The Elder Abuse That No One Wants to Talk About
Elder abuse and neglect of any kind are difficult things for the families of nursing home residents to think about. When loved ones must be handed over to the care of a nursing home, a family can only do their best to choose a facility that is not only well suited for their needs, but one that is safe and adequately staffed so that they receive all of the proper care that they require. This is certainly a difficult decision, and one that families should not take lightly.
When someone that you love is living in a nursing home, it can be very difficult to read news stories about the neglect and abuse that occurs in nursing homes across America. If you do hear or read stories about abuse or neglect, you are likely to take a close look at your relative’s nursing home experience and make sure that everything is as it should be. While all stories of abuse or neglect of nursing home residents are tragic because it is something that should never happen, some stories, such as those involving sexual abuse, stand out as even more disturbing than the rest.
Unfortunately, incidents of sexual abuse of nursing home residents may happen more often than anyone is aware. Sometimes, nursing home staff are the perpetrators of the sexual abuse that occurs in nursing homes. At other times, residents commit the inappropriate acts. In one case, a handyman who worked at a nursing home was caught molesting a resident by a hidden camera. Because of the private nature of the abuse, and the shame and embarrassment that the victim is likely to feel as a result of it, victims are often hesitant to seek help or let anyone know what happened. Because many nursing home residents suffer from medical conditions like Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, victims of sexual abuse may not remember what happened to them. If they do remember, they may be unable to communicate to others exactly what happened, because of the effects that Alzheimer’s and dementia have on communication. Intimidation also often plays a role in whether victims are willing to report what has happened. When abuse is perpetrated by caregivers, residents may be threatened with loss of food, care, or other necessities if they dare to report the abuse.
Sometimes, though, incidences of sexual abuse are discovered without the victim saying anything. In one recent incident, a seventy five year old female resident at a nursing home in Daytona Beach, Florida tested positive for an STD. It is possible that she became infected with the disease after being raped. The police are currently investigating the incident. Unfortunately, the nursing home has not been cooperating with law enforcement and the police feel that other residents may be at risk.
Sexual abuse in nursing homes is something that should never happen, as are the other forms of elderly abuse. If you suspect that a friend or relative is experiencing any type of abuse while they are in the care of a nursing home, report it immediately so that it can be investigated. Also, contact the Tennessee Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Attorneys at Bailey & Greer, PLLC as soon as you can, in order to protect their rights. Call our office at 901-680-9777 to schedule a time to discuss your case with us. At Bailey & Greer, PLLC, we are small enough to care, big enough to fight, and experienced enough to win.
Since graduating magna cum laude in 2005 from the University of Memphis School of Law, Thomas has helped make a difference in the lives of victims of serious personal injury, wrongful death, and professional negligence. Thomas has extensive trial experience in both state and federal court. Among other victories in the courtroom, Thomas obtained several impressive jury verdicts and settlements
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