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A recent Newsday article highlights the concerning results of 2024 inspections of Long Island nursing homes, showing a pattern of violations that continue to put residents’ health and safety at risk.
Newsday revealed that in 2024, regulators fined 15 Long Island nursing homes more than $661,000 for violations that endangered residents, with incidents ranging from medication errors and abuse to neglect and severe lapses in care protocols. For example, in one particularly alarming case at the Pine Forest Center for Rehabilitation and Healthcare in Huntington, a resident with a known history of suicidal ideation was able to open an unsecured second-story window and jump out, suffering multiple fractures.
Although the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services issued its highest total fines to Long Island nursing homes in years—over $553,000—the New York State Department of Health imposed only $108,000 in fines for Long Island facilities, its lowest total since 2018. While the state Health Department has suggested that a decline in fines could indicate improvements in nursing home conditions, the serious violations highlighted by Newsday, as well as the cases we have handled for our clients, show that much more needs to be done to protect vulnerable residents.
Chronic understaffing within the nursing home industry continues to play a major factor in health and safety incidents. In fact, reports show that New York ranks among the lowest states for nursing staff hours per resident (3.59 on average), just barely meeting the state mandate of 3.5 hours, which was passed in 2021. Without adequate staff to oversee residents’ care, facilities often fail to notice signs of distress, administer medications correctly, or address abusive behavior by staff members.
Don’t Let Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Go Unanswered
At Dalli & Marino, we recognize the profound impact that nursing home abuse and neglect can have on families. The incidents of poor care that have recently come to light highlight a systemic issue that can often be traced back to insufficient staffing, poor training, and lack of accountability. While regulations and fines are an important step, they alone are not enough to prevent these issues from recurring.
By addressing these violations head-on, we can advocate for a safer, more compassionate environment for all residents of nursing homes. Our firm is dedicated to helping families hold these facilities accountable through legal action and ensuring that the rights of elderly residents are protected. If your loved one has suffered harm, we stand ready to help you secure the compensation your family deserves. Contact us to schedule a free case consultation.
