Police were called to Southern Ohio Medical Center after an elderly woman told her daughter she had been assaulted by a male staff member at a local nursing home.
The woman first told officers she was grabbed by the arms after adjusting a window, saying she fought off the staff member. Her daughter, however, said her mother had initially claimed she was raped. When questioned, the woman explained she believed the man had tried to rape her but was unsuccessful.
Police contacted the nursing home’s director of nursing, who said the patient has dementia and is prone to hallucinations and memory lapses. According to staff, she made the allegation to a therapist but forgot about it minutes later. A medical evaluation found no evidence of sexual or physical assault, and staff confirmed she was never left alone with a male employee. A female roommate was present during all interactions. Officers also reported seeing no signs of bruising or injuries on her arms.
At this time, no charges have been filed.
Cases like this highlight the complex challenges of protecting vulnerable adults with cognitive impairments. Dementia can cause confusion, false memories, and shifting accounts of events, but law enforcement must still take every allegation seriously to ensure patient safety.
Advocates stress the importance of safeguards in nursing homes, including:
Consistent monitoring and documentation of staff interactions with residents.
Rapid medical evaluations after any reported incident.
Clear communication with families when concerns arise.
Even when allegations prove unfounded, families say the underlying concern is the same: making sure elderly loved ones are safe, respected, and believed enough to have their voices heard.
