Nursing homes are meant to protect the most vulnerable members of our community. Because elderly people are often less capable of taking care of themselves and may have cognitive decline, they are easy targets for abusers. Sexual abuse is one of the rarer, but most serious, types of abuse that happens behind the scenes in American nursing homes. To ensure your loved one in a nursing home remains protected, it’s key to understand what happens behind the scenes, and the nature of sexual abuse in nursing homes.
Types of Sexual Abuse in Nursing Homes
Sexual assault in nursing homes is a topic that no one likes to consider. Everyone wants to believe they are acting in their loved one’s best interests when they place them in a nursing home for care. For those who are unable to care for themselves, a nursing home is frequently the safest and finest place to live. Sadly, there are occasions when nursing home staff exploits residents, sometimes in the form of sexual abuse.
Exposing residents to pornography without consent, forcing them to watch sexual acts, sexually violating them, inappropriately touching them, and forcing them to undress in front of others can all qualify as cases of sexual abuse in nursing homes. The nuances of the law in this area can be difficult to fully comprehend, so consulting a sexual abuse attorney who specializes in nursing home patients is highly recommended. Doing so can help you determine your next steps, and whether you and/or your loved one are entitled to financial compensation for your suffering.
Signs of Sexual Abuse to Watch Out For
There is no surefire way to determine whether a loved one has experienced sexual assault at a nursing home. Communication is your strongest line of protection and is the closest tool you have. For this reason, it’s crucial to be aware that many victims of abuse in nursing homes are reluctant to report their experiences to others. Others could feel embarrassed or not want to cause a fuss. Being prepared to slowly, and respectfully, inspect the nature of your loved one’s abuse (if it’s happening), is crucial. Demonstrating that they can trust you to help them is of utmost importance.
Many signs can indicate the possibility of sexual abuse happening behind the scenes at a nursing home. Including but not limited to: torn clothing, sudden incontinence, bleeding genital. Anal damage, damaged clothing, sudden mood changes, social isolation, infections, STDs, bruises, and more. That being said, none of these indicators proves. That there has been sexual abuse at a nursing home as an absolute certainty. Each of these might result from additional causes. So being thorough in your attempt to uncover the truth is crucial. However, it is time to start asking some sharp questions if you experience any of these symptoms. Particularly if you experience more than one. These could, at the very least, indicate neglect.
Holding Abusive Facilities Responsible for Sexual Abuse
Take quick action to guarantee your loved one’s safety. If you have any suspicions that they are being sexually abused in a nursing home. In addition to removing them from the possibly hazardous circumstances. Contact a lawyer who specializes in elder sexual abuse and is acquainted with the relevant state’s legal framework. In certain situations, nursing homes that fail to safeguard their patients against elder sexual abuse. May be held legally and financially accountable.
Nursing facilities are responsible for nursing home molestation or sexual abuse-related damages in several cases. Including, but not limited to: failure to adequately train employees about sexual abuse, failure to adequately supervise employees. Failure to properly screen employees for past sexual crimes. Failure to complete background checks, failure to adequately monitor visitors with a past of sexual abuse and/or crimes. A legal expert can help you determine how to best pursue your loved one’s case against an abusive facility or employee.
Seeking Help is Key
To ensure your loved one is not exposed to continual sexual abuse behind the scenes at their nursing home. Being proactive about their care is key. Seeking help from the authorities, and from legal professionals, can provide safeguards that will protect your elderly loved one. Your vigilance will be key to protecting other vulnerable members of their nursing home communities as well. The quicker you are to act, the easier it will be to hold your elderly loved one’s abusers responsible. And to acquire the financial compensation that you deserve.