Affinity Skilled Living and Rehabilitation Center in Oakdale, Long Island, is facing claims of abuse after a patient once in its care died. (See video below).

 

Private Investigator Joe Cornetta provided investigative and technical services, leading to securing an indictment and a successful felony arrest.

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This investigation was challenging from the outset. The story seen in the below video, merely scratches the surface of the systemic failure of those who are charged to ensure safety and oversight.

 

Mrs. Chillak and her boyfriend, Michael Mills, who were together for 28 years, suffered both physically and emotionally. The Director at Affinity mocked Felicia while video evidence showed that the staff was well aware of the physical abuse Mr. Mills was enduring.

 

The amount of time to bring action against the perpetrator and ensure the safety of other residents can only be described as 'unserious.'

 

The Department of Health who must do meaningful investigations, not only allowed this woman, Claire Garrovillas to remain without flagging her License, but allowed her to move to another Nursing Home Facility, thus putting unsuspecting residents at risk.

 

Is it not incumbent upon Affinity Skilled Nursing in Oakdale to notify the DOH that an employee was caught brutalizing an incapacitated resident on a ventilator under the "Self Reporting Rules?"

 

Nurses and fellow Aides are clearly shown on video discussing and pointing out Mr. Mills' injuries; and, even mentioning, "Claire" as the most likely culprit.

 

What should be done with Nursing Home Staff Members who are aware of abuse and maltreatment in the facility in which they work? No meaningful Law is in place to criminalize these actors who allow the abuse to continue. New York State must pass tougher legislation that would consider it a crime, when nursing home staff members, administrators or those in management positions do not report serious physical injury or maltreatment of its residents that is witnessed or suspected. Just like we safeguard our children in schools, we must safeguard our most treasured love ones in these facilities.

 

Cameras should be in all residents' rooms and not just the common areas.

 

I welcome your thoughts.

 

Our deepest condolences go out to the Chillak and Mills Families.