Will Ohio Elder Abuse in Nursing Homes Decrease With More Money Going To In-Home Care
Will Ohio Elder Abuse Rise or Fall With More Money Going Towards Home Care and Less Money Going Toward Nursing Home Care.
The state of Ohio is spending more on home care for its elderly and less on nursing home care. This is a result of as a demand for long-term care service has increased in Ohio, as Ohioans are living longer and tipping the population toward a higher number of elders in the state. With this new trend allowing Ohio elderly to live at home the attorneys at Wright & Schulte LLC are hoping for a decline in Ohio nursing home abuse, which happens all to much in Ohio. Just a couple months ago an Ohio nursing home was closed after numerous reports of elder abuse and other violations.
Last year, the state of Ohio set a goal of spending a higher amount of money on alternative care options to nursing homes, while also making an effort to keep costs from rising. The goal was to spend at least 50 percent of the Medicaid long-term-care budget on home or community based services and the rest on nursing homes and institutional care facilities.
The federal deadline for meeting this goal was September, 2015, but Ohio was able to reach this goal in September of this year. Last year, Ohio’s Medicaid budget was $169 million, which was used to keep seniors in their homes longer. Often, elderly individuals prefer to stay in their homes. Ohio is one of 16 states that received funding in the Affordable Care Act Balancing Incentive Program.
[http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2014/09/11/spending-on-nursing-homes-falls.html, September 2014]
With Ohio elder abuse on the rise, and many cases occur inside the elderly person’s own home it may not be a welcoming alternative for some. In a nursing home, other staff members, family members, and cameras can often help keep an eye on patients to watch for elder abuse. However, in a home setting, fewer eyes may lead to further increases in elder abuse.
Ohio and the federal government may not be making the decision to spend more on home care purely for the benefit of the elderly, either. According to the Columbus Dispatch, studies show that states with higher home care budgets spend less overall on long-term care. Ohio nursing home costs average about $64,000 per year, while at-home care costs just about half that amount. Ohio’s elderly population is expected to double by 2040, which will result in a huge increase in costs if nursing homes are the primary method of care.
However, precautions must also be taken to ensure the elderly are secure in their homes. Elder abuse in Ohio is on the rise. In 2013, over 50 additional reports of nursing home abuse were filed with the Attorney General’s office over 2012. These reports accuse medical staff of a variety of forms of abuse from sexual abuse to financial abuse. One case brought to trial on September 5th reported that Ohio independent home care provider Linda Frame billed Ohio Medicaid for 113 services that she did not provide documentation for. She received $192,068 from Medicaid for reimbursement for those services and was ordered to pay the state $26,454 for improper billing.
Ohio elder abuse also occurs in nursing homes. In April 2014, the Attorney General shut down a Fayette County nursing home after several complaints of sexual abuse and failed inspections. Last year, East Galbraith Health Care Center was accused of several counts of patient abuse and financial exploiting residents. Of over 1,000 nursing home facilities in Ohio, only 20 percent had no inspection violations according to the 2013 Nursing Home Report Card. [http://nursinghomereportcards.com/state/oh/, September 2014]
These reports show that elder abuse can occur whether at home or in a nursing home. Individuals can protect their loved ones best by communicating with the elderly and caregivers, keeping a careful eye on potential signs of abuse, and spending time with the elderly individuals either at home or in a nursing home.
Wright & Schulte LLC speaks with families of loved ones who have experienced Ohio elder abuse in nursing homes and with in-home elder abuse care. The firm is hoping that a safe guard systems will be put in place to make sure the proper care is being given to Ohio’s elderly.
About Wright & Schulte LLC
Wright & Schulte LLC, an experienced personal injury firm, is dedicated to the belief that America’s legal system should work for the people. Every day, the attorneys of Wright & Schulte LLC stand up for the rights of people who have been injured or wronged. If you need a law firm that will guarantee the aggressive and personal representation you deserve, contact Wright & Schulte LLC today. Call1-800-399-0795 or visit www.yourohiolegalhelp.com
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Wright & Schulte LLC
865 S. Dixie Dr.
Vandalia, Ohio 45377
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