How COVID-19 May Affect Seniors in Nursing Homes

The most vulnerable members of our society are the young and the elderly. We refer to our “golden years” as a time to enjoy after retirement, yet so many of the older members of our community are without proper care, whether due to absence of family, lack of adequate savings, or illness. There is no guarantee that we, as the partners of Owen, Patterson & Owen, won’t be relying on professional personnel for our care. Greg and I have six children, and they jokingly bow out whenever we talk about moving in with one of them when we retire with our two dogs that shed everywhere.
It is no joke, particularly in the time of this often-deadly pandemic known as the coronavirus, or COVID-19. There are approximately 400,000 residents in long term care in California. Residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities account for about one-half of the deaths related to COVID-19 in this State, according to data from the California Department of Public Health and Department of Social Services. One local skilled nursing facility has suffered from 21 infected staff members and 10 resident deaths since March due to COVID-19. The close living quarters, the lack of sufficient personal protective equipment (or “PPE”), lack of an infection plan, lack of testing, and the impossibility of social distancing within a nursing home all contribute to these high numbers. With these numbers, visitors are prohibited or severely restricted, depriving the residents of what is often the only bright spot in their days.
If you or someone you know has a loved one who has become ill or died in a long-term care facility, assisted living facility, or nursing home for the elderly as a result of COVID-19, you need our help. There are very specific rules and regulations these facilities are required to follow in terms of keeping the elderly safe and healthy. Damages may include the loss of their love, companionship and support, as well as burial and funeral expenses, attorney’s fees and other damages. We will evaluate your case for no cost. If we don’t win, you pay nothing. Contact OPO at info@owenpatterson.com or at 661-799-3899.