Fox25 News: MANHR Policy Director interviewed live: Relocating nursing home residents comes with lot of risks advocates warm

Fox25 News: MANHR Policy Director interviewed live: Relocating nursing home residents comes with lot of risks advocates warm

March 30, 2020
Boston Fox25 News: MANHR Policy Director interviewed live: Relocating nursing home residents comes with lot of risks advocates warm
Julianne Lima

Meanwhile, there are concerns about a letter from Massachusetts Health and Human Services Secretary MaryLou Sudders asking for skilled nursing facilities to volunteer to relocate all of their residents in order to make room to treat coronavirus patients.

“Nursing home residents are one of the most vulnerable populations at risk for the virus, and we believe they should be sheltered in place rather than being moved,” said Arlene Germain, policy director for Massachusetts Advocates for Nursing Home Reform.

Worcester nursing home Beaumont was the first to volunteer and residents moved out on Saturday.

“I was shocked, it was so quick and done so against whatever regulations are already in place,” said Germain.

Advocates say relocating comes with a lot of risks to residents. Some are asking the state to consider other options.

“There are some facilities that are already empty, that have already closed, maybe they can reopen,” said Germain.

The Massachusetts Advocates for Nursing Home Reform are currently writing a letter to send to state leaders asking them to stop the relocations and reconsider other options.