JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A local man is worried about his mother’s care inside a southside nursing home facility.
Michael Hoek’s mother, Shirley, has lived at the Brookdale Atrium Way Senior Living facility for the last ten years.
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Hoek said in the last two weeks, he received several voicemails saying that both patients and staff members have tested positive for COVID-19.
The latest voicemail, obtained by Action News Jax, said in part, “Since our last notice to you on July 13, 2020—0 additional residents have tested positive for COVID-19. Twelve additional staff members have tested positive.”
“It makes me feel really helpless,” Hoek said. His mother has severe arthritis and is in a wheelchair. “She sits in her room all day. I call her four or five times a day, and I speak to her to give her something to do. She doesn’t have anybody.”
The Florida Department of Health releases statistics on the number of positive coronavirus cases in long-term care facilities every Wednesday. In its latest report, it said there are 24 positive COVID-19 cases at Brookdale Atrium Way’s nursing home. Eleven positive residents have been removed from the facility. The report showed that 11 staff members tested positive as of July 15, 2020. To see the latest numbers, you can click here.
“My biggest concern I show bad is the outbreak?” Hoek said.
Action News Jax reporter, Meghan Moriarty, reached out to the facility for a comment on its case numbers. She also asked about their staffing.
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A spokesperson sent us this statement:
“Brookdale’s top priority is the health and safety of our residents, patients, and associates. Brookdale believes that testing is important and we have been working in coordination with the health department for testing of individuals regardless of whether they show symptoms. Our goal with community-wide testing is to help contain the virus.
“We can confirm that more than one member of our Brookdale Atrium Way community has tested positive for COVID-19.
“We have informed residents, their family members, and associates of Brookdale Atrium Way of this matter. We are diligently monitoring our residents and associates for signs and symptoms, and we continue to work directly with local health officials to help ensure our residents and associates have the appropriate and necessary medical support. We will continue to follow the guidance of the Duval County Department of Health throughout this situation.
“Additionally, we have been closely following our established policies and procedures for contagious illnesses and are also closely following the guidance and protocols recommended by the Duval County Department of Health and the CDC. We have detailed protocols and plans in place to respond to this situation, prioritizing the health and wellness of our residents.
“Since reports of COVID-19 in the United States were confirmed, and in accordance with CDC guidelines, Brookdale has proactively implemented precautionary measures throughout our communities. Our emergency response teams and experienced operational and clinical teams are working tirelessly to minimize chances for exposure and additional transmission of the virus and we are regularly providing updated information in our online newsroom, www.brookdalenews.com.
“Additionally, I can confirm we are indeed properly staffed. Nothing is more important to us than the health of our residents and the associates that care for them.”
Moriarty also reached out to the Florida Department of Health. A spokesperson said they will look into the complaint with the epidemiology and contact tracing team.
Hoek said he just wants to know how serious the issue is and if he should take his mother out of the facility.
“If she leaves does she lose the space? What does it do for her insurance? And all these other unanswered questions,” he said.
This story is updated as of 4 p.m. on June 16. Action News Jax will continue to add any new statements we receive from all parties involved.
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