In the News: Los Angeles Nursing Homes Evacuated

No matter how prepared we are for natural disasters, they are still devastating and life-changing for anyone caught in the disaster zone. The recent wildfires that tore through Los Angeles were another test of nursing home competency and the resilience of medical staff. As evacuations swept across the county, nursing homes has to join the efforts to keep their residents and staff safe from the flames. 

According to the LA Times, doctors like Dr. Ravi Salgia were called into medical centers and hospitals to help with the evacuation efforts of patients. These efforts, along with increased emergency calls, have put a huge strain on the medical and emergency response system. Additionally, road closures have made evacuation and the transport of much needed supplies difficult, and power outages have plagued the region.

The LA Times also reported on January 10, that 700 nursing home residents have been evacuated from affected areas, and dozens of medical facilities and hospitals have been closed due to outages and the threat of the fires. 

McKnights Long-Term Care News reported that, so far, none of the reported deaths were nursing home residents. Though the scenes of residents, often aided by walkers, making their way through smoke and ashes to safety are difficult to witness.

The California Association of Health Services has stated that all long-term care and nursing home facilities are required to have disaster plans in place to ensure ongoing care in times like these. So far, those plans seem to have been successfully enacted. Residents of multiple nursing homes have found shelter in the Pasadena Civic Auditorium and continue to receive care. 

To understand California’s disaster plans and better prepare for natural disasters, visit caloes.ca.gov. 

If you or a loved one have been the victim of nursing home neglect, negligence, or abuse, call Gharibian Law (866-239-8812) today for a FREE consultation and the best legal representation.