Ohio’s Growing Issue With Nursing Home Abuse

Ohio's Growing Issue With Nursing Home AbuseNursing home abuse is inexcusable. Regardless, the problem affects many nursing home residents in Ohio. If you or a family member are dealing with this problem, take action today to hold the abusers liable.

Partner with the Columbus nursing home abuse lawyers at Soroka & Associates, LLC, to address this issue legally and request compensation from anyone who contributed to the abuse.

Elder abuse could affect millions of Ohioans

According to the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, there were 36,000 reports of potential elder abuse in 2023. Meanwhile, nearly 3 million Ohioans — approximately 25% of the state’s population — are 60 years of age or older. These individuals are at risk of abuse in nursing homes and elsewhere.

Along with this, research suggests up to one in ten seniors is the victim of elder abuse nationally, the Ohio Department of Aging notes. In many instances, seniors feel unsafe and helpless to fight back against the abuse they experience. They are often afraid to report the abuse to the authorities due to fear of what will happen if the perpetrator of the abuse finds out that they did.

Ohio nursing homes face consequences if they put seniors in danger

At least five nursing homes in Ohio received violations in 2024. Problems reported that led to these violations included failure to:

  • Treat a resident’s injured heel properly;
  • Administer the correct medication to a patient; and
  • Give residents the COVID-19 vaccine.

In May 2024, the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) cited a Springfield Township nursing home for abuse. This is due in part to “Esther’s law,” which allows for video cameras to be installed in nursing home residents’ rooms under certain circumstances.

Thanks to Esther’s law, there was video footage that showed a nursing home employee hit a resident in the head and restrained them. Two nursing home workers were fired because of this incident.

New legislation could protect nursing home residents from being isolated

In June 2024, the Ohio House of Representatives unanimously approved the “Never Alone Act,” which could help ensure that every nursing home resident “has access to an advocate to be with them.”

The act requires Ohio nursing homes to inform residents that they have the option to designate an advocate for them. It also prevents these facilities from denying patients access to an advocate.

As of December 2024, the Never Alone Act was with the Ohio General Assembly. In addition, the bill is heading to Ohio Governor Mike DeWine for review.

What to do if you or a family member are dealing with nursing home abuse

If you or a family member are in serious danger, call 911 so that you or the family member in danger may be moved to a safe location.

Tell nursing home administrators about the abuse you or your family member suffers. Document the dates, times, and information you share with these administrators. If these administrators ultimately choose to do nothing, you will have proof you can use against them at a later time.

Notify Adult Protective Services (APS) about the abuse you or a member of your family is experiencing. You can also contact the Ohio Attorney General Elder Justice Unit and submit a complaint to ODH regarding the abuse. Share as much information as you can regarding the abuse you or your family member has faced. ODH officials can conduct an investigation and determine if further action is warranted.

Tips to help you deal with nursing home abuse

Do not wait to report nursing home abuse. Unfortunately, this issue is unlikely to disappear on its own. Here are tips to help you report this abuse to the authorities and take legal action against anyone who has harmed you or your family member.

Talk to your loved ones about the abuse

If you are the victim of nursing home abuse, let family members and friends know about the issue and how it is affecting you. Your loved ones can advocate for you and support you as you attempt to put an end to this abuse.

For those who have a family member living in a nursing home facility, keep the lines of communication open. If you notice signs of abuse, or if the individual brings up abuse, give their concerns the attention they deserve. You can help to protect your loved one from abuse moving forward.

Gather proof

Document each time you or a family member experiences or reports abuse. If you have plenty of evidence to support your claim, it becomes difficult for any liable parties to dispute it.

Get medical care for abuse-related injuries. Your health and well-being, or those of a family member dealing with nursing home abuse, are paramount. With each doctor’s visit, you or your family member obtain evidence that shows the severity of these injuries. These medical records can help you prove that abuse has been ongoing, and those responsible should be held accountable.

Consider relocation

If possible, do not stay in a nursing home where you or your family member do not feel safe. You or your family member can relocate to a different nursing home and report the abuse that occurred at the prior one.

Never hesitate to ask for legal help. Trust a Columbus nursing home abuse attorney with a history of positive case results.

Partner with Columbus nursing home abuse lawyers who value honesty and transparency

Nursing home abuse impacts nursing home residents in Ohio and across the United States. If you or a member of your family is being abused by nursing home staff, you have the right to stop them.

The team at Soroka & Associates, LLC understands just how challenging it can be to discuss nursing home abuse. Our compassionate attorneys are available to help you with your nursing home abuse case. To get started, contact our Columbus legal team today.