DALTON, Ga. — In the eyes of the law, a disabled elderly person under someone else’s care is treated the same as a child. A Dalton woman who was the primary caregiver for an 84-year-old woman with dementia is learning that neglect in that care is a felony offense.

Stephanie Susan Hawkins, 57, of Dalton, was arrested Wednesday and charged with neglect of an elderly disabled person on a warrant from an incident reported on March 30.

According to a Whitfield County Sheriff’s Office report, the elderly woman was found alone in a home with an “overpowering smell” that was so strong — the deputy believed it to be trash — the deputy said he had to step out of the residence.

The woman, who told deputies she would soon be turning 33, was reportedly covered in urine stains, with her shoes believed to be soiled with urine as well. When asked where her caregiver was, the woman told officers they had left the night before. The case was turned over to Whitfield County Adult Protective Services.

Hawkins admitted to deputies she was the caregiver when she was contacted. She is being held in the county jail without bond and has not been scheduled for a bond hearing in Superior Court.