Nursing Home Sexual Assault Happens – Is Your Loved One A Victim?

This month we covered the shocking story of a Texas man who has been arrested for sexual assault at an Austin nursing home while caring for one of the elderly residents there. The woman claimed that the man had violated her while giving her a bath.

Many caregivers and family members assume that while their elderly loved one might be in danger of nursing home physical abuse, nursing home verbal abuse, or nursing home neglect, they are safe from sexual abuse, sexual assault, and rape. However, staff members, fellow residents, and others in the adult care facility may be taking advantage of your loved one’s delicate state.

What are the signs that your loved one might be suffering from sexual abuse or was the victim of sexual assault? The most obvious red flags are bleeding or irritated genitals, bruising on the breasts, inner thigh, or buttocks, and other physical signs, such as the presence of soiled sheets or semen. Less obvious red flags of nursing home sexual assault may include your loved one becoming withdrawn or depressed, your loved on being diagnosed with a sexually transmitted disease, or your loved one suffers a drastic personality change. In addition, be aware of staff members who seem reluctant to leave the room when you visit or that have taken a special interest in your loved one.

If you believe your loved one has been the victim of sexual abuse while living in a nursing home, talk to a nursing home abuse attorney today. Whether the abuse involved a staff member, another nursing home resident, or someone else, your nursing home may be responsible for the assault. In some cases, the nursing home may not have properly vetted staff members, while in other cases, the nursing home may not have properly protected your family member from other residents.