Opposition seeks review of long-term care security after alleged sex assaults in Saint John
CBC
Saint John police say the 69-year-old man they arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting 15 seniors at a nursing home is a family member of a resident, but questions remain about how such offences could have occurred and how to ensure vulnerable seniors at other long-term care homes are protected.
In New Brunswick, nursing homes are required to follow the Nursing Homes Act and regulations, the Standards Manual for Nursing Home Services and Management Directives for Nursing Home Services.
These address a range of safety issues, everything from exit doors being connected to an automatic alarm system, to employees who are sick with a notifiable disease, and even five pages on proper bath temperatures.
But when asked what protective security measures nursing homes must meet, Department of Social Development spokesperson Kate Wright pointed to none.
"There is no specific regulation or standard with respect to the use of security cameras in nursing homes," she confirmed in an email.
Wright did not respond directly to questions about other security measures, such as having guests sign in, but did note that homes are inspected annually as a licensing requirement.
"If there are reasons to believe that there are issues or concerns related to the health or safety of residents, other visits may be made at any time or follow up to evaluate the situation and take appropriate action," she said.
New Brunswick has 79 licensed nursing homes, providing 5,449 beds, and 425 adult residential facilities, providing care to about 7,600 residents.
The alleged assaults in Saint John took place at Loch Lomond Villa’s The Village, a 100-bed nursing home on the city's east side.
The 15 victims, aged between their 70s and 90s, were allegedly assaulted over 25 days — between Dec. 26 and Jan. 19, according to the Saint John Police Force.
The accused, arrested Tuesday, has been released on conditions, said police spokesperson Staff Sgt. Shawna Fowler. His name won't be made public until he appears in court on May 26 and is charged, she said.
Police announced the investigation into "offences of a sexual nature" on Jan. 23 after being alerted by staff two days earlier. Investigators with the family protection unit had identified a suspect at the time — someone "affiliated" with the home, but not an employee or resident, Fowler had said.
Margaret Johnson, the Progressive Conservative critic for social development and for seniors, described the allegations as "the ultimate security breach" and said New Brunswickers are "appalled."
"Seniors are the backbone of this province and when they're at their most vulnerable, families place them in long-term care facilities where they feel they're going to be safe and secure," said Johnson, who is also the MLA for Carleton-Victoria.
WARNING: This story discusses child sexual abuse material and contains graphic details of alleged sexual assault
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