Sometimes we can speak sharply to patients if they are doing something unsafe and we need them to listen to us immediately to prevent an injury or fall. Sometimes our words can sound clipped and very abrupt in the case of a dementia patient who struggles with verbal processing: the fewer the words to process, the less difficulty the patient has following directions--also we can get loud with hearing impaired patients. Sometimes we even stand in front of the patient and block their knees with our own knees to help support them when we stand them up. All of these techniques are established therapeutic techniques.
But we absolutely would never bump the backs of the knees from behind to get her moving faster. Sometimes with Parkinson's patients, you thump the muscles to stimulate them to move, as when the patient "freezes" as often happens in those patients. But all of this is done with respect and the patient and/or the family should be educated by the therapist so they understand the purpose of these types of strategies.
It sounds like it may be a situation of abuse. I'd talk to their supervisor immediately. If you don't get results call the state adult protective services.
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