating Alzheimer's patients to make their jobs easier.
Officials say 22-patients were affected, three of them died.
The CEO of Kern Valley Healthcare District says any problems with patient safety have been corrected.
But those who have relied on the facility for the care of their loved ones, like Betty Dennison say trust has been lost.
"Our feeling is they killed her, they literally administered drugs that killed her." said Dennison.
The facility came to the attention of authorities in January 2007, when an ombudsman reported to the California Department of Public Health that a patient in the skilled nursing facility had been held down and given an injection of medication by force.
"We think it's very unusual that something this abusive has taken place and that's why the serious charges have been brought because these people cannot speak for themselves." said California Attorney General Edmund G. ''Jerry'' Brown Jr.
After months of investigating, three employees were arrested.
They include the facility's former director of nursing Gwen Hughes, who's accused of ordering high doses of a sedative be given to patients, who were unruly or noisy.
Pharmacist Debbie Hayes was also arrested.
Both women face charges of elder abuse and assault with a deadly weapon.
Medical Director Doctor, Hoshang Pormir is accused of approving the use of the medications, without first examining the patients.
He's charged with elder abuse.
In all, three patients died, one suffered serious injuries.
Kern Valley Healthcare District CEO Rick Carter said the facility is cooperating with investigators and will continue to comply with state regulations, and provide excellent living conditions for residents.
If you or someone you know is a victim of elder abuse, you can call the bureau of Medi-Cal Fraud and Elder Abuse hotline at (800) 722-0432.
