Probably considered the most egregious of abuse types, sexual abuse of a nursing home resident is all too common in nursing facilities across the country. Any kind of sexual contact that is carried out without the consent of a resident is considered sexual abuse.
Sexual abuse of a resident can be perpetrated by the nursing staff of by another resident. Nursing home facilities will often take in patients who may have a history of sexual crimes. The facility is not required to conduct a background check of any resident. In Illinois, nursing homes are required to do criminal background checks on potential employees. But most nursing homes do not check whether an individual has ever been cited for abusing a children, whether their own or someone else’s.
Whether it’s a senior nursing home facility or a nursing home facility that cares for developmentally disabled children and young adults, you should do a thorough investigation of the facility to determine if any complaints or charges of sexual abuse have been filed against the facility.
If you’re loved one tells you that they have been sexually abused or if you suspect that sexual abuse has occurred, contact the local police authorities immediately. Notify the executive director of the facility and the Illinois Department of Public Aid.
Sexual abuse of a loved one by their caregiver is a criminal offense and the perpetrator should be brought to justice. If you suspect your loved one has been sexually abused, please contact our office immediately and speak with one of our experienced nursing home abuse attorneys.
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