Awful neglect

Investigators in Kenton County, Ohio are looking into a nursing home in Erlanger, where several complaints have been filed against Villa Springs Nursing Home.

As many as five patients may have died as a result of abuse and neglect, authorities said.

One former patient told News 5 he nearly died trying to get help from a nurse when he stayed at Villa Spring.  “She wouldn’t stay with me,” said the man, who declined to give his name or appear on camera. “She brought me a couple of pills and ran off.”

The World War II Navy veteran said he could barely breathe and asked the nurse to call 911.

“When I turned my light on for help, she turned it off,” he said.

The man said the nurse refused to provide care until he tried to call 911 himself. Emergency crews discovered he had been having a heart attack.

“We’ve received over 50 calls already in this office, complaints (and) concerns from families who have had past experiences and current experiences with this facility,” said Kenton County Commonwealth Attorney Garry Edmondson.

Despite numerous complaints, Villa Spring representatives said their facility meets quality standards.