Many of us know someone residing in a senior living community or
long-term care facility and have heard stories of residents losing
their inhibitions. There are stories of seniors being rude, saying
things that are inappropriate, and experiencing sexual
disinhibition. What we have not heard though is what happens when a
caregiver is sexually harassed by a resident. Facilities that do
not have proper policies and training in place may be faced with a
lawsuit.
Dealing with harassment in nursing homes or senior communities
is complex because, although the nursing home is the senior’s
residence, it is also a facility where an employer must provide a
harassment-free workplace. At the heart of the situation is the
intersection between healthcare laws and employment laws –
providing a safe place for seniors who can no longer care for
themselves, while at the same time providing a safe workplace for
caregivers and other staff members.
