Iowa Nursing Home Dependent Adult Abuse Defined

In 2016, employees of at least 18 nursing homes and assisted care facilities posted unauthorized photos and videos of residents on various social media platforms such as Instagram, Snapchat and Facebook. Unfortunately, some of the material shared was vulgar and demeaning to residents and, sadly, one third of the incidences happened here in Iowa.

Since the problem has come to the attention of regulators and nursing homes, they have pledged to crack down. However, it appears that the number of reported incidences has risen, which some attribute to either more reporting due to raised awareness or that the abusive practice has simply become more widespread.

According to a spokesman for the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals, the uptick in reports is expected with nursing homes practicing more oversight. However, officials acknowledge that lack of regulations has made it difficult to hold caregivers accountable. That is due to change.

Proposed law will soon define dependent adult abuse to include “the taking, transmission, or display of an electronic image of a dependent adult by a caretaker, where the caretaker’s actions constitute a willful act or statement intended to shame, degrade, humiliate, or otherwise harm the personal dignity of the dependent adult.” Those who engage in abuse and employers who turn a blind eye will be subject to more severe consequences moving forward.
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Contact an Experienced Iowa Nursing Home Adult Abuse Attorney

If you or a family member has suffered from nursing home abuse or neglect, contact Iowa nursing home adult abuse attorney John T. Hemminger for immediate help at 515-283-2116.