BACKGROUND: There has been little systematic research on the incidence, injury type and resident characteristics of alleged physical mistreatment of nursing home residents by staff. METHODS: We reviewed all incidents reported to the MA Dept of Public Health coded for suspected unwanted sexual contact of residents by staff or other residents from Jan 1, 2000 to December 31, 2000 that named a resident and for which there was no major doubt about the reliability of the reporter. RESULTS: 115 cases met criteria. In 37 cases, staff was the alleged aggressor and in 78 cases, another resident was the alleged aggressor. More women (73.9%) than men were reported as victims and for those with reported ages, the modes were 67 and 69 for women and men, respectively. Cognitive level was provided for 88 cases. 36% of the alleged victims in these cases were recorded as alert, 52% were reported to suffer from Alzheimer's, dementia or were confused for other reasons. ADL status was recorded for 77 cases. 31% were supervised or independent, 38% dependent and the rest were reported as other. The alleged incidents ranged from the aggressor exposing her/his genitals to multiple aggressors against a single victim. Eight of the alleged non-staff aggressors had suspected or known histories of such events. CONCLUSIONS: It is extremely difficult to estimate the incidence of staff to resident or resident to resident events. However, we have reviewed a number of cases with multiple witnesses that are highly suggestive, so reports should be investigated seriously.
Learning Objectives: 1. Gain an estimate of the number of allegations, the resident characteristics with regard to age, gender and comorbidities. 2. Gain an appreciation for the difficulty in estimating the true incidence of this problem.
Keywords: Elderly, Nursing Homes
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.