In an effort to raise awareness of neglect and abuse inflicted upon nursing home patients across the United States, we will periodically publish a composite of recent events reported by the news media.

Sexual Abuse – Illinois

According to the Daily Herald, a 28-year-old Kane County nursing home resident has been accused of sexually assaulting another resident. Police were called to the North Aurora care center at noon on October 13 to respond to the alleged assault per the report.. The responding officers stated that the man allegedly engaged in “unwanted physical contact” while the 35-year-old woman was sleeping according to the article. When she called out for help, the man reportedly fled. A mental health fitness evaluation for the man has been ordered. To read the full Daily Herald article, check it out here.

Although sexual abuse is the least commonly reported abuse in nursing homes, it is still all too common. According to studies, three people are sexually abused every day in nursing homes across the United States, with women and dementia patients being much more likely to face this form of abuse. If you suspect a loved one is being subjected to sexual abuse in a long-term care facility, call 911, adult protective services, or contact your local nursing home ombudsman.

Physical Abuse – Ohio

Last Friday in Boardman, Ohio, a 48-year-old licensed practical nurse allegedly abused one of her patients. According to 21WFMJ News, the 54-year-old patient struck the LPN after an argument over medication. The 48-year-old nurse then pushed the patient against the wall and restrained her with her forearm per the report. EMTs who responded to the situation allegedly reported that the patient had red marks on her neck and reported difficulty breathing. The patient was transported to Mercy Hospital to be evaluated according to the article. If you want to read the full article, you can find it here.

Physical abuse is one of the most common forms of abuse in nursing homes. Families with loved ones in nursing homes need to be aware of common signs that indicate abuse.

The Sentinel Project – Michigan

Although stories of abuse and neglect in nursing homes typically fill the news cycle each week, various law enforcement and federal agencies consistently work to prevent abuse and neglect. According to Fox47 News, Ingham County law enforcement participated in Sentinel Project training this week. The project aims to improve the ability of law enforcement agencies to investigate abuse and neglect in long-term care facilities. Investigations play an important role in identifying abuse and ensuring facilities’ are taking proper action to reduce instances of abuse and neglect in the future. You can find the full article here.

The Elder Justice Reauthorization and Modernization Act of 2023 – Congress

Just this week, Congress introduced the Elder Justice Reauthorization and Modernization Act of 2023. This legislation reauthorized the 2010 Elder Justice Act, which was the first federal program to provide funding to combat abuse and neglect of residents in long-term care facilities. Beyond extending the previous 2010 Act, the new legislation by Congress appropriates $4.5 billion in funding to both new and existing programs that support the elderly. To read more about this legislation, click here.

You may be interested in:

Recognizing Physical Signs of Neglect or Abuse in Nursing Homes

What You Need to Know About Nursing Home Ombudsman

The Dark Reality of Social Media in Nursing Homes – What You Need to Know