Update- Oconee Sheriff: Elderly Assault Victim Has Long Recovery Ahead

Update 12:30 p.m. Sunday, May 13: As of late Sunday morning, here is the latest update posted on Facebook by Oconee County Sheriff Scott Berry:

Mrs. Gilvey continues to improve. She is out of ICU and has been placed in a patient room. Your thoughts and prayers have all been conveyed to her.

Original:

Judith Gilvey, the 73-year-old victim of a on Peacock Drive, is improving, but remains in the intensive care unit at Athens Regional Medical Center and has a "long recovery ahead of her," according to Scott Berry.

Authorities believe a handyman who worked at Gilvey's home broke into the house one day after the two had had a dispute over money and beat her with a blunt object while she was in bed. She suffered injuries to her head and face.  Jacob Wagner, 22, has been charged with aggravated battery and additional charges are pending.

Berry provided an update Saturday via social media.

"She is still in ICU, but she responded to me with a huge smile and a lot of hand squeezes and nods. Please keep her in your prayers. I also want to thank and the medical first responders, and the remarkable doctors and nurses at ARMC for taking such good care of her. She has a LONG recovery ahead of her."

According to earlier reports, Gilvey's family members traveled from New York to be by her side in the hospital after learning about the incident.

For those who want to make donations to offset the cost of Gilvey's medical bills, an account is being set up at a local bank in her name, Berry said. More details about the account will be available on Monday, he said.