Nursing Home Sexual Abuse Occurs Frequently in U.S.
- Home / Nursing Home Abuse /
- Nursing Home Sexual Abuse Occurs Frequently in U.S.
March 9, 2017
A CNN investigation into allegations of sexual abuse against residents of nursing homes revealed that the problem is far more prevalent than originally thought.
More than 16,000 claims of sexual abuse against residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities in the U.S. have been alleged since 2000, according to the Administration for Community Living.
However, it is likely the real number is higher, as this total includes only claims involving complaint resolution conducted by long-term care ombudsmen. No all-encompassing data exists on the number of reported sexual abuse allegations in U.S. nursing homes.
Nursing Home Sexual Abuse Claims Are Often Mishandled
Through the analysis of court records as well as state and federal data, CNN uncovered that numerous nursing homes forgo reporting and investigating sexual abuse claims.
Law enforcement agencies also frequently reject claims, often citing the declining mental capacity of victims and their inability to remember events.
Nursing homes that receive funding from Medicaid and Medicare are monitored by state government agencies, yet regulators often neglect to flag facilities with several allegations of sexual abuse committed against residents.
Abuse in Arizona’s nursing homes has also become a growing concern in recent years, as many facilities that depend on Medicare funding suffer from understaffing and insufficiently trained staff members.
These issues often set the grounds for widespread abuse and neglect to occur in nursing homes and assisted living facilities, and that those who suspect their loved one is being abused should immediately contact the proper authorities.
CNN’s Findings on Nursing Home Sexual Abuse
From 2010 to 2015, 226 U.S. nursing homes were cited for failing to protect residents in cases of confirmed sexual abuse charges, and nearly 60 percent of facilities were penalized with fines amounting to more than $9 million. However, only 16 nursing homes were permanently cut off from Medicare and Medicaid funding.
CNN’s investigation also found that:
- There were 386 claims of sexual abuse against nursing home residents in Illinois in 2013, 201 of which accused a caretaker of having committed the abuse. Only 59 claims were confirmed.
- From 2011 to 2015, eight claims of sexual abuse were investigated in Hawaii, five of which involved a care taker.
- In 2015, 251 complaints were filed against nursing homes in Texas regarding the sexual abuse of a resident; only 11 were confirmed.
Nursing Home Sexual Abuse Allegations Often Involve Caregivers and Staff Members
Nearly 25 percent of nursing home sexual abuse claims involved allegations against nurses, staff members or aides. A small number of claims involved a third-party, such as another resident, family member or an unknown assailant.
However, the most serious sexual assault allegations involved caregivers and nursing home staff. These claims included allegations of forced intercourse, oral sex and digital penetration, among other forms of abuse.
Legal Help for Victims of Nursing Home Abuse
CNN’s investigation concluded that sexual assault in nursing homes is widespread throughout the U.S., yet is not receiving the level of attention needed to improve safety for elderly residents.
Most people place a great amount of trust in nursing homes and caregivers to protect and preserve the health of our elderly loved ones. There is no greater betrayal than to learn that your loved one has been abused by those trusted with his or her care.
If you suspect your loved one is being mistreated, contact our Phoenix nursing home abuse attorneys for a free consultation to review your legal options. We will investigate and build your case on a contingency fee basis and will only charge you if we recover compensation.
Call 1-800-706-3000 or fill out a Free Case Evaluation formto schedule a free consultation.
Free Case Evaluation
By submitting your contact information, you agree that we may contact you by telephone (including text) and email in accordance with our Terms and Privacy Policy

Your message has been sent
Thank you for your message, we will get back to you soon.
-
Two family members were in a bad wreck a couple of years ago, and as a result called Phillips Law to represent them. Montana Thompson was the attorney assigned to the case with the help of Nemo Farr as legal assistant. Mr. Thompson litigated a very generous settlement for both my stepdaughter and her son. Because my grandson is a minor, I decided to act as conservator for him to ensure the settlement was safe and secure. Montana helped with that process, but it was Nemo who went way above and beyond the call in finding a financial institution to use for the restricted account. There were some glitches in that process but Nemo helped navigate them with a calm expertise which belies his age. I would consider them both great representatives of the level of commitment to their clients and assets to their firm.
-
They knew exactly how to explain the case to me in a way that I would understand it. They gave me hope that my life wasn’t over.
-
It’s an Honor and a Privilege to work for a company that cares about its employees and clients for 12 years. I’ve seen Management go out of their way to help someone whether it’s a personal matter or work related. I am also reminded of many occasions where a Client needed urgent help and we as a Team were able to get the person immediate assistance. At Phillips Law we make that happen through Teamwork and a dedication to our profession. I’ve had numerous jobs in several other fields, those were just jobs. This is a home. Many of us have been here for quite a few years, it feels like one large extended family.
-
I have been with Phillips Law Group for a little over a year and I have learned what teamwork and family in a workplace looks like. There is always someone around to lend a helping hand, which is something I appreciate and cherish. I feel a sense of joy coming to work every day because of my co-workers as well as being able to help people in what can be a scary and stressful situation. I currently work as a Litigation Legal Assistant with an amazing team. When I started here, I was not very knowledgeable in personal injury. I was lucky to have been placed with an amazing team who was willing to take time to teach and pass on some great skills that have been a huge aid in helping me be successful in my position. I would recommend working here at Phillips Law Group, because they care about their employees and there is so much room for growth.
-
My paralegal , Caroline , was on top of her game - very responsive and always answered any questions I had and in a timely manner . My attorney Rob ,was the best attorney I ever had . He explained everything in great detail and had a great sense or humor . He really knows how to bring light To tough , unfortunate situations - I would absolutely recommend them at anyone -
-
Sophia H is very helpful.
-
Phillips Law Group is a company that has taught me so many things. Here your work, your dedication, effort and discipline are valued, in addition to the fact that, as a woman, as an immigrant and as a human being, I have been given value and empowerment. We are a successful law firm because all workers feel part of a great family. I am very proud and honored to work at Phillips Law Group.
-
Working at Phillips Law Group has been great the 1st few years in I noticed how well organized and run this Firm was from Intake to Settlement the Client has the expertise of a staff member uniquely qualified for the particular stage of each Clients claim and all other Law firms try to emulate what we do here but none quite get it right because they lack one major component “Compassion”. We are a FAMILY not just a group of people/employees. We care deeply about each other and our clients’ we are considerate, compassionate and make sure that all our Clients’ needs are met from beginning to end. That’s because we treat our clients just like we treat each other. Nothing like walking through the office and saying Hello to fellow employees who always seem to be smiling. 16yrs in and it only seems to be getting better.
-
Liz Gonzales was great!!!!
-
Liz was great