Georgia’s Nursing Homes Are Experiencing Tragic Covid-19 Outbreaks

We are living in uncertain times. Nobody could have imagined how quickly or severely our lives would be uprooted due to the global Covid-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic.

However, the danger to nursing home residents across the United States – and particularly in Georgia – is quite real, as the number of residents testing positive, falling ill and dying is skyrocketing.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution recently reported that Coronavirus infections in senior care facilities have almost doubled to more than 80 in and around the greater Atlanta metro area. Included in their article is a list of long-term care facilities with confirmed cases and deaths.

Know whether your loved one is being protected

Policies and procedures for nursing homes have changed to meet the needs of our most vulnerable community members at risk for Covid-19. Nursing home facilities are attempting to:

• Respond to suspected cases to prevent rapid spread of the virus.
• Designate buildings to serve residents who test positive to isolate them from infecting other residents.
• Limit visitors to end-of-life situations.
• Mandate that staff wear masks and gloves at all times.
• Require residents practice social distancing from one another.
• Ensure that shared surfaces are regularly disinfected.

Since you can’t physically be present to observe whether there are any red flags right now, you can remain vigilant by checking Nursing Home Compare to see whether the nursing home has any violations on record regarding unsanitary conditions or care.

Ask your loved one questions about the care they’re receiving. Ask to be shown around their room, if you are video chatting. You can observe the room condition and whether they have medical masks or gloves readily available.

There are steps you can take if you’re concerned about Covid-19

You love your family member and want to be sure that he or she lives in a safe environment. If your loved one has contracted Covid-19 due to negligence in a nursing home, contact the experienced attorneys at Harris Lowry Manton LLP for assistance.

Harris Lowry Manton LLP’s team is up-to-date about Georgia’s nursing homes and other care facilities and has extensive experience securing justice on behalf of families whose loved ones have been neglected or harmed in nursing homes. If we learn of negligence stemming from poor policies and procedures, we are in a position to secure justice on your behalf.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. If you have questions or concerns, please reach out to the compassionate team at Harris Lowry Manton LLP by calling our Savannah office at 912-651-9967 or our Atlanta office at 404-961-7650. We also invite you to reach out to us through our contact page to tell us your story.