Elderly Patient Sexually Assaulted in Nursing Home | Assisted Living Facility
ABC news recently reported on a resident sexual assault in an Illinois nursing home. According to the report, authorities are investigating the assault of an 86-year old nursing home resident with Alzheimer’s. The crime was allegedly perpetrated by a 65-year old man who was also a resident of the nursing care facility.
The man posed a risk that required at least some caution on the part of caregivers. The nursing home was aware that the alleged perpetrator was a registered sex offender under Megan’s Law which requires warning and public notification of living arrangements for those with a history of sexual crimes.
For residents who suffer from Alzheimer, abuse is quite common in a nursing home. In fact, recent studies have shown Alzheimer patients are more likely to suffer some sort of abuse than patients with other diseases. With aging it is expected that memory loss will occur, however, Alzheimer is beyond what a normal person should suffer while getting older. Many of times a patient who suffers from Alzheimer and is abused, will not remember or cannot recall the incident.
Buckfire & Buckfire P.C nursing home abuse attorneys can assist in your legal needs if your loved one suffers from Alzheimer and is being abused. It is unacceptable that your loved one suffers from physical, emotional, or any form of sexual abuse under the care of a Michigan nursing home. The nursing home is liable for both the mental and physical injuries suffered due to the disrespect from staff members or other residents, and if abuse occurs, it may give rise to a Michigan nursing home neglect lawsuit.
Sign of Abuse Among Alzheimer Residents in Michigan Nursing Homes
Unfortunately prevention is not always possible, but being aware of signs can help your loved ones with Alzheimer. Below are the different types of abuse and signs that indicate that abuse may be happening to your loved one.
Signs of Physical Abuse:
- Welts
- Swelling
- Cuts
- Scrapes
- Bite marks
- Bedsores
- Swelling around extremities
Signs of Emotional Abuse:
- Detachment
- Depression
- Isolation among others
- Crying
- Sudden Mood Changes
Signs of Sexual Abuse:
- Does not like to be touched
- Bruising near rectal region
- Injuries near or in the genital area
- Bruising between the thighs
Another form of abuse besides emotional, physical, and sexual abuse can include financial exploitation. Patients with severe mental illness like Alzheimer might be more willing to sign away life documents and money to strangers.
Contact a Michigan Nursing Home Abuse Attorney
There is no way to prevent Alzheimer, and while there is no cure, medications can help control the symptoms. That does not mean your family member should be abused. Alzheimer itself is a horrible disease that can hurt your family, as it is worse than many other memory diseases. You and your family do not need to suffer more because your family member was sexually, emotionally or physically abused. Contact us directly at (800) 606 – 1717 to speak with one of our experienced Michigan nursing home abuse attorneys. We will start working on your case immediately and seek the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for you free consolation!
