TOLEDO, Ohio — The Ohio Department of Aging reports that national studies show one in 10 seniors experience elder abuse and that in the state alone, more than 100 referrals a day are received for it.
There are nearly 3 million people in Ohio over 60 years old, also according to ODA. And when it comes to older loved ones who are living in senior care facilities, attorney Matt Mooney said elder abuse can be difficult to spot.
Mooney is representing the family of 72-year-old Lucy Garcia, who died after being cared for at the Arbors at Oregon nursing home in July. The Lucas County Corner's Office ruled her death a homicide caused by "caretaker neglect resulting in complications of a sacral pressure wound."
Garcia was living at the facility on Isaac Street with a stage four bedsore over the sacrum.
"A lot of family members aren't medical professionals who can recognize the signs and symptoms of bed sores, so, I think that family members are often at a disadvantage," Mooney said. "I've already had conversations with family of loved ones who developed stage four pressure ulcers at Arbors at Oregon as well. That's not the kind of injury you have just because you're old."
Mooney said after reporting possible elder abuse, it can still be hard to get justice.
"A lot of facilities have built into their operating costs some expectation that they'll be cited, which is shameful," he said.
Mooney added that family and friends with loved ones in facilities should be vigilant and watch for signs of neglect while in care, noting specific things to look out for:
- cleanliness and general appearance of the person
- bed sheets and linens
- food trays and water, as well as what they have eaten and drank
"Question everything that you're told," Mooney advised. "Be sure that you're getting involved in your loved one's care, that you're visiting frequently, that you're listening to them. Listen to their complaints."
Mooney also said it's important to talk to the nurses working directly with your loved one
And if something is not adding up:
"The next step is to call the Ohio Department of Health and talk about the signs of neglect that you're seeing," he said. "We can make change. It's just a matter of ensuring that the resident/patient is the center, the primary concern of these facilities, and not profit."
If there is still no change, Mooney said to look for an attorney who deals in nursing home negligence cases. and take the matter to civil court.
To report elder abuse, call 1-855-OHIO-APS (1-855-644-6277) or visit https://aps.jfs.ohio.gov.
