In a shocking and distressing incident, Jessica Struhar, a 26-year-old Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) from Macomb County, Michigan, has been arraigned on charges of 2nd-degree Vulnerable Adult Abuse and Intentionally Placing False Information in a Medical Record. These charges, each carrying a potential four-year felony sentence, are a grim reminder of the vital importance of quality care in nursing homes and the severe consequences of neglect.

The Michigan Attorney General, Dana Nessel, announced Struhar’s arraignment, shedding light on the grave allegations surrounding her actions during her employment at Medilodge of Richmond, a skilled nursing facility. The charges stem from incidents in 2021 that tragically resulted in the death of a 58-year-old resident under her care.

The Department of Attorney General alleges that Struhar neglected her duties by ignoring multiple standing orders in the resident’s plan of care during mealtime. This alleged neglect led to a devastating choking incident, which had fatal consequences for the vulnerable resident. The severity of this neglect is compounded by Struhar’s alleged actions after the incident. She is accused of making several false entries in the victim’s medical records while he was receiving life-saving care from EMS and hospital personnel.

Attorney General Dana Nessel emphasized the importance of accountability in such cases, stating, “The overwhelming majority of those who provide long-term care in Michigan do so with integrity and respect for their important role. But when there is a serious breach in the responsibility entrusted to them, there are criminal consequences, and my office will seek accountability.”

The arraignment took place on Friday, October 6, before Judge Jennifer Andary, and Struhar is scheduled to appear in court again for a Probable Cause Conference on October 17. As the legal process unfolds, this case serves as a grim reminder of the critical need for vigilance and oversight in nursing homes and the vital role that CNAs and other staff members play in the well-being of vulnerable residents.

The tragic loss of life in this case underscores the responsibility that all nursing home staff members bear when caring for our elderly population. Families trust these facilities to provide the highest standard of care and support for their loved ones in their most vulnerable moments. When this trust is betrayed, the consequences can be devastating.

It is imperative that cases like this serve as a catalyst for change and renewed commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of nursing home residents. Adequate training, rigorous oversight, and strict adherence to protocols must be prioritized to prevent such tragic incidents from occurring in the future.

In the face of this heart-wrenching case, let us be reminded of the importance of vigilance, compassion, and accountability in the field of eldercare. Our elderly loved ones deserve nothing less than the highest quality of care, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that they receive it.