Doctor and senior woman wearing facemasks during coronavirus and flu outbreak. Virus protection. COVID-2019..

As the waters begin to recede in New Orleans and neighboring communities, stories of despair are beginning to surface.

Approximately 30 corpses were found, for example, at St. Rita’s nursing home in St. Bernard Parish outside New Orleans. The nursing home had 60 residents before flooding submerged much of the facility.
 
That information comes as provider organizations continue to assess damage to facilities and residents.

The Mississippi Health Care Association evacuated two facilities on the coast last week but lost no residents, according to the American Health Care Association and the National Center for Assisted Living. Both facilities were ultimately destroyed by the storm. At least 50 facilities were without power as of last week and communication has been difficult. Supplies are expected to be in great demand at facilities in both Mississippi and Louisiana.

AHCA/NCAL has established the AHCA/NCAL Hurricane Katrina Relief Fund to help residents, employees and facilities. Click on the following site for more information: http://www.ahca.org/katrina/index.htm.

Also, the Armed Forces Retirement Home In Washington is looking for supplies, including irons, clock radios and small refrigerators. The facility took in 350 people from its sister facility in Gulfport, MS, following the hurricane. For more information on the home’s needs, see http://www.afrh.gov/DWP/afrh/afrhhome.htm.