Reports of a sexual assault at a Lawrence senior living facility must be taken extremely seriously. It is hoped that there will be a thorough investigation by the proper law enforcement and health officials and those in charge of inspecting and licensing such facilities.
Such crimes are despicable when committed against able-bodied individuals, but they are even more outrageous when committed against an incapacitated, elderly individual in a care facility.
It is understandable that those in charge of the facility must be careful in how they handle such situations because of the severe consequences that could result. Even so, officials should have been far more forthcoming in acknowledging the incident and reassuring the public that a thorough investigation would be conducted and appropriate legal action pursued.
Last week, a management official at the local facility reportedly addressed the pending case at a meeting of residents. However, he refused to allow a Journal-World reporter to be present and declined to answer any questions about the meeting. This is not the way to give public confidence in the manner the situation is being handled or the facility is being managed.
This case is a sad reminder of the need for frequent inspections and strong enforcement of laws intended to protect residents in care facilities across Kansas.
Comments
ctutgo 1 year, 3 months ago
Why do you not state the name of the facility? It was Brandonwoods that tried to cover up this horrible crime. The DA also allowed this issue to be swept under the rug. If not for the morality of the employees at LMH, they would have gotten away with it!
rtpayton 1 year, 3 months ago
Brandon Woods has a history of abuse. My Grandmother was mistreated while in their care.
LMH 1 year, 3 months ago
This was an egregious act of violence. If a child in day care had been sexually assaulted, there would be hell to pay and the place would be shut down in a heartbeat. Apparently, the nursing home isn't being held accountable by those who regulate and inspect. "Not adequate evidence" is what I remember hearing cited. Really??? More frequent inspections and stronger enforcement are key, but not the answer. Staff (and CEOs), as well as regulatory folk should change out the victim's name and replace it with their Mother, or Grandmother, or daughter, or aunt's name... maybe that would have more of an impact on them as to the seriousness of this crime.
milkyway45 1 year, 3 months ago
Yes, why do you not state the name of the facility? This is a disgraceful and appauling crime. I would not want a family member or friend of mine to be in this facility. And the question that I have is. Are the people named in this "allegation" still employed at Brandon Woods? If they are why are they still there? Should they not be suspended or better yet fired?
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