Aide Fired For Having Inappropriate Relationship With Former Patient

SAUK RAPIDS, Minn. (AP) - A home health aide has been fired in Sauk Rapids for having sexual contact with a former patient.

A state Health Department investigator says the female aide for Good Shepherd Home Health Care in Sauk Rapids told her superiors she was developing feelings for the physically disabled male patient.

The aide was removed from the case, but she and her former patient would have supper together, watch movies and have sexual contact. She told investigators she didn't believe she was violating any rules because she was no longer the man's caregiver.

Reports say when Good Shepherd found out about the relationship, the aide was fired.

The state report characterizes the aide's actions as "abuse" and says Good Shepherd did nothing wrong.