nuring homesdeaths in new orleans area

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I heard on the news in the first few days after the storm that the staff evacuated nursing homes & most, if not all, of the residents passed away. Haven't heard anything else about it. Was just wondering if anyone else heard this or has heard anything further about it. I just can't believe that the WHOLE staff evacuated & left all the residents to fend for themselves.

Specializes in Education, Acute, Med/Surg, Tele, etc.

I work in assisted living...and starting THE DAY of the threat that this storm was not only real, but a horror...we all stood around TV's wondering why people were not being evacuated! We thought that people without transportation were meeting in the convention hall and stadium to be transported...we were shocked that they weren't, and I can't say there was a dry eye or shout from residents and staff alike!

We were like "get any truck, any van, any bus...get THEM OUT!"...then we contimplated the hospitals and other medical facilities...surely they would have gotten them out! My goodness when we found out that was far from the case....oh man we all were heartbroken, ticked, and very very confused as to why this did not occur!!!!

We also are very scared! We here in Oregon NW corner are subject to earthquakes that have no warning as to them comming or not. Will we also get neglected? Trust me, our evacuation plan is out of date despite complaints from staff, residents and family members...and NEVER practiced fully (fire alarm drills yes, but no evacuation during them..simply close the doors, find the source...that type of thing!). We have two stories, and yes, imobile people on the second floor (which kills me! How stupid is that!).

Guess the ol mighty dollar wins...too expensive to evacuate, even for a drill once a year! Who will suffer from that besides staff and patient if the big one hits...we are one of 8 assisted living/nursing homes in this one town...the EMS will..and be taxed beyond reason...leaving us caregivers, CNA's and RN's trying to keep it all together at the same time as needing to tend to our own homes and families!

OUCH...hope much is learned from this!

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Just heard on Fox news that the owners of the nursing home are being charged with 34 counts of negligent homicide (I think thats the charge) & are in jail at this time. They also said that the owners were begged to evacuate the pt's & refused. It didn't say any nurses are being charged & also didn't say if any staff were found along with the pt's. This I would be curious to know.

The name of the nursing home is St. Ritas in Chalmette La.

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Specializes in Education, Acute, Med/Surg, Tele, etc.

Wow...that was quick! If that home didn't evacuate I can see this charge...and as a healthcare worker if I was mandated to stay...oh they would have a lawsuit from me too for the horror and choices I would have been forced to make giving me nightmares for the rest of my life!

I know these hurricaines happen, and some listen some don't..but when it comes to healthcare and folks that can not evacuate when needed...you don't take chances period! You get them out...sigh later if it wasn't needed..but get them out each and every time!

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When I first heard this on Fox they first said "staff and owners" would be charged. Then a few minutes later they were just saying owners. Does anyone know if staff can be charged for this? Can you be charged with a crime if you are there, doing all that you can do, and at the last moment possible---I can't even imagine how horrible and difficult this would be---left to save your own life?

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Specializes in Education, Acute, Med/Surg, Tele, etc.

I hadn't heard, but I would want to have the staff questioned very well to see what horrors they had to deal with, and the reasons they chose to leave. I mean, if the place was filling with water, winds tearing the place apart, I don't think I would be alone in choosing to get myself and anyone else I COULD take out!

What a nightmare...

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I hadn't heard, but I would want to have the staff questioned very well to see what horrors they had to deal with, and the reasons they chose to leave. I mean, if the place was filling with water, winds tearing the place apart, I don't think I would be alone in choosing to get myself and anyone else I COULD take out!

What a nightmare...

I agree. Unbearably horrible. I would have to take at least one and go...to the roof?

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It seems some of the 34 may have been staff.

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I am so glad to hear that the nursing home owners are being charged with negligent homicide. I hope they get the maximum punishment that they so richly deserve. :angryfire

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