TN- TBI Investigates Alleged Sexual Assault At Nursing Home

12-11-2008 Tennessee:

88-Year-Old Being Treated At Hospital

TULLAHOMA, Tenn. -- The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is investigating a case of possible abuse at a Tullahoma nursing home.

Video: Condom Allegedly Found In Nursing Home Bed

It's alleged that a condom was found in an 88-year-old woman's bed. She is being treated at a hospital for numerous infections.

TBI spokeswoman Kristin Helm said that a doctor suspects the woman was sexually assaulted. She said the alleged incident occurred March 4, and TBI was notified March 6. The investigation was opened at that time and is ongoing.

Ken Eisele is the executive director of Life Care Center. In a statement Thursday, he said the "allegations of abuse" are "unsubstantiated" and that Life Care performs a background check -- including a check of the Sex Offender Registry -- on every person who is hired.

Eisele also said the company's goal is to preserve the safety and well-being of residents.

The Department of Human Services said Thursday that when the center was last inspected, there were no deficiencies found related to failure to conduct background checks on employees.

The TBI said there's also an ongoing investigation about a similar incident that is alleged to have happened back in March at Life Care Center of Tullahoma.

"All of our experices have been positive, and it amazes me that anything like that would happen in this place," said a man who moved his 83-year-old wife to Life Care Center a few weeks ago. ..News Source.. by Cynthia Williams