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CHARLOTTE, NY – For months, News10NBC has been researching conditions at a nursing home in Charlotte, saying residents and families have no choice but to use the facility. Less known programs may offer viable alternatives to many families.
Carol Plapore married her husband, Clarence Richard Praum, known as Rick, at the first meeting of God in 1997.
Last summer, Rick suffered from several strokes and needed rehabilitation. Carroll said the only option available in the county was Waterview Heights in Charlotte, as there were no beds at other facilities.
“When you went in it there was a foul smell,” Carol said. “That was the first time I hit you in the face.”
Residents, families and staff told News10NBC that the smell remains constant as many residents lie in feces and urine for hours. Carol said Rick had experienced the same condition.
“I'll check him out and if he's wet I'll go out and take someone out,” Carol said. “If they can't help me, I'll do it myself.”
Stroke left Rick with limited hand use, taking away his ability to speak. Carol worried about his care.
“So he had to feed him,” asked Deanna. “No,” Carol said. “I'm there every morning.”
A week after in Waterview, Carol said Rick was very dehydrated. He was sent to the emergency room. He then went to the Pearl Nursing Center in Rochester, the only facility with beds.
“It's just dirty and very dirty,” Carol said.
Waterview and Pearl are designated as special focus facilities and are harmful to residents because they do not consistently follow practices.
“So he lost 27 pounds in three weeks,” Carroll said.
Carol faced an impossible choice when Rick needed rehabilitation after hospitalization. Paying from your pocket for a substandard facility or extended hospitalization.
“And he got sick and immediately went back to the hospital,” Carroll said. “They told me I had to send him back to Pearl. I said I didn't want him back there and she said if you faded, you'd have to pay out of your pocket.”
Bruce Darling, CEO of the Center for Disabled Rights, said there was a third option: nursing home transition and diversion exemption. The program provides services to support people living in the community, including home support services and community support services. Darling said families are rarely informed of exemptions on discharge, but it is available to anyone with Medicaid.
“The problem is that they are family and individuals are not given those options,” Darling said. “They believe their only option is to go to the facility or send their loved ones to the facility. We are trying to educate people that they have options.” Bruce encouraged families to call the centre for disabled rights and to help them apply for the exemption at 585-546-7510.
Unfortunately, these options were not available to Carol and Rick.
“Do you believe that his quality of care, or lack of that, contributed to his death?” Diana asked. “Yes,” Carol said.
“If you could talk to the state leaders who oversee these nursing homes, what would you say to them?” Diana asked. “Close them,” Carol said. “You either fix it or lose it.”
Carroll filed a formal complaint with the Ministry of Health. News10NBC contacted the owners of Pearl and Waterview by phone and email, but received no response. A Waterview spokesman thanked News10NBC for paying attention to Rick's case, saying the facility will investigate.
Arranging support services for a loved one with a disability may take some time, but it is a viable option for many. More information on the exemption and how to contact the Center for Persons with Disabilities can be found on our website whec.com.
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