‘Safe and dry.’ Nursing homes in Eastern Kentucky evacuated. Some residents still in gyms

Devastating flooding in Eastern Kentucky led to the evacuations of residents in at least two nursing homes in areas hard-hit by rising waters.

Residents at the Letcher Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Whitesburg were evacuated to multiple hospitals during the storm, according to a July 29 Facebook post from the nursing home.

The nursing home posted Sunday they were working with the Kentucky Department of Public Health to transfer the residents back to the nursing and rehabilitation center by Monday evening.

“We are extremely excited to see our residents and to welcome them back home! Thank you all for your continued support and understanding,” the post said.

However, on Monday morning Letcher Manor officials said in a Facebook post the relocation of residents back to the Whitesburg nursing home was delayed.

“Due to more flooding and unsafe travel conditions, we are having to postpone the transport of residents back to Letcher Manor today. We are working closely with local and state officials to ensure the safety of our residents and staff. We are tentatively looking to bring residents back tomorrow,” the post said.

Letcher Manor officials could not be reached for comment.

State officials also did not immediately respond to questions about how many nursing homes had to be evacuated due to flooding or loss of utilities — such as power, water and sewage.

Betsy Johnson, president of the Kentucky Association of Health Care Facilities and the Kentucky Center for Assisted Living, said Letcher Manor evacuated residents prior to the worst of the flooding Thursday.

“Last Thursday, they let us know that they were evacuating due to the threat of the flood and that they were in need of wheelchair accessible transportation. Their emergency preparedness plan was implemented when the flood waters started to rise. All their residents are safe and were transported to the hospital,” Johnson said. “The nursing facility staff are caring for the residents in the hospital setting. They will move their residents back to the facility once the rain stops and the risk for flooding no longer exists.“

Between 30 and 40 residents at the Nim Henson Geriatric Center in Jackson were evacuated due to the possible failure of the Panbowl dam in the area and loss of utilities, such as water and septic, said Wolfe County Middle School Principal Nick Brooks.

“They had a need and we had the space,” Brooks said.

Those residents are still at the Wolfe County Middle School gym in a makeshift nursing home, according to Facebook posts.

“We’re bunked for now and they are doing remarkably good. We can not say thank you enough for the help from the whole community once again. We are blessed,” read the Facebook post from Nim Henson Geriatric Center. “Residents are safe and dry,” said a July 29 Facebook post.

Johnson said Nim Henson is not a member of the association but said West Liberty Nursing and Rehabilitation, which is a member, was able to take four residents who needed additional nursing care.

On Sunday, members of the Campton United Methodist Church visited as have multiple people and pets from Wolfe County, according to social media posts.

“They’ve treated us like we are their own!!! We can’t tell how much we appreciate everyone,” said a Facebook post from the staff at Nim Henson.

Brooks said the school cafeteria is serving Nim Henson staff and residents breakfast and lunch. Local community groups have brought in dinner every night, he said.

Other nursing homes and long-term care facilities in the area have helped with residents’ laundry, he said.

Scott Lockard, director of the Kentucky River District Health Department, which includes Breathitt and Wolfe counties, said district staffers helped get supplies such as sterile dressings and were helping at the makeshift shelter.

He lauded the effort to set up and support the operation, calling it a “great story about neighbors helping neighbors.”

The group is expected to be at the middle school for a few days. When they will return to Jackson depends on when water and sewer systems are fully operational, Brooks said.

Nim Henson staff also added on Facebook that volunteer certified nursing assistants, or CNAs, would be welcome.

“Our workers are getting tired but hanging on. The extra help would be appreciated,” the post said.

Johnson said the Kentucky Association of Healthcare Facilities is raising money for employees of nursing homes whose homes have been damaged.

“Our attention now turns to our displaced caregivers — many of whom have lost their homes due to the flooding,” Johnson said. “These caregivers put their lives and well being on the line during these emergency events to protect the most vulnerable in their care. We owe it to them to make sure they are also being helped during their time of need.”

The association has set up a Paypal account to help employees affected by the floods at www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=SH9CUWALRFFVE.

“These workers have lost their homes and other belongings,” Johnson said. “Workers are also stranded in their homes as flooding surrounds their town and workplace. With this devastation, we are at risk for major staffing shortages. Staffing is crucial in the nursing facility sector. “

LeaderStat, a staffing agency, has stepped up as a resource for nurses in Knott County, Johnson said.

“Our nursing homes are open to donations and volunteers as well,” she said.