by Colin G. Meeker, Attorney at Law
email: [email protected] :: 
office: 330.253.3337 :: 
mobile: 330.603.7173
So Ohioans can become more informed about nursing homes and COVID-19, we are reviewing data collected by the State of Ohio concerning the total number of cases at nursing homes and the overall rating given to the home by Medicare. Today we spotlight Arbors at Stow, located in Stow, Ohio.
According to preliminary data collected by the State of Ohio as of April 30, 2020, Arbors at Stow nursing home has 19 cumulative resident cases and 8 cumulative staff cases. The total amount of deaths, if any, was not reported. As of April 28, 2020, there were 15 deaths reported among Summit County’s long-term care facilities.
According to Medicare, Arbors at Stow received an “above average” overall rating. Medicare assigns this overall rating based on a nursing home’s performance relating to health inspections, staffing, and quality measures. Arbors at Stow, a for profit company, received an above average health inspection rating, an average staffing rating, and an average quality measures rating. Arbors at Stow’s last health inspection (4/5/2019) found that the nursing home failed to timely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.
As Arbors at Stow residents continue to fight COVID-19, we would like to send our thoughts and prayers to all residents there for a healthy recovery.
Nursing Home Liability
Although a nursing home like Arbors at Stow received an above average grade from Medicare, their COVID-19 numbers are some of the highest in Summit County. Families who have loved ones at Arbors at Stow, or any nursing home for that matter, must act fast upon learning that their loved one’s home has COVID-19. Start by reaching out to the home’s administrator to see what isolation actions have been taken to reduce the spread of the virus. Second, determine how the nursing home is preventing the transmission of the virus among its staff. Finally, demand to know whether the home has adequate PPE in stock to take care of its patients and staff and whether testing is being done. After determining whether the administrator’s answers seem credible, you must learn whether your loved one has the virus, and if not, whether it’s a good time to get the person out of the nursing home temporarily. There are many factors to consider prior to removing a patient from a nursing home, however if they are extremely likely to contract COVID-19 and die at a home and you have the chance to put them in a temporary safe place, all options must be considered.
If your loved one has become infected by COVID-19 while at a nursing home, and you question the home’s administrator’s actions or responses to your questions, you should always speak with a COVID-19 attorney in your time of need.
The COVID-19 attorneys at Blakemore, Meeker & Bowler Co., L.P.A. are currently assisting families who lost residents of nursing homes with COVID-19 now. We are experienced in litigating wrongful death and personal injury cases and will be by your side as you grieve while we assist you in compensating you for your loss. Please contact Attorney Colin G. Meeker at (330) 603-7173 for help understanding your legal options.
Note: We have constructed this post using outside sources, including news bulletins and first-hand accounts from outside sources. The details concerning this accident have not been independently verified and so, if you have identified false information, please inform us immediately. We will adjust the post to reflect accurate content.
Disclaimer: At Blakemore, Meeker & Bowler Co., L.P.A., we are always looking to improve the quality and safety of our state and have been saddened by the outcome of the COVID-19 pandemic across Ohio. We hope to inform those in our community about the outbreak in the hopes that those who are responsible for taking care of our elders will work to avoid unnecessary loss of life in the future. These posts are not to be taken as a solicitation for business. The information within should never be misconstrued as medical or legal advice. We hope that all involved in the Coronavirus epidemic will receive a speedy recovery.
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