Fall River center lost certification before fatal fire
The center had lost its certification years earlier due to patient abuse and structural deficiencies.
Photo of Stephen Radford in Unsplash
The Gabriel House assisted living facility, where a recent fire left at least 10 dead, had its certification suspended nearly a decade ago due to allegations of resident abuse, according to documents from the state's Aging and Independence Administration.
History of negligence
The suspension followed an incident in March 2016 involving a nursing assistant who was fired for failing to treat residents with "consideration, respect, personal dignity, and privacy." Despite that sanction, the specific details were redacted from official documents. The nursing home was barred from accepting new residents until corrective measures were implemented. It subsequently reinstated its certification, valid from December 2023.
Recent inspections and serious deficiencies
An October 2023 assessment identified multiple deficiencies, including delays in reporting 26 safety incidents, problems recording resident care plans, and failures to access medication. Lack of maintenance and structural obstacles, such as an elevator that had been out of service for months, were also cited, complicating safe evacuation during the fire.
The complex housed approximately 70 people, many of them with limited mobility or dependent on oxygen. On the night of July 13, a fire broke out, leaving residents trapped in windows as they cried for help.
The event resulted in at least nine confirmed deaths and dozens of injuries, and was classified as the deadliest fire in Massachusetts in more than 40 years.
Governor Maura Healey announced an urgent statewide review to evaluate safety protocols at all nursing homes in the state. All 273 nursing homes in the state were ordered to complete a fire safety assessment within 30 days and improve evacuation, drill, and maintenance procedures.
Elder rights groups have warned of insufficient staffing, a lack of regular drills, and unsanitary conditions. Meanwhile, lawmakers have pushed through proposals requiring more frequent inspections and more rigorous standards for these institutions.
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