Catastrophic Coronavirus Consequences in New York Nursing Homes

Countless Facilities Failed Their Residents

Since the beginning of March, state health officials have performed close to 1,900 inspections at 613 nursing homes and 540 state facilities. A review of those records combined with direct accounts from state officials revealed that 77 New York-based nursing homes suffered from severe inadequacies that resulted in 95 health and safety violations. Of those, six were categorized as serious threats to residents.

Both private and state management and staff fell woefully and dangerously short when it came to the most basic and clearly communicated infection-control strategies. Approximately 20 facilities employed staff who were interacting with residents without wearing masks, gloves, or gowns. For some employees, hand-washing did not seem to be a priority.

Even more alarming was the continued integration of coronavirus-positive residents with others who, at the time, were not suffering from the virus.

In total, New York fined 23 nursing homes a combined $328,000, the largest accounting for $50,000. However, no amount of money can turn back the clock and bring a loved one back.

Families place trust and the well-being of their loved ones in elder care facilities. Falling short by failing to protect them from a deadly virus shatters not only the bond but also the lives of surviving loved ones.