Elder Law

Nursing Homes still not Protected during Disasters

By Levin & Perconti

A report released by the National Council on Disability claims that the federal government still has a long way to go to insure that disabled Americans are protected during major disasters. The report states that emergency agencies should be able to talk to disabled people and their representatives for guidance in formulating disaster plans. Oftentimes the disabled and the elderly are left out of planning activities in emergency situations. These activities include assessing the hazards, risks, mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery needs. FEMA has added a senior adviser on disability issues. This comes after thirty-five patients wrongfully died in a nursing home during Hurricane Katrina. Its owners were acquitted of negligent homicide charges. Nursing home negligence can oftentimes occur if there is no comprehensive emergency plan. Emergency plans are greatly needed in Chicago nursing homes. To read more about the emergency plans, please click the link.

Full post as published by Illinois Nursing Home Abuse Blog on August 14, 2009 (boomark / email).