No hot water or electric for 1 1/2 weeks now

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hello! i just have a quick question for all the experienced nursing home nurses. our nursing home has no hot water or electric(we are on partial electricity from the generators) since last sunday. there are rumors about state evacuating us because there haven't been any showers since this happened. my question is: can this happen? we don't want it to, but the complany says it will be months before it is fixed. it's bad enough that we have extension cords running out into the halls to the red outlets, but no hot water or electric in the rooms....

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Specializes in NICU, Infection Control.

I'm not in LTC, but IMO, if you can't provide the residents w/electricity and hot water, the residents should be transferred to other facilities, and the home should be closed until basic necesities can be supplied.

I am assuming this is not the result of natural disaster, even so, you can't properly care for your patients like this.

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Specializes in LTC,Hospice/palliative care,acute care.
hello! i just have a quick question for all the experienced nursing home nurses. our nursing home has no hot water or electric(we are on partial electricity from the generators) since last sunday. there are rumors about state evacuating us because there haven't been any showers since this happened. my question is: can this happen? we don't want it to, but the complany says it will be months before it is fixed. it's bad enough that we have extension cords running out into the halls to the red outlets, but no hot water or electric in the rooms....

That sounds like a very dangerous situation.If the department of health is aware they will either evacuate or force the company to make the repairs now...If the state has not been called someone should do it.If this was happening in low income housing it would be all over the news-is this situation common knowledge in the area? I would tip off the local news,too...The residents deserve safe and comfortable living conditions -as do the employees-evacuation may be inconvenient for the employees and upsetting to the residents but they really should not have to stay there in those conditions.

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Specializes in EMS, ER, GI, PCU/Telemetry.

i would think you would want them to give your company an option: put your residents in a new facility at their expense, or make the necessary repairs. isnt it called an immediate jeopardy or something? it is not safe for you or your residents and it is not fair for them to live below optimal conditions when they or their family members are paying for them to live there and expect them to get basic necessity like a shower and hot meals.

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Good Lord! Are you sure you are in Ohio and not Galveston??? This sounds pretty crazy and I feel quite sure something must be done as hot water and electricity are considered basic needs in this country.

Sorry you have to deal with all that, and hope things get resolved soon! :(

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Specializes in Acute Mental Health.

Could you all just imagine having a loved one in that place? UGH!!!!:eek:

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i'm in ohio, too. and we sure did have awful wind and storms last sunday. around where i live there were a lot of power outages, and there are some residents who either just had power restored, or still don't have any. on monday a lot of schools in my area were closed. i would think that they would make a nursing home a priority in getting the electric and stuff repaired, though! especially because of all of the residents who live there that may have a lot of health problems. did they say why it will take so long to repair the electricity and stuff? perhaps evacuating everyone would be best. i do hope things get restored soon, and that everything works out well for you guys!

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Would you leave your mother there? Or husband? Or children? Let that be your guide...

Well, maybe I should the husband part out... :roll

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Specializes in NH, HH, Agency.

I am also in Ohio and have been out of power since last Sunday. The power company says they are prioritizing and doing everything they can. Has your facilty manager called to inform them of the needs of the residents. If nothing else can be arranged...the residents should be transferred to other facilities, hospitals, extended stay with family, etc.

It just endangers patients...no proper showers, hot meals?, tripping hazars from improper lighting and extension cords. I cannot believe management does not have a contingency plan for this situation.

I myself was unable to work for 5 days because my patient (home health) had to go to hotel as he is on a vent n feed tube at night. Now I am back, but have to go to Y to shower, etc as I still have no power.They are saying it could be up to another week.

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Specializes in Ortho, Neuro, Detox, Tele.

Regardless, residents MUST be evacuated for safety and hygiene reasons....if for nothing else...IMHO.

When I worked in LTC, we had a power outage for 24 hours....and we took 60 residents(200 total) to a cooling center at local uni..the ones who were medical and elderly.....we kept giving ice water, keeping doors and windows open....etc. Personally, as a professional, I would WANT my residents to get good care, even if it meant I would be out of work for a month or two...I'd figure out something to get by.

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