This article is from the source 'nytimes' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/10/nyregion/new-jersey-military-veterans-home.html

The article has changed 31 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 14 Version 15
‘The Whole Place Is Sick Now’: 74 Deaths at a Home for U.S. Veterans ‘The Whole Place Is Sick Now’: 74 Deaths at a Home for U.S. Veterans
(7 days later)
The coronavirus has preyed on residents of nursing homes in New Jersey with lethal force, claiming 4,953 lives. Deaths at long-term care facilities now account for more than half of the state’s Covid-19 fatalities, well over the national rate.The coronavirus has preyed on residents of nursing homes in New Jersey with lethal force, claiming 4,953 lives. Deaths at long-term care facilities now account for more than half of the state’s Covid-19 fatalities, well over the national rate.
But nowhere has the devastation been starker than at the New Jersey Veterans Home at Paramus, a state-run home for former members of the U.S. military, where on Tuesday 74 deaths had been linked to virus.But nowhere has the devastation been starker than at the New Jersey Veterans Home at Paramus, a state-run home for former members of the U.S. military, where on Tuesday 74 deaths had been linked to virus.
The home is built on the idea that those who served in the military are entitled to dignified care in their twilight years. Instead, in what some people have called a betrayal of this fundamental pact, the Paramus home is the site of one of the biggest coronavirus outbreaks in the country.The home is built on the idea that those who served in the military are entitled to dignified care in their twilight years. Instead, in what some people have called a betrayal of this fundamental pact, the Paramus home is the site of one of the biggest coronavirus outbreaks in the country.
The virus has swept through the facility, which in late March had 314 residents, infecting 60 percent of its patients.The virus has swept through the facility, which in late March had 314 residents, infecting 60 percent of its patients.
The list of the dead is almost certain to grow: Of the remaining 209 veterans and their spouses, 133 had either tested positive for the virus or were awaiting results. About one in five staff members has contracted the virus, and one employee has died.The list of the dead is almost certain to grow: Of the remaining 209 veterans and their spouses, 133 had either tested positive for the virus or were awaiting results. About one in five staff members has contracted the virus, and one employee has died.
“The whole place is sick now,” said Mitchell Haber, whose 91-year-old father, Arnold, an Army veteran, died last month at the home, which is about 12 miles northwest of New York City.“The whole place is sick now,” said Mitchell Haber, whose 91-year-old father, Arnold, an Army veteran, died last month at the home, which is about 12 miles northwest of New York City.
“What they should really do is raze it and put a park there,’’ he said. “It’s like a mass shooting.”“What they should really do is raze it and put a park there,’’ he said. “It’s like a mass shooting.”
It’s far from the only long-term care facility in New Jersey that has been decimated by the pandemic. As of Tuesday, 18 nursing homes had reported 30 or more deaths apiece, including five with more than 50 deaths, state records show.It’s far from the only long-term care facility in New Jersey that has been decimated by the pandemic. As of Tuesday, 18 nursing homes had reported 30 or more deaths apiece, including five with more than 50 deaths, state records show.
Another state-run home for veterans, about 35 miles south of Paramus, in Edison, N.J., has also been hard hit with 57 virus-related deaths.Another state-run home for veterans, about 35 miles south of Paramus, in Edison, N.J., has also been hard hit with 57 virus-related deaths.
The official who oversaw both homes for the state’s Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, Mark Piterski, resigned last month after announcing that he intended to run for Congress.The official who oversaw both homes for the state’s Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, Mark Piterski, resigned last month after announcing that he intended to run for Congress.
He and Gov. Philip D. Murphy have said that he was not asked to step down. Mr. Piterski, a retired Army brigadier general, said he had struggled to maintain staffing levels at the outset of the outbreak, when 100 employees a day were calling out sick. He said he had asked for help repeatedly, telling officials, “I need nurses — yesterday.”He and Gov. Philip D. Murphy have said that he was not asked to step down. Mr. Piterski, a retired Army brigadier general, said he had struggled to maintain staffing levels at the outset of the outbreak, when 100 employees a day were calling out sick. He said he had asked for help repeatedly, telling officials, “I need nurses — yesterday.”
What has happened in Paramus is not just a failure by state regulators. The home also gets funding from the federal Department of Veterans Affairs, making it subject to additional regulatory oversight.What has happened in Paramus is not just a failure by state regulators. The home also gets funding from the federal Department of Veterans Affairs, making it subject to additional regulatory oversight.
Two congressmen and the New Jersey commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars are demanding a federal inquiry.Two congressmen and the New Jersey commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars are demanding a federal inquiry.
