Ruth A. Smith, 96, was left at a Salvation Army shelter in Bradenton. That's just south of Tampa.
A guardian appointed for Smith says she is doing well and recovering at a Bradenton hospital.
A niece, Beverly Edwards of Arden, N.C., said she arranged to leave her aunt at the shelter until she could be placed in an assisted-living facility. But the shelter says no arrangements were made and that Edwards simply dumped her aunt.
Officials say they plan to file criminal charges in the case.
