Syracuse Nursing Home Ranks Among Nation’s Worst; Another Avoids Infamous List
In a significant development for nursing home care in Syracuse, the Van Duyn Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing has been designated as one of the 88 worst nursing homes in the United States. This classification is part of a federal list maintained by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
Change in Rankings for Syracuse Nursing Homes
The Van Duyn Center’s inclusion on the list follows the removal of the Bishop Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, which had spent over three years on the Special Focus Facility list. This turnover highlights ongoing issues within the local nursing home infrastructure.
New York State has three designated slots on this federal list, emphasizing the challenges in nursing home care in the region. Facilities on the list face increased scrutiny, and potential closures if their care quality does not improve.
Incidents Reflecting Care Negligence
- Van Duyn has a history of neglectful care, with serious incidents including:
- Failure to assist a diabetic patient leading to death from low blood sugar.
- Allowing a resident to accidentally hang herself.
- Displacing two residents outside closed welfare offices without proper care.
In contrast, Bishop was removed from the list in September 2023 after improvements noted during state inspections. Even so, both nursing homes have faced criticism from the Attorney General’s Office for their care practices.
Facility Statistics and Capacity
Van Duyn and Bishop are significant players in Onondaga County’s nursing home landscape, comprising nearly one-third of the county’s nursing home capacity. Their statistics are as follows:
| Nursing Home | Location | Number of Beds |
|---|---|---|
| Van Duyn Center | Next to Community General Hospital | 513 |
| Bishop Rehabilitation and Nursing Center | James Street | 440 (with only half filled in recent years) |
History of Negligence and Legal Actions
Van Duyn has a notorious history, being previously listed among terrible nursing homes in 2011. After changing ownership in 2012, promises were made to improve care. However, an Attorney General’s investigation revealed severe issues, including the deaths and injuries of several residents. In a recent settlement, Van Duyn’s owners agreed to pay $12 million to avoid legal action, with a significant portion allocated to resident improvements.
In a statement, Van Duyn’s spokesperson expressed a commitment to using their Special Focus Facility status as an impetus for improvements in care.
In summary, the nursing home situation in Syracuse remains troubled, with the recent replacement of Bishop by Van Duyn further highlighting the need for systemic change in patient care standards.
