Nursing Home Abuse in Texas: Is Sexual Abuse a Growing Problem?

One of the most difficult, devastating forms of abuse in the United States is nursing home abuse.  There is perhaps no form of nursing home abuse more devastating than sexual abuse.  In recent years, statistics regarding nursing home abuse in Texas have revealed startling numbers of sexual incidents.  Sexual abuse of the elderly living in nursing homes is a tragic, needless crime.  The question must be addressed of whether sexual abuse is a growing problem, or are the incidents more isolated?

At MedMalFirm.com, our Houston nursing home abuse attorneys are dedicated to protecting residents and their families from abuse and neglect.  In this post, we offer information about nursing home abuse in Texas, specifically sexual abuse.  If you or someone you love has experienced sexual abuse in a nursing home, contact us to learn more about your legal rights.

Recent Case Highlights Sexual Abuse in Nursing Homes

In May 2015, a 27-year-old Texas man was charged with aggravated sexual assault after he was found in bed with an elderly resident.  The man purportedly had his pants down when a fellow staff member entered the room.  Police were called to the scene and the man taken in for questioning without incident.  The man then willingly explained his activities to police, which led them to make the arrest. He was held in jail on $100,000 bond as the investigation continued.  Police noted that the man had a previous criminal record that included shoplifting.  The nursing home worked closely with police to determine if the man had inappropriate sexual relations with any other residents.

Nursing Home Investigations may not Stop Nursing Home Abuse in Texas

Several reports have indicated that investigations and probes into nursing home abuse in Texas are not effectively eliminating the problem of abuse.  In the criminal case discussed previously, the nursing home involved was found to have several health deficiencies during a 2014 investigation.  Overall, it is believed that one of the main reasons why nursing home abuse remains a problem is because investigators and nursing home staff are ill-trained to recognize the signs of abuse.  Additionally, many incidents of abuse, especially sexual abuse, go unreported.

In February 2015, Texas media outlets uncovered information suggesting that a large portion of alleged sexual abuse cases in Texas nursing homes go unresolved or are improperly investigated.  ABC affiliate news outlet KVUE in Austin found nearly 500 sexual abuse allegations in Texas nursing homes since 2009.  Of those 500, state investigators reportedly only found eight cases legitimate.  It is alleged that many cases are closed without a thorough investigation.  With the National Center on Elder Abuse estimating that as many as 53 percent of disabled women in the U.S. are victims of sexual abuse, it begs the question of why more thorough efforts are not being made to resolve these cases.

Suspect Sexual Abuse? Get Help!

Sexual abuse in nursing homes is a sensitive, emotionally charged situation.  It is also unacceptable, illegal, and a violation of a resident’s legal rights.  Anyone suspecting that abuse is occurring in a Texas nursing home should contact authorities immediately.  Further, it is important to protect the legal rights of those victimized by nursing home abuse in Texas.  Get the guidance of an experienced nursing home abuse attorney to find the best options for your family.

At MedMalFirm.com, our nursing home abuse attorneys offer compassionate and caring legal guidance that your family can trust.  If you are concerned about the care you or a loved one have received while living in a Texas nursing home, contact us to learn more about protecting your legal rights and getting the justice you deserve. Fill out our online form to request a free consultation.

Related Resources

Top 5 Questions to Ask About Nursing Home Abuse

Signs of Nursing Home Abuse