Results: Major abuses at NY nursing homes revealed from lawsuit

The misappropriation resulted in state Attorney General Letitia James filing a lawsuit in Manhattan on Wednesday. The lawsuit, filed against Centers Health Care owners and operators, accuses those named of using Medicare and Medicaid funds for individual gain and to enrich the lives of relatives and other associates. The funds were for the care of residents who, instead, were neglected. Co-owners Daryl Hagler and Kenneth Rozenberg, businesses they own, business associates and family members were named in the lawsuit. Do you think it is especially egregious when criminals like Hagler and Rozenberg commit their devious acts - and harm children or the elderly in the process?

In a press conference, James said, "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 also noted that the homes were understaffed, increasing the level of neglect. Have you ever experienced (either personally or via a family member) unacceptable conditions at a nursing home or similar facility?

The lawsuit also alleges meals were late, clothes went missing, and the call bells they used to request assistance were left unanswered. One resident, hospitalized for severe bed sores and sepsis, died. Some residents suffered from dehydration, and another resident's colostomy bag was not attached. Do you think conditions like these should result in those in charge of these facilities being held at least somewhat accountable for the deaths of their residents?

According to Attorney General James, in 2020, over 400 residents across the four homes died during the COVID-19 pandemic due to the failure of homes to control the spread of the disease. Of course, James made no mention of the despicable fact that the Democrat governor at the time, Cuomo, ordered over 9000 COVID patients to be placed in nursing homes - further putting the residents in danger. Do you remember hearing about Cuomo jeopardizing lives by forcing COVID patients into nursing homes throughout the state during the pandemic (source: https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/coronavirus/9000-covid-patients-were-sent-from-ny-hospitals-into-nursing-homes-records-show/2884682/)?

Jeff Jacomowitz, a spokesperson for Centers Health Care, said, "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." James is seeking monetary retribution, and no new residents are allowed at the centers until each home has increased its personnel. Do you agree with the state preventing any new patients from being admitted at the facilities until the lawsuit is resolved?