In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, several nursing homes in North Carolina are still grappling with a severe water crisis. Weeks after the storm, residents are left without running water, raising significant health and hygiene concerns for the elderly population.
Key Takeaways
- Many nursing homes in Asheville, NC, lack running water weeks after Hurricane Helene.
- Residents face challenges in maintaining hygiene, increasing the risk of infections.
- Government agencies are providing assistance, but recovery remains slow.
Ongoing Water Crisis
More than three weeks have passed since Hurricane Helene struck, yet many nursing homes, including the Brooks-Howell Home in Asheville, are still without regular access to safe, running water. Residents like 84-year-old James Greene have expressed their struggles in letters to family, highlighting the inability to shower or wash hands for weeks.
- Hygiene Challenges: Residents are forced to rely on hand sanitizers and use buckets of water for flushing toilets, which poses physical challenges for the elderly.
- Health Risks: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that floodwaters can contaminate local water sources with harmful germs and chemicals, making access to clean water critical, especially in nursing homes where infections can spread rapidly.
Boil Water Notices
On October 16, the Asheville Water Department issued a boil-water notice due to potential contamination from the hurricane. This notice remains in effect, complicating the situation for nursing homes that do have some water supply but must boil it before use.
- Facilities Affected: Out of six retirement facilities managed by Ascent Healthcare Management, three still lack running water, while others are under strict boil-water advisories.
Government Assistance
Despite the ongoing challenges, local and federal agencies, including FEMA, have stepped in to provide essential resources. Shower trailers, portable toilets, and hand-washing stations have been deployed to assist nursing homes in managing the crisis.
- Community Support: Nursing home staff and government agencies are working together to ensure residents receive the care they need during this difficult time.
Emotional Toll on Residents
The lack of communication during the initial days of the crisis added to the emotional strain on residents. Many were isolated without phone or internet service, making it difficult to connect with family members.
- Restoration of Services: Fortunately, phone and internet services have largely been restored, alleviating some of the emotional distress experienced by residents.
Looking Ahead
While the situation remains dire, residents like Greene express gratitude for the support they have received. However, the road to recovery is long, and many nursing homes will continue to face challenges as they navigate the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
- Future Concerns: Experts warn that the increasing frequency and intensity of hurricanes, fueled by climate change, may lead to more severe water crises in the future, necessitating better preparedness and response strategies.
Sources
- Some North Carolina nursing homes still don't have water weeks after Hurricane Helene, New York Post.
- KMOR - Some NC nursing homes still without water, 3 weeks after Hurricane Helene, Rural Radio Network.
- Some NC nursing homes still without water, 3 weeks after Hurricane Helene | MyCentralOregon.com - Horizon Broadcasting Group, LLC, MyCentralOregon.com.
- Some NC nursing homes still without water, 3 weeks after Hurricane Helene - KOOL, Rural Radio Network.
- Some NC nursing homes still without water, 3 weeks after Hurricane Helene - X101 Always Classic - WXHC.com, X101 Always Classic - WXHC.com.
