New York
Town of Bethlehem orders Delmar assisted living facility vacated over building dangers
The Town of Bethlehem issued an emergency order to vacate the Albany Center for Independent Living in Delmar after inspectors found structural, electrical, elevator and mold problems, and the state is relocating residents.
Key facts
- WRGB reported on September 3 that the Town of Bethlehem issued an emergency order that Thursday to vacate the Albany Center for Independent Living, a privately owned assisted living facility in Delmar, closing the building and requiring residents to be relocated.
- The town's Building Division found serious Building Code violations it called an imminent threat, including structural, electrical and elevator problems and mold.
- Town Supervisor David VanLuven said moving people out of their homes "is not a decision that the Town takes lightly," and that the for-profit owners had allowed the building to degrade to a state unsafe for occupation.
What happened
WRGB reported on September 3 that the Town of Bethlehem issued an emergency order that Thursday to vacate the Albany Center for Independent Living, a privately owned assisted living facility in Delmar, closing the building and requiring residents to be relocated. The town's Building Division found serious Building Code violations it called an imminent threat, including structural, electrical and elevator problems and mold.
Town Supervisor David VanLuven said moving people out of their homes "is not a decision that the Town takes lightly," and that the for-profit owners had allowed the building to degrade to a state unsafe for occupation. The town said it is responsible for building safety, not for running assisted living, and alerted the New York State Department of Health, which oversees assisted living and is managing the relocation.
What it means for families
An emergency closure moves residents fast, sometimes far from family. Families have a right to know where their relative is going, and to ask for options closer to home.
For example: a resident whose daughter lives in Albany County might be offered a bed an hour away. The family can ask the Department of Health relocation team for a list of open beds nearby before agreeing.
Quick answers
Why was the Delmar assisted living facility ordered vacated?
WRGB reported on September 3 that the Town of Bethlehem issued an emergency order that Thursday to vacate the Albany Center for Independent Living, a privately owned assisted living facility in Delmar, closing the building and requiring residents to be relocated. The town's Building Division found serious Building Code violations it called an imminent threat, including structural, electrical and elevator problems and mold.
What to do this week
- If a relative lived at the facility, ask the Department of Health relocation team for their new address and contact person.
- Make sure medications, medical records and personal items go with them.
- Contact the New York Long Term Care Ombudsman Program for free help if you have concerns about the move.
- Ask the new residence for a care plan meeting within the first two weeks after the move.
Sources
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