HOLYOKE (10/30/20)
The State Legislature’s Holyoke Soldiers’ Home Oversight Committee held two public hearings this week for current and former staff members at the Home to share testimony.
Testimony from staff touched on numerous topics, ranging from the Home’s response to COVID-19, to inadequate staffing levels, and general administrative issues that have been apparent for years. Senator John Velis noted the importance of hearing directly from staff during these hearings.
“Staff members were on the frontlines when the pandemic hit, but they were also there before,” said Senator Velis. “It is becoming increasingly clear that the institutional weaknesses that contributed to these tragedies did not start in March. And to truly ensure that the Home is sustainable for years to come, we need to know what occurred before, during, and after 76 veterans died of COVID at the Home.”
One of the major issues that arose during Tuesday’s hearing was inadequate staffing levels at the Home, which many said results in staff “floating” between different units.
Joseph Ramirez, a CNA in the Dementia Unit at the Home for 5 years, stated that floating staff has existed at the Home for years. He noted that this results in illnesses spreading “like wild fire” as staff members are constantly moving between populations. Mr. Ramirez also noted that morale with staff at the Home is extremely low.
Andrea Fox, a representative for the Massachusetts Nurses Association, testified that many staff members did not want to testify out of fear of retaliation, which she believes is representative of larger cultural issues at the Home. She stated that staff care deeply about all the veterans they work with, but that there is simply not enough support to give the veterans the care they deserve.
During Tuesday’s hearing, Senator Velis mentioned the possibility of instituting an ombudsman position at the Home, which would serve as a resource for residents and families.
“I think one of the most important things for the Holyoke Soldiers Home going forward is to have an ombudsman, a person on the ground at the Home that can investigate issues when they arise,” said Senator Velis. “I think it’s absolutely critical that families and residents have an independent, impartial, and confidential place to go to.”
Thursdays virtual hearing included testimony from Paul Barabani and John Paradis, the former Superintendent and Deputy Superintendent of the Home. Mr. Barabani noted that he had brought up concerns with staffing and funding levels for years, and felt completely under supported. Mr. Paradis echoed these sentiments and stated that when concerns were expressed, the State responded by calling for more studies and promising to look into the issues.
When asked after Thursdays hearing about his reactions to staff testimony, Senator Velis noted the correlation between support the Home receives and past issues that have occurred.
“In all the different issues that have been brought up this week, the one constant is that there is noticeable lack of resources and support for the staff,” said Senator Velis. “There needs to be better oversight, consistent staff schedules and rotations, and increased support for those who are caring for our heroes day in and day out. We need to institute real changes that address these problems and keep them from happening again.”
