Police are investigating an alleged indecent assault at an Illawarra aged care facility.
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The allegation involves a volunteer worker accused of fondling the breasts of a female resident, aged 75.
Sources say the woman claims a man put his hands down her shirt during a bingo game at Warrigal Care’s Albion Park Rail facility.
It is understood police will review CCTV footage from the facility and conduct interviews in relation to the allegation.
Lake Illawarra Commander Superintendent Dean Smith confirmed police were investigating a claim in respect to the indecent assault of a resident, “which is of an historical nature”.
“No person has been interviewed or charged at this time,” he said.
“Investigations are ongoing. We are working with the management of Warrigal Care in respect to this matter.”
In a statement to the Mercury, Warrigal said the husband of a resident, who was also a volunteer at the Albion Park Rail facility has been referred to police for allegations about “unwanted touching of a resident”.
The incident was alleged to have occurred in March 2018, and was investigated thoroughly by Warrigal, with all parties involved, the statement said.
“The investigation, including statements from the resident involved, indicated that the resident was touched on the shoulder.”
Warrigal said it had removed the man’s volunteer status pending the outcome of the police investigation and “will ensure that any restrictions imposed regarding limiting access to the home are followed”.
As part of Warrigal’s procedure, affected families are immediately contacted and an internal investigation is launched, independent of any police investigation, the statement said.
Craig Smith, Executive Leader, Service Integrated Communities, said: “Warrigal is disappointed that this has occurred as it does not reflect the care and wonderful support our volunteers are known for, and we will continue to provide assistance to police and to support families, residents and staff members impacted by this incident.”
Warrigal said it has over 350 volunteers and a strong history of volunteers providing support; “however, they must still undertake regular police checks and abide by our code of conduct”.
Meantime Supt Smith said this investigation was unrelated to the alleged assaults of five elderly patients at the Warrigal Care nursing home in Warilla.
A 48-year-old woman from Windang has been charged with five counts of assault on three women and two men aged between 74 and 87 in relation to those matters.