By Jeff Wardon, Jr., Assistant Editor

Bob Dean Jr. received three years of probation after pleading no contest to 15 criminal counts for moving over 800 elderly residents from seven nursing homes to a poorly equipped warehouse during Hurricane Ida, according to AP News. Dean reportedly moved seniors 70 miles away from their New Orleans residence to Independence, Louisiana. 

The conditions of the warehouse rapidly deteriorated after the storm hit. A leaking ceiling, overflowing flowing toilets, and lack of food and water contributed to seven deaths, five of which were classified as being related to the storm. Authorities reported that they found ill and elderly bed-ridden people on wet mattresses on the floor and some were lying in their own waste. With his plea, Dean must pay over $1.3 million in fines and restitution, AP News reports. Following his arrest, Dean lost his state license and federal funding.  

Related: 97 Senior Care Facilities in Southeast Texas Lose Power After Hurricane

This is not the first time that senior citizens’ safety was compromised during a hurricane. In 2023, Jorge Carballo was charged with manslaughter of nine patients after allegedly failing to give adequate direction to staff members after the power to the facility’s air conditioning went out due to Hurricane Irma. As previously reported by Healthcare Facilities Today, the failure to evacuate patients and the power outage caused the death of 12 residents.

Poor shelter and supplies are a threat to occupants’ safety, especially during extreme weather events. It is critical for healthcare facility managers to be prepared for these types of weather events so they can keep their occupants safe and healthy. 

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends having a safe room away from areas prone to flooding. The structure should be hardened and offer near-absolute protection from fire, high winds and flooding.  

As for supplies such as food and water, these must be stocked ahead of time so that they can be distributed when emergencies strike. FEMA recommends having a three-day supply of food and water stocked up, limiting water to one gallon per day per individual.  

Jeff Wardon, Jr. is the assistant editor for the facilities market.