Abogados especializados en casos de maltrato y negligencia en residencias de ancianos en Columbus

Due to a nursing home patient’s physical, mental, and emotional health, there can be challenges in addressing care facility mistreatment. When victims remain silent, they must rely on friends, family, and loved ones to give them a voice. Therefore, you should keep an eye out for indications of abuse and neglect in nursing homes, including:

• Bedsores or bruises
• Unexplained injuries or infections
• Signs of malnourishment or dehydration
• Dirty linens
• Ligature marks on wrists or ankles
• Poor personal hygiene
• Sexually transmitted diseases or urinary tract infections
• General disarray or filth within the facility
• Dangerous conditions on the premises, such as unsecured flooring, shaky railings, loose electrical wiring, or unstable wheelchair ramps
• Smells indicating improper cleanup of feces, vomit, or urine

Note that some of the most devastating indications of mistreatment may be less visible. Changes in demeanor, depression, anxiety, anger or other mood swings may suggest neglect and/or abuse. If your loved one becomes noticeably withdrawn or fearful, especially in certain caretakers’ presence, it could indicate emotional abuse.

Our Columbus nursing home abuse lawyers have represented many victims in connection with misconduct, so we can help you identify and address wrongdoing. Contact Kisling, Nestico & Redick today to learn more.

There are multiple federal, state, and local agencies dedicated to enforcement of elder abuse reporting laws. Many serve as valuable resources for nursing home abuse and neglect, including:

• El Centro Nacional contra el Maltrato a las Personas Mayores
• Ohio Commission on the Prevention of Injury
• Ohio Department of Health Abuse, Neglect, and Misappropriation Program
• Franklin County Adult Protective Services
• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

There are statutes and regulations at the federal, state, and local levels dedicated to requirements of reporting elder abuse. Laws applicable to residents of Columbus, OH include:

U.S. Elder Justice Act (EJA) of 2009

The EJA covers a range of topics related to nursing home abuse and neglect, but the section on reporting places a mandatory duty on certain individuals. Owners, operators, and staff at long-term care centers must report suspected criminal activity, and facilities must conduct background checks on employees.

U.S. Older Americans Act (OAA)

Though it doesn’t place a duty to report, the OAA includes specific definitions of elder abuse to aid in filing complaints with federal agencies.

Ohio’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program

Falling under the Department of Aging, this program outlines the rights, safety, and related interests of nursing home patients.

Ohio’s Adult Protective Services Law

Under Ohio Administrative Code Chapter 5101: 2-20, health care professionals are required by law to report abuse, neglect, or exploitation to certain designated county officials. The Franklin County Adult Protective Services office is located in Columbus, OH.

Ohio Administrative Code on Abuse or Neglect in Long-Term Care Facilities

The Department of Health has established rules for how to receive and investigate reports of abuse or neglect, per Ohio Administrative Code Chapter 3701-64.

If you have questions regarding the different laws outlining reporting elder abuse in Ohio, contact our Columbus nursing home abuse lawyers immediately.