NEW JERSEY – Following two scathing reports that highlighted severe lapses at the veterans homes in Menlo Park and Paramus, Senator Kristin Corrado is pushing for the creation of a special legislative committee to thoroughly investigate the findings.
Both the State of New Jersey Commission of Investigation (SCI) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) have recently released reports that unveiled distressing failures at these facilities. The 43-page DOJ report, made public on September 7, critiqued the New Jersey Veterans Memorial Homes for inadequate infection control and medical care during the pandemic, even alleging constitutional violations. The SCI’s findings underscored these concerns, emphasizing problems with staffing, protective equipment availability, and communication.
Corrado highlighted the shocking lack of basic services in these homes. The Paramus facility lacked Wi-Fi, forcing staff to rely on mobile hotspots even for crucial discussions with health officials. The Menlo Park facility was found to be using an outdated analog phone system, causing communication challenges when residents were relocated within the facility, leaving their families unable to reach them.
Corrado criticized Governor Murphy’s administration, saying, “The SCI report is devastating and the Murphy Administration must be held accountable for the appalling treatment of our nation’s heroes.” She also expressed her disappointment in the Legislature for their lack of response to repeated calls for investigations during the pandemic.
To address the matter proactively, Senator Corrado is sponsoring a bipartisan bill, S-67, aiming to establish the Office of Inspector General for Veterans’ Facilities. This office would be responsible for investigating complaints at state-operated veterans’ homes, ensuring transparency and accountability.