Families in Pennsylvania often face difficult decisions in regards to the care of their aging loved ones. While most would prefer to keep them at home, their medical needs often become more than a person or family can manage. As a result, they make the decision to put them in a nursing home, likely feeling that their family member will receive better care in such a facility. Unfortunately, instances of nursing home abuse can sometimes place residents at risk. For example, one out-of-state man has recently pleaded guilty to charges that he sexually assaulted an elderly woman in a nursing home facility.
The 37-year-old man worked as a certified nurse's aid at a nursing home facility. Reports indicate that a nurse discovered the man lying in bed with a 92-year-old woman suffering from Alzheimer's disease. The nurse claimed that the man was touching the patient inappropriately. He was fired the same day.
Police say that the man admitted to touching and abusing the woman around 100 times. He has since pleaded guilty to first-degree sexual assault. Although he requested probation rather than jail time, the judge felt that the number of times he abused the woman warranted three years behind bars.
While the majority of nursing home residents are likely well-cared for, incidents of nursing home abuse still occur in Pennsylvania and across the country. Some cases result in criminal charges; however, many victims and their family members choose to also seek justice in a civil court. Often victims are left with increased medical needs due to such treatment. In some cases, abuse can even cause death. By filing a civil case, families have a better chance of ensuring that others do not suffer in a similar manner.