Nursing Home Residents, Caregivers Shared Experiences at Listening Sessions

Holtzen Appointed to Nursing Home Quality and Accountability Task Force

In March and April, Ohio nursing home residents, their families and caregivers shared their experiences of the state’s 960+ long-term care facilities with the Ohio Governor’s Nursing Home Quality and Accountability Task Force at 11 regional listening sessions held in Bowling Green, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, Nelsonville, and Youngstown. Ohioans who were not able to attend the in-person sessions were able to share their nursing home experience online.

Established by Gov. Mike DeWine, the 18-member task force was formed to study issues surrounding quality of life and quality of care in Ohio’s nursing homes. It is made up of experts in aging, long-term care and other disciplines, as well as long-term care consumers and advocates. Ursel McElroy, director of the Ohio Department of Aging, serves the task force's chair. The task force will deliver its report before the end of May.

AARP Ohio State Director Holly Holtzen was also appointed as a member of the group. “I’m honored to serve,” Holtzen said. “It’s imperative that Ohioans receive quality care from the long-term care facilities in the state. We must improve safety and enact positive change for both residents and staff. This is the first step.”

Recently, AARP hosted two town hall discussions with its members, featuring Director McElroy as guest speaker. AARP continuously works to promote transparency and accountability in nursing homes. It will continue to fight to improve the quality of care in these facilities.

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