Christina Noel, a V.A. spokeswoman, said in a statement that the agency conducted annual inspections of state-run homes to ensure that they met its standards of care.Christina Noel, a V.A. spokeswoman, said in a statement that the agency conducted annual inspections of state-run homes to ensure that they met its standards of care.
“If a state-run home doesn’t meet these standards, then the department will not pay for veterans to receive care there,” Ms. Noel said.“If a state-run home doesn’t meet these standards, then the department will not pay for veterans to receive care there,” Ms. Noel said.
Mr. Murphy has hired a team to evaluate what went wrong at Paramus and other long-term care centers in New Jersey, most of which are privately owned.Mr. Murphy has hired a team to evaluate what went wrong at Paramus and other long-term care centers in New Jersey, most of which are privately owned.
And the state’s attorney general, Gurbir S. Grewal, has opened an investigation into nursing homes with high fatality rates. The inquiry could lead to criminal charges.And the state’s attorney general, Gurbir S. Grewal, has opened an investigation into nursing homes with high fatality rates. The inquiry could lead to criminal charges.
“For many of these facilities, this was the equivalent of a 500-year flood,” Mr. Grewal said of the pandemic at a recent news briefing. “But that doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t examine how folks responded when those floodwaters started rising.“For many of these facilities, this was the equivalent of a 500-year flood,” Mr. Grewal said of the pandemic at a recent news briefing. “But that doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t examine how folks responded when those floodwaters started rising.
“And it also doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t examine how they operated before that flood,” he added. “If they cut corners. If they, or anyone, for that matter, ignored red flags or warnings. If they lied to regulators or others. If they put profits over patients.”“And it also doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t examine how they operated before that flood,” he added. “If they cut corners. If they, or anyone, for that matter, ignored red flags or warnings. If they lied to regulators or others. If they put profits over patients.”
The Paramus home is in Bergen County, the area of New Jersey that the virus hit first and hardest. The facility’s problems are part of a nationwide crisis at nursing homes, which, according to an analysis by The New York Times, are linked to at least 25,600 deaths, more than a third of the country’s virus-related fatalities.The Paramus home is in Bergen County, the area of New Jersey that the virus hit first and hardest. The facility’s problems are part of a nationwide crisis at nursing homes, which, according to an analysis by The New York Times, are linked to at least 25,600 deaths, more than a third of the country’s virus-related fatalities.
But the virus’s path of destruction through veterans’ homes has exposed a painful vulnerability with national implications. Last Tuesday, amid continuing outrage over a Massachusetts home for veterans where at least 70 deaths have been linked to the virus, a group of United States senators called for an inquiry into state-run facilities.But the virus’s path of destruction through veterans’ homes has exposed a painful vulnerability with national implications. Last Tuesday, amid continuing outrage over a Massachusetts home for veterans where at least 70 deaths have been linked to the virus, a group of United States senators called for an inquiry into state-run facilities.
Kryn Westhoven, a spokesman for New Jersey’s veterans affairs department, said the homes’ proximity to virus hot spots and the frailty of their residents had contributed to the spread.Kryn Westhoven, a spokesman for New Jersey’s veterans affairs department, said the homes’ proximity to virus hot spots and the frailty of their residents had contributed to the spread.
“The population is vulnerable,” Mr. Westhoven said. “Older. Dealing with underlying health conditions.”“The population is vulnerable,” Mr. Westhoven said. “Older. Dealing with underlying health conditions.”
But families of veterans who either died at the Paramus home or are residents there have questioned how things went so wrong, so quickly and why they were not told earlier about the severity of the problem.But families of veterans who either died at the Paramus home or are residents there have questioned how things went so wrong, so quickly and why they were not told earlier about the severity of the problem.
“They really kind of held the truth from everyone,” said Stephen Mastropietro, whose 91-year-old father, Thomas, died at the home last month after testing positive for the virus. He had moved there in February.“They really kind of held the truth from everyone,” said Stephen Mastropietro, whose 91-year-old father, Thomas, died at the home last month after testing positive for the virus. He had moved there in February.
Mr. Mastropietro said he was haunted by his decision not to move his father, who had dementia, out of the facility in late March.Mr. Mastropietro said he was haunted by his decision not to move his father, who had dementia, out of the facility in late March.
“They said that they had a case, but in another part of the hospital,” he said. “Then 20-something people died that week.”“They said that they had a case, but in another part of the hospital,” he said. “Then 20-something people died that week.”
