Can a Male Nurse Change a Female’s Diaper in a Nursing Home?

Nursing homes are intended to help elderly patients who need some level of medical care beyond the basics. This care sometimes involves urinary or fecal incontinence, in which case the patient may need assistance changing their diaper. Incontinence is undoubtedly an embarrassing issue to have for many people, especially if you are relying on another person to be responsible for changing your diaper. If you have an elderly female family member in a nursing home, you may be wondering, “Can a male nurse change a female’s diaper in a nursing home?” The answer is not straightforward.

Can A Male Nurse Change A Female’s Diaper In A Nursing Home?

When it comes to male aids and female patients in nursing homes, the type of help they can provide depends on the nursing home policy. Some nursing homes limit what a male nurse can do, but most do not specify between genders. 

It is not unreasonable to want to ensure that you or your female loved one is not helped by male nurses during intimate activities such as diaper changes, bathing, or changing clothes. It is important to check the nursing home policy on this issue before making a choice.

You may be able to file a formal request for a female nurse to assist in these activities. Make sure the request and confirmation are well documented. Documentation is essential if there is a violation.

Cause For Concern Over Nursing Home Sexual Abuse

Nursing home abuse is a big problem. Around one in six older people experience some form of abuse in community settings each year. And two-thirds of care center staff report that they have committed abuse in the past year. Unfortunately, the abuse of older people has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Other Types Of Nursing Home Abuse

Nursing home residents should reasonably expect a high standard of care. Unfortunately, not all facilities meet this expectation. Aside from sexual abuse, here are other common types of nursing home abuse:

• Emotional abuse,
• Financial exploitation,
• Abandonment,
• Physical abuse, and
• Neglect

All forms of nursing home abuse can be extremely harmful to elderly patients. Taking action can prevent long-term harm and reduce the chances of the same thing happening to other residents.

Patient’s Rights In Nursing Homes

All nursing home residents are entitled to specific rights under California law. Upon or before admission into a nursing home, residents must be informed of their rights. These include the right to:

• Privacy, dignity, and respect;
• Plan their own medical care and treatment;
• Be fully informed of their medical condition and treatment;
• Manage their own finances;
• Choose their own physician;
• Possess personal property;
• Determine which visitors they wish to receive; and
• Be discharged or transferred only for medical reasons

Under California law, a current or former nursing home resident can file a lawsuit against the nursing home if any of their rights are violated. Sexual abuse falls under the umbrella of privacy, dignity, and respect. If you or a loved one has experienced any sort of violation of your rights as a nursing home resident, please reach out to Silva Injury Law today.

Filing A Claim For Nursing Home Abuse

No one should have to suffer from nursing home abuse. These types of cases can be complex but are well worth the effort. Survivors of nursing home abuse are entitled to compensation for what they have been through, regardless of what form of abuse took place. On top of receiving financial compensation, there is also value in seeing justice served and preventing the abuse cycle from continuing. An experienced nursing home abuse lawyer will determine the actual value of your claim and help ensure that you receive what you are entitled to. Nursing homes often have their own legal teams who are prepared to deal with accusations of abuse, and you should not face them alone. Silva Injury Law can conduct an investigation into the abuse, file a claim, negotiate on your behalf, and prepare for litigation if necessary. We are committed to helping you and your loved ones through compassionate legal representation. Contact us to schedule your free case consultation.