Public Notice - Endangerment

     Camphill Ghent was cited by the New York State Department of Health for one violation of "Endangerment" following a complaint filed by a family member of an Adult Home resident. An inspection conducted in January 2014 resulted in the determination that the charge of "Endangerment" was substantiated.

 

     The family member's wife complained when her husband, a resident, wandered out of the Adult Home at 2 a.m. in an icy 11-degrees. He was not seriously injured. The State document below says that their investigation found serious health and safety issues at the Adult Home.

     The notice reproduced below was sent to Camphill Ghent in February 2014 informing them that they were liable for penalties which included:

- developing a plan of corrective action within 30 days of the notice

- penalties for failure to correct the situation of up to $1,ooo per day

- In addition, Camphill Ghent could be liable for civil monetary penalties for other violations of Social Services Law

 

     Camphill Ghent immediately took what it described as "corrective action" - it issued an "Involuntary Termination Order" of occupancy for the resident  and gave his family 30 days to move him elsewhere. This action shocked the family and town house neighbors as the couple had resided in the community since 2012.

 

     The story may be of interest to you if you are or will be considering living in an elder care community like a Camphill Ghent, or placing a parent in an Adult Care facility. It illustrates the economic reality of patient care and practices of Adult Care home operators in New York and elsewhere where patients are allowed to stay only so long as their care does not erode profits.

That report will be based on the NY Department of Healthy Investigation Report for this incident which was obtained under the New York State Freedom Of Information Law (FOIL), research and reports from Adult Care advocacy groups in New York.