Cynthia Petersen’s 91-year-old father, Harold, an Army sergeant during the Korean War, is at the Paramus home, where he is recovering after contracting the virus.Cynthia Petersen’s 91-year-old father, Harold, an Army sergeant during the Korean War, is at the Paramus home, where he is recovering after contracting the virus.
She said she was dumbfounded to get a call recently that focused not on his health, but on a billing dispute over her request for documentation related to doctors’ visits last year.She said she was dumbfounded to get a call recently that focused not on his health, but on a billing dispute over her request for documentation related to doctors’ visits last year.
“You have 230 patients, most of whom are sick, and you think you have time to spend on the phone with me?” she said.“You have 230 patients, most of whom are sick, and you think you have time to spend on the phone with me?” she said.
“I asked them: ‘How did this get so out of control?’”“I asked them: ‘How did this get so out of control?’”
Many relatives described an atmosphere that was friendly and caring before the pandemic. The director shared his cellphone number, visitors gave nicknames to employees and bingo games were sacrosanct.Many relatives described an atmosphere that was friendly and caring before the pandemic. The director shared his cellphone number, visitors gave nicknames to employees and bingo games were sacrosanct.
The home earned average ratings last year on a federal scorecard, with the exception of a below-average mark for food storage.The home earned average ratings last year on a federal scorecard, with the exception of a below-average mark for food storage.
Waiting lists were common at the Paramus home, which opened in 1986 to provide additional housing for an aging World War II population. One of three military nursing homes run by the state, it admits only those who have been honorably discharged, their spouses and Gold Star parents whose children were killed during active military duty.Waiting lists were common at the Paramus home, which opened in 1986 to provide additional housing for an aging World War II population. One of three military nursing homes run by the state, it admits only those who have been honorably discharged, their spouses and Gold Star parents whose children were killed during active military duty.
In late March, as the virus hit and employees began to get sick, relatives who had been barred from visiting said the telephones at nursing stations rang off the hook.In late March, as the virus hit and employees began to get sick, relatives who had been barred from visiting said the telephones at nursing stations rang off the hook.
New Jersey did not require nursing home staff members to wear masks until March 30, and relatives said their loved ones were routinely brought to sit in common areas at the start of the outbreak. By April 9, there had been 10 virus-linked deaths.New Jersey did not require nursing home staff members to wear masks until March 30, and relatives said their loved ones were routinely brought to sit in common areas at the start of the outbreak. By April 9, there had been 10 virus-linked deaths.
Little or no information about the virus was shared, relatives said, until news of the first wave of deaths prompted Mr. Murphy to dispatch 40 Army National Guard medics to the home.Little or no information about the virus was shared, relatives said, until news of the first wave of deaths prompted Mr. Murphy to dispatch 40 Army National Guard medics to the home.
For Thomas Mastropietro, who sustained nerve damage in his arm while serving in the Army during the Korean War, death was accompanied by a final indignity.For Thomas Mastropietro, who sustained nerve damage in his arm while serving in the Army during the Korean War, death was accompanied by a final indignity.
On April 11, the day Mr. Mastropietro died, his son was told by an aide that his father had rebounded. His fever was down, his son said he was told, and he even had the strength to walk to the bathroom on his own.On April 11, the day Mr. Mastropietro died, his son was told by an aide that his father had rebounded. His fever was down, his son said he was told, and he even had the strength to walk to the bathroom on his own.
Updated June 16, 2020 Updated June 22, 2020
A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico.
The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.
The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.
The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
But hours later, another call came: His father had been misidentified days before when he was moved into the home’s Covid ward.But hours later, another call came: His father had been misidentified days before when he was moved into the home’s Covid ward.
The elder Mr. Mastropietro, his son soon learned, had died, and his body had been taken to the wrong funeral home. A worker there noticed that his wrist bracelets had two different names.The elder Mr. Mastropietro, his son soon learned, had died, and his body had been taken to the wrong funeral home. A worker there noticed that his wrist bracelets had two different names.
“Somehow it happened,” he said, “but it really shouldn’t have.”“Somehow it happened,” he said, “but it really shouldn’t have.”
Representative Bill Pascrell Jr., a Democrat who represents parts of northern New Jersey, has a brother-in-law who is a resident at the Paramus home and has tested positive for the virus. Mr. Pascrell called the virus’s ability to spread through the facility unchecked a “catastrophic failure.”Representative Bill Pascrell Jr., a Democrat who represents parts of northern New Jersey, has a brother-in-law who is a resident at the Paramus home and has tested positive for the virus. Mr. Pascrell called the virus’s ability to spread through the facility unchecked a “catastrophic failure.”
