Families are scrambling to find new accommodations for their loved ones now that the state health department is shutting down a Columbus assisted care facility.
Residents of The Woodlands at Eastland were promised a rewarding and worry-free life. But state inspectors found otherwise. A caregiver complained of mice and rats in the hallways and bedbugs in a few rooms. Residents complained about the poor quality of food.
Beverly Laubert, the state’s long-term care ombudsman, says there were staffing concerns, too.
“These problems have been going on for some time: care concerns, hiring of staff concerns, staff training, a number of problems,” Laubert says.
24 complaints were investigated during the past 12 months; a number which Laubert described as “concerning.” Finally the facility notified Laubert that it could no longer remain open. Now 48 residents will have to move.