Seniors advocate seeks increased nursing-home security amid Saint John sex-offences investigation

A seniors advocate is calling for improved security measures at nursing homes across New Brunswick, as Saint John police investigate “offences of a sexual nature” at Loch Lomond Villa’s The Village involving at least 12 victims, some into their 90s.

Cecile Cassista, executive director of the Coalition for Seniors and Nursing Home Residents’ Rights, calls the alleged abuse “disturbing” and “horrific.”

“It’s frightening to even think that this is happening in our homes,” she said. “We’re talking about vulnerable people here that can’t defend themselves.”

The Saint John Police Force announced the investigation Jan. 23 after being alerted by staff at the 100-bed nursing home on the city’s east side two days earlier.

Staff Sgt. Shawna Fowler said the family protection unit has identified “over a dozen” victims so far.

Sex-offences investigation at nursing home prompts call for more security

“As we are still in the initial stages of the investigation and collecting information that number could go up,” she told CBC News.

All of the victims are between their 70s and 90s, Fowler said.

She declined to discuss their physical or mental capacity, saying that could identify them.

It’s also too soon to discuss the nature of the alleged offences, which could range from sexual touching to sexual assault, or how long the alleged abuse may have occurred, Fowler said.

“We’re just not there yet,” she said, as officers continue to interview people, collect forensic evidence and seek videos. “There’s several victims and it’s still being determined what has taken place.”

Although no one has been arrested yet, police do have a suspect, said Fowler.

It’s not an employee or a resident, she said, but someone who is “affiliated” with the home.

The Village, located at 164 Loch Lomond Rd., consists of four resident houses — Cedar, Dogwood, Maple and Willow Houses — each with 25 residents.

The Villa, located across the street at 185 Loch Lomond Rd., is a 90-bed nursing home. The Loch Lomond Villa also operates three independent-living apartment buildings at that site.

Fowler would not say if the suspect is a man or a woman, but she did say police believe the alleged abuse is isolated to the one home, given the person’s “affiliation.”

The seniors advocate said without more transparency, that’s cold comfort for the residents of the province’s nursing homes and their families.

“Is that person travelling around the province? We don’t know,” she said.

“There are many homes that you can just walk in, you know, pretend you know somebody and you go in. So are the seniors in these homes safe? That’s a question that I have.

“It’s a situation that really needs pressing — stringent rules to be straightened out. I can’t stress it any further than that.”

Cassista acknowledged some homes do have doors with security codes, but contends more precautions are needed. She suggested requiring all visitors to register could help.

In an emailed statement, Loch Lomond Villa CEO Ashley King said they “became aware” of a “serious situation” at the Village last week.

“Upon receiving this information, the matter was reported to the police, and all families of impacted residents have been informed,” she said.

Additional safety measures have been implemented, including the presence of on-site security, King said.

“We understand the concern this situation raises for residents, families, and staff, and we are committed to maintaining open communication while respecting the privacy of those involved and the integrity of the investigation.”

The Department of Social Development, which oversees long-term care, declined to comment, citing the ongoing investigation.

Health Minister Dr. John Dornan offered a brief comment during an unrelated news conference in Fredericton on Tuesday.

“That’s being investigated and we cannot comment on an ongoing investigation,” he said. “I can confirm that the residents that are there are safe, that they’re not at risk of further violations.”

Police have set up a dedicated phone line for affected families and are asking anyone with information to contact them at 506-648-3333 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477)

Fowler said they’re also asking for patience.

“Just like the general population, the police, as well, are concerned when the elderly are victimized,” she said.

“We want to make sure here at the police force that we do our best job possible for the victims and for the judicial process to go smoothly.”