Many people seek out positions in nursing homes because they care about older adults and want to support people who are vulnerable. Unfortunately, there are also people who may seek out positions of authority so that they can abuse others with impunity.
There are several kinds of abuse that occur with alarming frequency at nursing homes and similar long-term care facilities. Financial abuse of older adults is common. Emotional or verbal abuse by workers is also well known as a serious issue in many nursing homes. In some cases, verbal abuse may escalate into physical abuse.
Occasionally, workers may even engage in the sexual abuse of vulnerable residents. The pending prosecution of a nursing home employee here in California helps highlight how easily one party could theoretically use their position to abuse multiple people.
The state claims one worker abused multiple people
Opportunistic sexual predators often target people who are not in a position to decline their advances or who are unlikely to report the issue to others. Nursing home residents depend on their caregivers for basic needs and may not feel safe speaking up about what mistreatment they have experienced.
In some cases, the conditions that compromise their mental and physical well-being also prevent them from recognizing abuse as it occurs. People with nefarious intentions might take jobs at nursing homes with the intention of accessing vulnerable people who cannot speak up for themselves. That appears to be the basis of the case that has drawn regional attention.
A 23-year-old caregiver working at a nursing facility in Galt, which is in Sacramento County, faces charges related to the sexual abuse of four disabled/incapacitated adult men. While the caregiver has entered a not-guilty plea, he faces 14 felony charges, including attempted battery, sexual battery and oral copulation without consent.
Family members who notice physical signs of potential injury to their loved ones or changes in behavior indicative of emotional or sexual violence may need to take immediate steps to protect people who are vulnerable because they depend on their caregivers. In the case mentioned above, the nursing home investigated and took action when there was reason to suspect the employee of misconduct toward residents.
Concerned family members may need help documenting what occurred. They may also need support as they communicate with the nursing home, especially if the facility is not proactive about responding. In some cases, legal action may be necessary. Holding nursing homes responsible for the sexual abuse of residents can help compensate the people harmed and incentivize proactive compliance, including better screening of employees.
