One of the last things one would ever want for their vulnerable parents living in a nursing home or assisted living facility is to be sexually violated. Yet, as CNN reported, it happens far too frequently.
Perhaps worst of all is that these facilities are not too eager to report these abuses. It makes for really bad business for people to learn residents are suffering sexual assaults by the very staff hired to care for them. One vulnerable woman contracted incurable genital herpes from her caregiver assailant.
Assaults are happening nationwide
It would be unfair to single out one state when the problems occur all over the United States, as do the cover-ups. It’s also unfair to think that only women have to fear caregiver sexual abuse, as five medically vulnerable male residents were humiliated and assaulted by a cadre of male attendants. One man was left in fear for his life.
What lies behind the assaults
Sexual assault is rarely about just sex. While it can be, many perpetrators rape and sexually assault people to exert power. Maybe they feel powerless in their own lives, so they seek out the most vulnerable population to assault — dementia patients who have lost the ability to speak or even cry out.
Even if they still have the faculties to report it, the facilities deny their claims due to their diagnoses of dementia, Alzheimer’s and other conditions.
Be an advocate for those with no voice
If you suspect or have been told by your loved one that someone is hurting them, give them the courtesy of belief. Install a hidden camera in the room and see whether something is amiss. Not only could their abuser face criminal charges, your loved one could reap financial compensation through civil litigation.