Nursing Homes Failure To Screen Visitor Results In Sexual Assault Of Resident

This past weekend a West Virgina nursing home resident was sexually assaulted by a visitor.  A manager of the Valley Haven Geriatric Center in Brook County called police when they noticed an elderly man acting inappropriately towards a female resident.  The man identified as 81-year-old William Jones was arrested for sexual assault but remains free on bond.

According to Brooke County Sheriff, Richard Ferguson, Jones and the victim were relatives.

Was this perpetrator a known problem?  Did the resident actually want to see him?

Visitors In Nursing Homes

Visiting a nursing home resident is a privilege– not a right.  Nursing home staff can and should restrict individuals who pose a treat to the physical and psychological well-being of residents.  One of the most basic things nursing homes can do to protect their residents is to have a sign in system for every person who enters the facility.  In cases where a resident is disabled or unable to manage her affairs, the person’s family should decide who can and can not see her.

Facilities should also periodically check-in during the visitors stay.  Not only does this safeguard the residents’, but it also gives visitors an opportunity to connect with staff who provide ongoing care.

No word regarding this perpetrators history of visits at Valley Haven.

Read more about this sexual assault of a nursing home resident here.

For more information on nursing homes in Ohio look here. For laws related to Ohio nursing homes, look here.

Resources For Nursing Home Visits

Tips When Visiting A Nursing Home, Ohio Department On Aging

Health Tips for Visiting Nurisng Homes And Hospitals, Centers For Disease Control

Nursing Home Visits. An Opportunity To Conduct Your Own Inspection. Nursing Home Law Center LLC