Elder Abuse Law: Ohio Politicians Testify

COLUMBUS, OH — On Wednesday, state Senators Nickie Antonio and Andrew O. Brenner testified on behalf of their bipartisan anti-elder abuse legislation, Esther's Law. The bill would give families the right to set up cameras in nursing homes to monitor the treatment of loved ones.

Antonio, a Democrat from Lakewood, said she got involved with Esther's Law because a constituent shared his personal story of dealing with elder abuse in Ohio.

“This bill is named after Esther Piskor, who tragically passed away while in a nursing home facility in Northeast Ohio after her son caught health care professionals abusing her on camera,” said Antonio. “This legislation is an important first step to mitigate any elder abuse within long-term care facilities in Ohio. As legislators, it is our responsibility to protect the most vulnerable citizens in our state, especially the elderly.”

One study suggests only one in 14 cases of elder abuse is actually reported. The National Council on Aging said some agencies believe there may be 5 million cases of elder abuse a year. In Ohio, there are approximately 16,000 cases of elder abuse reported each year.

Antonio was joined in her testimony by Brenner, a Republican from Powell. He too said his supporters had reached out to him with stories of elder abuse and his constituents urged him to support Esther's Law.

“Having had several constituents reach out to me on this issue, I believe this bill to be the next best course of action to address the problem of elder abuse,” said Brenner. “I look forward to having members of the public in to testify, to expound on what is happening in these facilities and why electronic monitoring would be of benefit to their loved ones.”

Esther's Law will be the subject of future hearings in the Ohio Congress, including the Senate Health, Human Services and Medicaid committee.