Board members raise concerns about skilled‑nursing care and legal findings in Alameda‑area facilities

During board communications Dec. 1, member Diane raised concerns about the quality of skilled‑nursing care in Alameda‑area facilities and described families’ experiences and litigation in which a family was awarded $7.4 million after a resident died in a facility.

"I wanted to bring to your attention that an elderly man died while in the facility and the family did sue and was awarded 7.4 million," Diane said, urging the board to consider how to protect Alameda’s frail elders. Diane said the issue is not isolated and described multiple lawsuits involving operators that run several nursing homes.

Board members discussed immediate steps families can take and city‑level options. One member said the senior‑services coalition and ombudsmen play a role but that there are too few ombudsmen to inspect facilities proactively. A presenter read aloud a consumer resource website (consumervoice.org) as an immediate tool families can use.

Members also discussed broader approaches—age‑friendly city initiatives, adult‑day programs, caregiver supports and mental‑health resources to support families facing end‑of‑life decisions. One board member noted Medicaid and Medi‑Cal reimbursement changes effective Jan. 1 could reduce facility revenues and worsen staffing and care quality.

The board did not enact a formal policy during the meeting but identified the topic as a priority for further discussion and potential advocacy, including avenues to coordinate with senior‑services coalitions, increase ombudsman capacity and explore city‑level age‑friendly programming.