New York
Former Waterview Heights workers sue, saying 216 employees got no proper closure notice
Two former employees of Rochester's Waterview Heights nursing home filed a proposed class action saying more than 200 workers didn't get legally required advance notice before layoffs tied to the home's closure.
Key facts
- 13WHAM reported on September 22 that two former employees of Waterview Heights Rehabilitation and Nursing Center filed a proposed class action in federal court that Sunday.
- It accuses the facility and affiliated companies of violating federal and state WARN laws, which require advance written notice of mass layoffs or closures.
- A New York WARN filing dated August 14 listed 216 affected workers among 244 employees, with layoffs beginning September 7.
What happened
13WHAM reported on September 22 that two former employees of Waterview Heights Rehabilitation and Nursing Center filed a proposed class action in federal court that Sunday. It accuses the facility and affiliated companies of violating federal and state WARN laws, which require advance written notice of mass layoffs or closures. A New York WARN filing dated August 14 listed 216 affected workers among 244 employees, with layoffs beginning September 7.
One plaintiff says she learned of the closure at an August 20 meeting and lost her job six days later without a termination letter; the other, who worked there about 20 years, says she was terminated September 10. Neither received severance, according to the complaint. CMS had announced the home's Medicare provider agreement would end August 25 for failing health and safety requirements.
What it means for families
When a nursing home closes, residents lose not only their room but the staff who know them. Families can help by passing on what longtime aides knew about their relative to the new home.
For example: if a favorite aide knew exactly how your father likes to be helped at mealtime, write it down and give it to the nurse manager at his new home.
Quick answers
What does the Waterview Heights workers' lawsuit claim?
13WHAM reported on September 22 that two former employees of Waterview Heights Rehabilitation and Nursing Center filed a proposed class action in federal court that Sunday. It accuses the facility and affiliated companies of violating federal and state WARN laws, which require advance written notice of mass layoffs or closures. A New York WARN filing dated August 14 listed 216 affected workers among 244 employees, with layoffs beginning September 7.
What to do this week
- Write a short list of your relative's routines and preferences to share with staff at the new home.
- Ask the new home who will be your relative's main point of contact.
- Contact the Long Term Care Ombudsman Program if you have concerns during or after the move.
Sources
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