The COVID-19 pandemic exposed massive holes in the procedures and protocols of long-term care and nursing homes in New York state, and while we wait for Gov. Kathy Hochul to produce the report she promised months ago detailing those shortcomings, we must also grapple with new horror stories related to these facilities.

Earlier this week, the state attorney general’s office filed a lawsuit detailing a despicable elder abuse and profiteering scheme at an Orleans County nursing home facility. In the complaint, Attorney General Letitia James alleged inhumane conditions, inappropriate drugging and even fatal negligence took place at the Villages of Orleans Health and Rehabilitation Center in Western New York.

The home’s operators were said to have financial interests in other homes across the state and nation and hid that fact as they let the home deteriorate and fattened their pockets at the expense of the residents. These allegations are gravely serious, and again we are witnessing vulnerable residents of long-term care facilities in New York and their families let down by the state.

Clearly, the state’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak was grossly mishandled. That fact, now crystal clear in hindsight of the pandemic’s climax, should have been an obvious wakeup call to the governor and relevant state agencies. Members of the Assembly Minority Conference, along with residents, local government officials and lawmakers from both sides of the aisle recognized the need for a more thorough review of these facilities.

Yet, little has been done to address the matter. Now, not only is there a seemingly endless number of unanswered questions regarding the state’s pandemic response in these homes, there are, perhaps, even more egregious failures taking place.

Unfortunately, the Hochul Administration has failed to prioritize the residents of these facilities. They have yet to produce a report on the condition of these facilities or even begin a formal review. Where is the accountability and what is the excuse for unnecessary delays? Again, I am calling for a full investigation into New York’s pandemic response in long-term care facilities, especially in light of the horrific allegations brought by the attorney general.

We must protect our most vulnerable residents, and right now they, and their families, are not getting the time, attention and energy they deserve. 

If you have any questions or comments on this or any other state issue, or if you would like to be added to my mailing list or receive my newsletter, please contact my office. My office can be reached by mail at 19 Canalview Mall, Fulton, NY 13069 and by email at barclayw@nyassembly.gov.