Explicit Pics Taken in Iowa Nursing Homes

In yet another example of nursing home abuse, the Washington Post recently reported that nursing home workers across the country are posting inappropriate images of nursing home residents on social media platforms such as SnapChat and Facebook. The embarrassing posts of elderly residents violates the privacy and dignity of the victims and are typically unlawful – some have lead to criminal charges.

Investigations reveal that over the course of several years, a number of workers at nursing homes and assisted-living centers across the nation have surreptitiously shared photos or videos of residents, some of whom were partially or completely naked. Closer to home, reporters show that in 2013, a Johnston, Iowa nursing home fired two employees for posting at least one inappropriate picture on a social media website. In 2014, an Ames, Iowa nursing home employee plead guilty to a misdemeanor charge of dependent adult abuse after recording a sexually explicit video of a resident.

Unfortunately, neglect and abuse of the elderly or the otherwise disabled residing in nursing homes or residential care facilities happens all too frequently. We entrust nursing homes with the care of our family members when they are at their most vulnerable and believe that nursing homes have an obligation to live up to the reasonable standard of care that we expect. It is simply unacceptable when nursing homes fail to protect those in their care. If you or a family member has been the victim of Iowa nursing home neglect or abuse, Des Moines attorney John T. Hemminger can help.