Elder Law

Nursing Home Fails to Prevent Sexual Abuse

By Levin & Perconti

A nursing home has been cited by state officials for failing to prevent and properly report the tragic sexual abuse of one resident at the facility by another resident.

The Lexington Herald-Leader is reporting on the incident. An 88 year old Alzheimer's resident at the facility, Mae Campbell, was in her room when a male resident entered and refused to allow her to leave. When nursing aides finally found Ms. Campbell in her room, she had semen on her and the male patient's privates were exposed.

The state has issued several citations against the facility, noting, ""The facility failed to protect residents from unwanted sexual contact, failed to report the allegations to appropriate state agencies and failed to thoroughly investigate the allegations of sexual abuse."

Alzheimer's patients at nursing facilities across the country are often treated by both staff members and other residents in a disturbing, dehumanized manner. It is incomprehensible for any of our elderly friends and family to have their dignity abused as they suffer mental and physical health problems. Our nursing home abuse attorneys at Levin & Perconti have waged countless battles against all those who take advantage of these vulnerable community members. Elder abuse will not be stopped unless all those who witness the conduct report it and take action.

The family of Ms. Campbell came forward with their story in order to shed light on the problem. Ms. Campbell daughter explained, ""It is my hope that today's charges send a message to nursing home operators and administrators that they have an obligation to notify authorities if a resident is abused while in their care,"

Our lawyers encourage friends and family of nursing home residents to pay close attention to the care provided at their facility. All too often no one speaks up for these abused, suffering seniors -- not even the nursing home workers in charge of their protection.

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Full post as published by Illinois Nursing Home Abuse Blog on August 09, 2010 (boomark / email).