Many people believe that if some type of natural disaster or severe weather event occurs, their elderly loved ones will be safe in their nursing homes. They assume that these facilities are well prepared for such events, have back-up systems in case the electricity goes out and, in a worst-case scenario, have a plan to move their residents someplace where they’ll be safe and their medical needs will be met.
This, of course, should be the case. However, as we’ve seen in too many tragic cases, some care facilities and their staff are woefully unprepared to keep their residents safe when a storm, fire, flood or other event occurs – whether it affects the entire region or is limited to the facility. There have been cases where vulnerable residents had to endure extended periods in extreme heat or cold due to lack of backup generators, were left outside in freezing, wet weather or were abandoned by employees who evacuated without them.
Know what to ask
Whether you’re evaluating nursing homes to find the best one for a loved one or you want peace of mind that their current facility is prepared for an emergency, you have every right to get a copy of their emergency plan and ask questions about their emergency procedures and training. These procedures should involve communication with local first responders. Make sure there’s at least one phone number you can call in an emergency to check on your loved one.
If you aren’t comfortable with a facility’s level of preparedness or the answers to your questions, that could be a big red flag that it’s lacking preparedness in other areas. If your loved one is already living in the facility, you can contact the state’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman.
If your loved one has already suffered harm due to a lack of emergency preparedness or other type of negligence, getting experienced legal guidance can help you determine the best way to seek justice and compensation.