Nursing houses accused of mistreating residents, misusing $83 million in lawsuit from New York AG

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — The operators of 4 nursing houses in New York misused greater than $83 million in authorities funds and uncared for residents, together with some who have been malnourished or have been left to take a seat for hours in their very own urine and feces, state Attorney General Letitia James mentioned in a lawsuit Wednesday.

The lawsuit filed in Manhattan accuses homeowners and operators of Centers Health Care of utilizing Medicaid and Medicare funds to complement themselves, their relations and associates as an alternative of for the care of the residents. James claims understaffing on the houses contributed to neglect.

“Residents were left alone and on their own, often unaided and unsupervised, leading to dangerous falls and broken bones. Residents lived in squalor, surrounded by neglected food trays, vermin and the smell of human waste,” James mentioned at a information convention held with residents’ relations.

The firm denied the allegations.

“Centers Health Care prides itself on its commitment to patient care. Centers denies the New York Attorney General’s allegations wholeheartedly and attempted to resolve this matter out of court. We will fight these spurious claims with the facts on our side,” spokesperson Jeff Jacomowitz mentioned in an emailed assertion.

The 4 houses within the lawsuit are Beth Abraham Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing within the Bronx, the Holliswood Center for Rehabilitation and Healthcare in Queens, the Martine Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing in Westchester County and the Buffalo Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing.

The go well with claims residents’ meals have been late, garments have been stolen and name bells have been unanswered. One resident with extreme mattress sores developed sepsis, was hospitalized and died. Another resident didn’t have her colostomy bag hooked up. Others suffered from dehydration.

“My uncle was found sitting in a filthy room, unbathed and only wearing an adult diaper. This wasn’t my uncle. George was a veteran. He was an artist.” mentioned Cynthia Vega, recalling her late Uncle George’s keep at Holliswood.

When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, the houses failed to manage its unfold. More than 400 residents throughout the 4 houses died in 2020, in keeping with James.

The lawsuit names Centers Health Care co-owners Kenneth Rozenberg and Daryl Hagler and a collection of companies owned by them, members of the family or enterprise associates.