URGENT UPDATE: Nursing home reform efforts in New Jersey are grinding to a halt as alarming conditions persist in facilities across the state. Residents, like James Cook, a 47-year-old stroke survivor trapped in his third-floor room at the Trenton Gardens Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, are facing dire circumstances due to ongoing elevator outages. Cook’s attempts to advocate for much-needed reforms were thwarted this month as he was unable to leave the facility to attend a critical legislative event.
Cook, who uses a wheelchair, watched helplessly as the ACCESS Link van departed without him, underscoring a shocking violation of residents’ rights. Laurie Facciarossa Brewer, New Jersey’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman, condemned the situation, labeling it a “safety hazard.” She emphasized the urgency of passing a long-stalled transparency bill spearheaded by State Senator Joseph Vitale, aimed at holding nursing homes accountable for their operations.
New Jersey nursing homes received over $4 billion in taxpayer funding through Medicaid and Medicare in 2023, yet reports reveal that many facilities, including Trenton Gardens, are failing to use these funds for resident care. The nursing home currently holds a dismal 1-star rating, reflecting “much below average” care, according to the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
The state health department has faced backlash for halting admissions at Trenton Gardens earlier this year due to unreported incidents, including physical altercations and opioid overdoses. Although the admission ban was lifted, a state survey team has been onsite since December 2, scrutinizing conditions that residents continue to endure.
The push for reform has gained momentum after investigative reports revealed that over a quarter of nursing home operators spend less than $10 a day on food for residents—shockingly lower than the cost of a fast-food meal. Advocates argue that these practices blur accountability and divert funds meant for care.
At a recent press conference, Brewer highlighted the urgent need for Senate Bill S1948, which would mandate greater financial transparency from nursing homes. This bill has been stalled in the Legislature despite its critical importance in combating long-term care abuses. As the legislative session draws to a close, the need for action has never been more pressing.
The latest report from the Office of the State Comptroller uncovered “a troubling pattern of mismanagement” at facilities like the Deptford Center for Rehabilitation and Healthcare and Hammonton Center for Rehabilitation and Healthcare. Allegations include neglect and even sexual assault of residents, while operators of these homes reportedly profited millions.
Brewer asserted, “The public deserves to know where every dollar went. The harsh truth is that we really don’t.” She called for stricter monitoring and transparency measures, urging legislators to prioritize patient safety over profit.
Despite the clear need for reform, opposition remains. Andrew Aronson, president of the Health Care Association of New Jersey, argued that nursing homes already provide extensive financial reporting and that the proposed bill adds unnecessary regulatory burdens. He warned that inadequate Medicaid rates are driving staffing shortages and undermining care quality.
Senator Vitale remains committed to pushing for the passage of S1948, stating, “The stories clearly demonstrate the unquestioned need for my transparency legislation.” However, the bill remains stalled in committee with no imminent vote in sight.
As residents like Cook continue to face systemic barriers in accessing care, the urgency for legislative action grows. Advocates are calling on state leaders to prioritize nursing home reform to ensure the safety and dignity of New Jersey’s most vulnerable populations.
What happens next? All eyes will be on the state Legislature as advocates mobilize for the upcoming session, demanding accountability and transparency for nursing homes. The time for action is NOW.
