New York’s decision to place coronavirus patients into a nursing home is now facing backlash from providers and advocates.
The concerns stem from state officials recently allowing COVID-19 hospital patients to be placed into the Coler Rehabilitation and Nursing Care Center, in Roosevelt Island, NY. The facility has since seen longtime residents die or become infected since the change as the disease spreads from room to room, ProPublica reported.
Several advocates and local elected officials have accused the state of misleading providers about its ability to protect nursing home residents and prevent the spread of the disease.
“Placing COVID patients in a nursing home is a bad idea,” Richard Mollot, executive director of the Long Term Care Community Coalition, said. “They are potentially infecting the most vulnerable people.”
Officials, however, downplayed concerns, saying the state is ensuring that all infection control measures are being followed under its watch.
In late March, providers warned against efforts that called on nursing homes to accept all discharged hospital patients, regardless of their COVID-19 status. New York implemented the policy to enhance “surge capacity” at hospitals.
