The head of a national seniors’ advocacy organization says protecting nursing home residents from sexual abuse is an important but challenging issue.
Laura Tamblyn Watts, the CEO of CanAge, was responding to the Saint John police investigation into alleged sex offences at Loch Lomond Villa’s The Village involving at least a dozen victims, some into their 90s.
Long-term care homes typically have a variety of security measures, including video cameras, she said.
But it’s a “balancing act.”
“Long-term care homes are people’s homes, right? So they’re not supposed to be watched at every minute of every day. … Residents deserve their privacy.”
WATCH | ‘Sexual assault or sexual abuse can happen to anyone in any place,’ CanAge CEO says:
Seniors reporting sexual offences must be believed, national advocacy group says
Laura Tamblyn Watts, CEO of CanAge, says sexual offences in nursing homes are rare, but any senior who reports abuse or expresses discomfort with someone needs to be taken seriously. The senior shouldn’t be dismissed by people thinking it’s a case of “cognitive impairment or frailty or paranoia.’’
The homes are also part of the community. People “should — and can — come in and out,” including relatives and other visitors, volunteers and sometimes people who are providing services, such as entertainment, said Tamblyn Watts, who is based in Toronto.
“We want to have a vibrant environment in long-term care,” she said.
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