The decision to transition an elderly loved one to a nursing facility can be difficult and heartbreaking for many families. However, some individuals’ medical and care needs can be too burdensome for most spouses or children to manage on their own. In many cases, placement in a nursing care facility can be the most practical and loving decision.
However, the quality of nursing home care in the United States has undergone increased scrutiny as more baby boomers transition into retirement or experience declining health. States vary in the quality of care within their nursing homes. Most states, including Ohio, have a long way to go before families can feel confident about placing the care of their loved ones into others’ hands.
How Ohio Measures Up in Nursing Home Care
Families for Better Care publishes a comprehensive report on nursing home quality by state. The organization ranks and scores each state using criteria developed by the federal government. At the top of this list are states receiving A grades; these include, in order, Hawaii, Delaware, Alaska, Rhode Island, Utah, Idaho, Arizona, the District of Columbia, Maine, and New Jersey. The 10 worst-performing states receiving Fs are Texas (51), North Carolina (50), Illinois (49), Georgia (48), New Mexico (47), Pennsylvania (46), Michigan (45), Oklahoma (44), Louisiana (43), Arkansas (42), and Indiana (41).
Ohio scored a D and dropped in rank from 34 to 40. The following issues were cited as reasons for the current ranking and grade:
- Only 25% of the state’s facilities scored “above average” in health inspections.
- Almost one in five nursing homes in the state has suffered deficiencies that make them potentially dangerous.
- Nearly 90% of Ohio’s facilities have been cited for a regulatory deficiency.
- On average, residents of the state’s nursing homes get about two hours and 18 minutes of direct care daily.
According to the report, about 500,000 older adults in the United States live in nursing homes with below-average scores, often due to staffing issues. Also, mistreatment, neglect, and abuse have occurred in one in five nursing homes across the country. Hiring more qualified staff can help prevent injury and decrease elder abuse.
Your Loved Ones Deserve the Best Nursing Care
No one should take lightly the decision to place a loved one in a nursing home. Many of these facilities provide excellent care and employ compassionate staff. Others, however, may be lacking in quality.
If you have questions or concerns about the nursing home care of a loved one, consider speaking with a skilled personal injury attorney in the Cincinnati area. A lawyer with years of experience in the Cincinnati or tri-state area will be familiar with laws governing nursing homes.