Do nursing homes take sex offenders? There are nursing homes that accept sex offenders, but they aren’t easy to find.
It’s common for nursing homes to run background checks before accepting residents. In some states, checking the sex offenders registry is a legal requirement for nursing homes.
Why It’s Hard to Find Nursing Homes That Accept Sex Offenders in 2024
Whether you’re trying to find a nursing home for yourself, or you’re a relative looking for long-term care facilities that accept sex offenders, you’re likely to face significant obstacles.
Finding nursing homes that accept felons and sex offenders is challenging because most nursing homes aren’t set up to manage the challenges and liabilities that come with housing and caring for registered persons. Nursing home managers must ensure the safety of their vulnerable residents and their staff.
Often located close to schools, daycares, churches, and parks, many nursing homes are off-limits to sex offenders due to proximity restrictions. Some states require nursing homes to notify residents and staff if a sex offender is going to be admitted, which leads to pushback from the community and potential damage to the facility’s reputation.
Nursing homes can be held liable for millions of dollars in damages if a sex offender attacks another resident. Long-term care facilities that accept sex offenders often have waiting lists. The reality is that many nursing homes don’t accept sex offenders. Those that do may only accept registered sex offenders with a low risk of re-offending.
How to Find Nursing Homes for Known Offenders
Here are some effective methods you can use to locate nursing homes that accept sex offenders:
Check Your State Law
Find out if nursing homes in your state are required to run background checks on residents. If they are, be upfront about your sex offender status when you contact them. Where there’s no state-mandated background check requirement, simply ask about resident acceptance criteria to gauge whether you should apply to become a resident.
Call and Ask Directly
Because nursing homes have different policies depending on state laws and their internal guidelines, the most straightforward approach is to contact long-term care facilities directly and ask about their admittance policies for sex offenders. Start with nursing homes near me, and then expand your search to nursing homes in your state and beyond.
Visit Medicare.gov Nursing Home Compare to find facilities in your area. Enter your location, call each listed nursing home, and inquire about their admissions policy.
Search the Sex Offender Registry
Another way to locate long-term care facilities that accept sex offenders is by searching state sex offender registries, as registered offenders’ addresses are usually publicly available. This can help identify nursing homes that already house registered sex offenders.
To find state registries, use the links at the National Sex Offender Public Website: NSOPW.gov.
Contact Social Services
Your local social services department can help identify which nursing homes will consider admitting sex offenders. They may reach out to facilities on your behalf or refer you to other agencies that specialize in assisting those in need of care. If you’re a senior citizen or disabled adult, Adult Protective Services may also provide assistance in finding an appropriate facility.
Sex offenders currently in the hospital should speak to the hospital’s social worker, clearly stating that family members cannot or will not provide care. Hospitals must arrange safe discharges for patients with ongoing care needs.
State Long-Term Care Ombudsman
Each state has a long-term care ombudsman who advocates for people in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. They can offer guidance on searching for a nursing home and help you understand your rights.
What If You Can’t Find A Care Home?
If you can’t find a care home in your locale, consider searching for nursing homes near me in other areas. This may involve relocating away from family and friends to receive the care you need.
Investigate board and care homes, also known as residential homes or group homes. These facilities may accept sex offenders and generally have fewer residents than assisted living facilities. You may be able to find single-sex group homes that accept sex offenders or facilities catering exclusively to registered persons.
While board and care facilities don’t provide skilled nursing services, they offer 24/7 care, including assistance with daily activities and medication management. Residents can also arrange for regular visits from in-home nursing providers.
Next Steps
- Contact social services for assistance in finding a nursing home.
- Seek advice from your long-term care ombudsman.
- Begin contacting nursing homes in your area.
- Explore options for board and care homes that may be suitable for your needs.
Finding appropriate care in nursing homes that accept registered persons, including felons and sex offenders, can be a daunting task but knowing where to look and whom to ask can significantly ease the process.
1. Do nursing homes accept registered sex offenders?
Yes, some nursing homes do accept registered sex offenders, but they are hard to find and often have restrictions due to safety and liability concerns.
2. How can I find nursing homes that accept sex offenders?
You can check state laws, contact nursing homes directly, search state sex offender registries, or seek assistance from social services.
3. Are there alternatives if I can’t find a nursing home?
Yes, board and care homes are an alternative, especially if 24/7 skilled nursing care isn’t needed.
