San Bernardino County Sexual Abuse Lawyer

Nursing homes, assisted-living facilities, and other long-term care locations are supposed to provide a particular quality of care to residents and to ensure that protections are in place to prevent abuse and neglect. However, nursing home abuse occurs much more often than many people may realize, and studies suggest that it is often unreported, which means that numbers may be significantly higher than the notable data that already exists. Elder abuse can take many different forms in a nursing home, and sexual abuse is one type of abuse that can be common and debilitating. It is critical to learn about sexual abuse in long-term care settings and to seek help the moment you have any concerns. A San Bernardino County sexual abuse lawyer at our firm can tell you more.

Elder abuse is a broad term that refers to a wide range of forms that abuse can take in nursing homes and other settings. According to the National Council on Aging (NCOA), elder abuse is reported in about 5 million cases every year, and research shows that about 10% of Americans aged 60 and older have been the victim of some form of elder abuse. Studies also suggest that these numbers are significantly lower than the actual counts because as few as one out of every 24 cases — or only about 4% — are actually reported. One form of abuse that can occur and that often goes unreported for a range of reasons is sexual abuse.

If you have an elderly loved one in a nursing home or assisted living facility, it is essential to know the signs of sexual abuse and to seek help the moment you suspect it. The NCOA identifies the following as common signs:

• Bruises or cuts or scrapes, especially around a resident’s breasts or genital area;
• Bleeding or torn clothing;
• Fear of a particular staff member or other resident;
• Unexplained depression or anxiety; and/or
• Unexplained sexually transmitted infection(s).

While many older adults in Southern California are at particularly high risk of abuse and neglect, seniors with dementia and other forms of cognitive impairment are especially vulnerable. When it comes to sexual abuse, nursing home residents with Alzheimer’s disease or similar cognitive impairments may not be able to properly report sexual abuse when they experience it, and some people might not realize they have been subject to this type of abuse. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, given the increased risks to older adults with cognitive impairments, it is particularly important for family members and loved ones to know the signs of abuse, including sexual abuse, and to know how to seek help.

Sexual abuse in nursing home settings can be devastating, resulting in long-term physical and emotional harm to residents who are subject to this type of abuse. If you have any concerns about abuse or neglect at your elderly loved one’s nursing home, it is critical to seek legal help as soon as possible. Contact the Southern California Nursing Home Law Group to find out more about how our firm can help you with a nursing home abuse or neglect case involving sexual assault or sexual abuse in San Bernardino County.