My client lives in a wealthy neighborhood and her neighbor is a 80 to 90 year old man. Today, I wheeled her outside so she could tell me how to decorate for the fall. Her neighbor kept whistling and saying things. When I was wheeling her around the block. He came up and slapped my bottom. I told my work and they said ignore it. I do not like stange men touching me. What do I do?
In any event, I would not be using pepper spray on a very old man with dementia. I would avoid him entirely, knowing what you now know, and maybe carry a water pistol with you.............I like that idea! Tell him *loudly* to back off or you'll shoot! Then shoot him with the water gun if he gets too close. He'll probably get the message.
It's never okay to be touched by someone on your butt, even if he has dementia. I just wouldn't go overboard by calling the police on him or potentially hurting him with noxious pepper spray, considering he isn't in his right mind. That's my 2 cents worth which may only be worth a penny.
Good luck!
In a life or death situation then I say, everything is fair game. Many years ago as a teenager I was attacked and trust me, I fought like h*ll! I will spare you the ugly details but can assure you that I am so blessed to be alive.
For a tiny person like I am, I was still able to cause him harm. I aimed well and kicked very hard in the right place! He was 6’5 but collapsed. It is amazing how strong we are when adrenaline is fired up due to fear.
The OP reported him and that is good. Even after the ‘Me too’ movement, people aren’t as responsive as they should be. It’s sad.
Years ago, it was even worse. Girls and women were made to look like they were at fault if they had on a short skirt or whatever. Sexual assault wasn’t taken as seriously as it should have been.
It is still not reported to authorities as much as other offenses because not all women want to deal with not being taken seriously.
No excuse for abuse, EVER!
There is the possibility that this neighbor has dementia (one of the things that is lost are filters as to what is an acceptable norm )
Does this person live alone or is there someone else there? This might be something that you could discuss (outside the house) with another member of the household.
But I would not hesitate to call the police if this person accosts you again
I would tell him to stop immediately. No one would appreciate being smacked on the butt. It isn’t flattering or cute.
So sorry that you have dealt with his behavior.
Another crazy idea could be to give your client a squirt gun and have her use it on her neighbor if he comes near the wheelchair.
What does your client say about this?
The fact that they are not taking action tells you that they don't care about the welfare of their employees.
If you're gutsy, you could also mimic his action: slap HIS butt. (I'll bet he won't be expecting that!)
The OP in her role as caregiver could be prosecuted, but the man would not be if he has dementia.
Really, just touching someone without permission can be
A& B if you are medical personnel.
If he does this again, call 911 and report the assault.