“This is not only a tragedy,” he said. “This is an urgent message to all of us. These veterans fought on the field for this country.”“This is not only a tragedy,” he said. “This is an urgent message to all of us. These veterans fought on the field for this country.”
Since April, dozens of nurses from the federal Department of Veterans Affairs have been on site to help staff members. A team of doctors from nearby hospitals similarly besieged with virus patients was recently invited to inspect the home and to share what they had learned about infection control.Since April, dozens of nurses from the federal Department of Veterans Affairs have been on site to help staff members. A team of doctors from nearby hospitals similarly besieged with virus patients was recently invited to inspect the home and to share what they had learned about infection control.
“If we can save one veteran from what they’ve learned,” said Representative Josh Gottheimer, a Democrat who represents Paramus, “that would be a huge help.”“If we can save one veteran from what they’ve learned,” said Representative Josh Gottheimer, a Democrat who represents Paramus, “that would be a huge help.”
Dr. Adam Jarrett was among those who toured the home. He said it was “clean and organized.”Dr. Adam Jarrett was among those who toured the home. He said it was “clean and organized.”
“We have consistently called for new heights of collaboration and cooperation of the acute-care organizations,” Dr. Jarrett, the chief medical officer of Holy Name Medical Center in Teaneck, said. “We should have been there to assist sooner.”“We have consistently called for new heights of collaboration and cooperation of the acute-care organizations,” Dr. Jarrett, the chief medical officer of Holy Name Medical Center in Teaneck, said. “We should have been there to assist sooner.”
Mr. Piterski, who intends to challenge Mr. Gottheimer as an independent, said calls from Mr. Gottheimer and Mr. Pascrell for an inquiry in early April had delayed the arrival of additional nurses and had hurt the remaining workers’ morale. The home, he said, serves a vulnerable population, and 175 residents die there of natural causes every year.Mr. Piterski, who intends to challenge Mr. Gottheimer as an independent, said calls from Mr. Gottheimer and Mr. Pascrell for an inquiry in early April had delayed the arrival of additional nurses and had hurt the remaining workers’ morale. The home, he said, serves a vulnerable population, and 175 residents die there of natural causes every year.
“They kicked my workers when they were down and when they were pulling double and triple shifts,” Mr. Piterski said.“They kicked my workers when they were down and when they were pulling double and triple shifts,” Mr. Piterski said.
Mr. Gottheimer said the steps he and Mr. Pascrell took to draw attention to the escalating problem led to the arrival of National Guard medics, protecting workers as well as patients. “It’s absurd to claim that our calls to fix a crisis caused by failed management delayed getting help to this state-run facility,” Mr. Gottheimer said.Mr. Gottheimer said the steps he and Mr. Pascrell took to draw attention to the escalating problem led to the arrival of National Guard medics, protecting workers as well as patients. “It’s absurd to claim that our calls to fix a crisis caused by failed management delayed getting help to this state-run facility,” Mr. Gottheimer said.
The family of Arnold Haber, who lived at the Paramus home for three years, said that they understood the extreme challenges posed by the virus, especially for people, like Mr. Haber, with underlying health conditions.The family of Arnold Haber, who lived at the Paramus home for three years, said that they understood the extreme challenges posed by the virus, especially for people, like Mr. Haber, with underlying health conditions.
But they maintained that what had happened at the facility was not nearly as inevitable as was now being portrayed.But they maintained that what had happened at the facility was not nearly as inevitable as was now being portrayed.
Mr. Haber’s wife of 65 years, Rena, visited daily, knew most staff members by name and always brought a meal cooked at her home, which is a short walk from the facility.Mr. Haber’s wife of 65 years, Rena, visited daily, knew most staff members by name and always brought a meal cooked at her home, which is a short walk from the facility.
“I always used to tell him, ‘If you want me, Arnie, just open the window and whistle and I’ll hear you in the house,’” Ms. Haber, 87, said.“I always used to tell him, ‘If you want me, Arnie, just open the window and whistle and I’ll hear you in the house,’” Ms. Haber, 87, said.
Mr. Haber served in the Korean War and went on to establish a successful lingerie company. He enjoyed cabbage stuffed with meat and rice, and his main love, his son said, was model trains.Mr. Haber served in the Korean War and went on to establish a successful lingerie company. He enjoyed cabbage stuffed with meat and rice, and his main love, his son said, was model trains.
“No,” Ms. Haber said. “That wasn’t his love. I was.”“No,” Ms. Haber said. “That wasn’t his love. I was.”
She added, “He was the most wonderful person you’d ever want to meet.”She added, “He was the most wonderful person you’d ever want to meet.”