In a surprise raid by the city, county, and state authorities, an Ohio nursing home was found to have “deplorable” living conditions. Westside Health Center Nursing Home and the adjoined Terrace Assisted Living facility were found with fleas, flies, and an overall filthy environment. There were toilets that did not flush, electrical outlets without covers, accumulation of vomit in an entryway, a fire door tied shut, and residents crying about how they hadn’t had any laundry in months.
There are about fifty to seventy people residing in the two facilities, and at the moment, it is unclear what will happen to residents as well as the homes as a whole. Everything is currently still under investigation, and no criminal charges have been filed.
In a 2007 survey by the Ohio Department of Aging, Westside Health Center Nursing Home received an overall score of 81.6, while the state average was 86.2. This could have encouraged the underperforming facility to improve conditions and care. Instead, however, it looks like the conditions have even gotten worse over the past year. Major steps need to be undertaken by the facility to improve or else they need to start receiving penalties, citations, and eventually even termination.
And for even more information, click here.