Most everyone has seen media coverage here in Florida and across the country involving the tragic deaths of nursing home residents because their care facility was unprepared for a natural disaster or other emergency.
For Florida residents, the hurricane season that runs through summer and fall is a particularly dangerous time. Nine years ago, when Hurricane Irma hit, multiple nursing home residents died in South Florida because their facilities lost power and became unbearably hot. Often, residents die not because of the event itself, like a hurricane, but due to long power outages for which they’re not prepared.
After Irma, state officials implemented reforms to help prevent future tragedies. Under Florida law, all nursing homes and assisted living facilities must have backup generators that can keep temperatures at no higher than 80 degrees for a minimum of four days as well as a fuel supply and an emergency power plan. Facilities must also maintain fuel and other supplies and emergency power plans.
Residents’ lives can be at risk after the emergency has passed
Even when residents survive these emergency events seemingly unharmed, the stress of them can cause fatal outcomes later. One study by researchers at two universities found an increase in fatalities over previous years that were linked to Hurricane Irma in the 90 days post-hurricane that they studied
The doctor who led the study noted that the deaths occurred primarily among long-term residents. He noted, “We tend to underestimate nursing home deaths for a variety of different reasons, because these are frail, older adults….When they die, we attribute their deaths to natural causes rather than taking into account the near-term impact of the disaster.”
It’s critical for those looking for a nursing home or other care facility for a loved one to find out about their internal emergency plans and how they work with local emergency services professionals to ensure safe evacuation if necessary and sufficient backup power sources to maintain safe conditions during and after a disaster. It’s wise to ask about what added care and observation they provide to residents once the emergency has passed.
If a loved one is harmed or worse when an emergency affects a care facility, the owners, management and staff may have some liability. Getting early legal guidance can be a good first step in seeking justice and compensation accordingly.
