As the United States continues to struggle with the response to coronavirus (Covid-19), residents in Washington have an understanding of just how devastating this virus can be to the elderly. Washington state, as of this writing, Washington has the highest number of coronavirus cases across the nation and there have been at least 19 deaths tied to a single nursing home facility in this state. At Russell & Hill, PLLC, our Everett nursing home abuse attorneys want to discuss how Covid-19 can affect the most vulnerable among us.
Our Hearts Go Out To Families In Kirkland
As of the time of this writing, Covid-19 has been linked to 19 deaths at Life Care Center in Kirkland, Washington. This nursing home has become the epicentre of the coronavirus fatalities in the United States. Here in Everett, we send our condolences to the families of those affected.
Those who have loved ones in nursing homes throughout Washington, and elsewhere in the United States, have a right to be concerned. According to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), those who are over 60 years of age have a higher risk of serious complications if they contract Covid-19. The CDC also says that those who have heart disease, diabetes, lung disease, and a weakened immune system also have a higher risk of serious illness or death if they contract coronavirus.
Mark Parkinson, president of the American Health Care Association, says that “We are encouraging all people, including family members and loved ones, to not visit nursing homes and assisted living facilities.”
This may seem like a dramatic measure, but these steps are necessary to keep out loved ones safe. As Parkinson says, “Covid-19 is almost a perfect killing machine.”
Federal regulations mandate that all nursing homes have an infection prevention specialist on staff. Right now, nursing homes must take steps to keep coronavirus out of their facilities. If they fail to do so, they could be held liable for serious illnesses or deaths that occur due to their negligence.
Washington Gov. Jay Inslee has directed that nursing homes and assisted living facilities to limit the number of visitors allowed in their facilities, that they keep visitors inpatient rooms, that workers are screened every shift for Covid-19 symptoms. These rules are in place until April 9, 2020.
Let Us Help You Through This Situation
If you or somebody you care about is in a nursing home in Washington and are concerned about Covid-19, please refer to state and federal health official statements regarding the outbreak. If you are concerned that your loved one has not been properly cared for in a nursing home due to Covid-19, you may need to seek legal assistance. At Russell & Hill, PLLC, our knowledgeable and experienced team will look into your case and work to determine whether any abuse has occurred. When you need an Everett nursing home abuse attorney, you can contact us for a free consultation by clicking here or calling 800-529-0842.