Nursing home abuse is down-right deplorable. When nursing home residents are harmed instead of helped, it is an unthinkable act. Unfortunately, nursing home abuse in Florida and nationwide occurs more than people would like to admit. Sadly, many female nursing home abuse residents are rape victims or victims of sexual abuse.
The National Center on Elder Abuse defines elderly sexual abuse as “non-consensual sexual contact of any kind with an elderly person.” This includes:
- Inappropriate touching
- Unwanted sexual acts
- Sexual assault
- Battery
- Rape
- Sodomy
- Coerced nudity
- Sexually explicit photographing
- Forced viewing of pornography
Nursing home sexual abuse happens when a janitor, certified nursing assistant (CNA), nurse’s aide, resident, or other nursing home staff member engages in any form of non-consensual sexual contact with a resident. When people prey on seniors who can no longer take care of themselves, they believe they may get away with their despicable act because many elderly residents are defenseless, have lost their speech, or lack their motor skills. Sadly, this makes nursing home residents targets for sexual abuse.
Sexual abuse by janitors and other nursing homes staff members: When a resident is sexually abused by a janitor or other staff member at the nursing home, it often happens because a nursing home is understaffed, does not require background checks on their employees, or is lax in their hiring and screening process.
Sexual abuse by a nurse’s aide: Typically, a CNA or nurse’s aide is a minimum wage employee who may change jobs frequently. A nursing aide helps elderly residents change, bathe, and use the restroom, which gives those nursing aides looking to sexually abuse residents their window of opportunity.
Sexual abuse by other residents: Because nursing homes are co-ed, residents of the opposite sex may sexually abuse another resident, especially someone who may be weak or physically or mentally challenged.
Whether a victim was abused by a nurse’s aide, janitor, staff member, or another resident, the victim and her family can hold the nursing home accountable for failing to supervise and for sheer negligence. Sexual abuse in Florida nursing homes does occur and abusers should not be allowed to get away with it. If you suspect your loved one is being abused, you may be able to hold the person and nursing home liable through a Florida nursing home abuse lawsuit. Call a Sarasota nursing home abuse attorney today to find out more. Mallard Perez can be reached at 888-409-3805 for a free consultation. Also, download a free copy of our book The Florida Nursing Home Abuse Handbook: Ways to Recognize & Prevent Abuse and Neglect.
