Story perspectives

Utah Considers Legislation on Elderly Caregiver Relationships

2/25/2026

Summary

Story summary

Utah officials are responding to increasing consensual sexual relationships between elderly residents in long-term care facilities and unlicensed caregivers.
Incidents include an 18-year-old caregiver involved with multiple residents and a nursing assistant with a resident over 50 years older.
Kaye Lynn Wootton from the Utah Attorney General’s Office noted potential power imbalances in these relationships.
State Senator Jennifer Plumb proposed legislation to criminalize such interactions, while attorney Nate Crippes warned against criminalization, suggesting current accountability measures are adequate.

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Story summary

Utah officials are responding to increasing consensual sexual relationships between elderly residents in long-term care facilities and unlicensed caregivers.
Incidents include an 18-year-old caregiver involved with multiple residents and a nursing assistant with a resident over 50 years older.
Kaye Lynn Wootton from the Utah Attorney General’s Office noted potential power imbalances in these relationships.
State Senator Jennifer Plumb proposed legislation to criminalize such interactions, while attorney Nate Crippes warned against criminalization, suggesting current accountability measures are adequate.