A complaint against Grand Rehabilitation & Nursing at Barnwell exposes common nursing home neglect issues in New York—learn the warning signs and your rights.
Neglect Allegations at Grand Rehabilitation & Nursing at Barnwell Highlight Common Problems in New York Nursing Homes
Families place enormous trust in nursing homes to care for their loved ones. Unfortunately, that trust is too often broken. A recent Times Union report about The Grand Rehabilitation and Nursing at Barnwell in Valatie, New York, sheds light on issues that are all too familiar to families we help across the state.
A Heartbreaking Example of Possible Nursing Home Neglect
According to the report, a Colonie woman filed a complaint with the New York State Department of Health alleging that her sister, a resident of Barnwell, was neglected and denied basic care.
Her sister, who suffered from diabetes and seizures and was recovering from brain cancer, allegedly went days without hygiene care, lacked access to drinking water and her call bell, and was not provided bed rails or a recliner wheelchair despite being a fall risk.
In early 2025, she was hospitalized twice with dehydration, sepsis, and diabetic ketoacidosis—all preventable with proper monitoring and medication. She passed away soon after returning to the facility. The Department of Health is now investigating.
A Facility with a Troubling History
According to reporting, Barnwell has one of the lowest ratings in New York—just one out of five stars from Medicare—and has received 156 state health code citations in the past four years, five times the state average.
Recent inspections reported unsanitary conditions, unanswered call bells, and inadequate staffing.
The facility’s parent company, The Grand Healthcare System, agreed to pay $21.3 million in 2024 to settle federal allegations of fraudulent billing for rehabilitation services across multiple facilities, including Barnwell.
Common Issues We See in New York Nursing Homes
Sadly, what happened at Barnwell isn’t an isolated case. At D’Orazio Peterson, we regularly investigate and litigate cases involving similar issues across New York State. The most frequent signs of nursing home neglect include:
- Poor hygiene and living conditions – Residents left unwashed, with unchanged linens or dirty rooms.
- Unanswered call lights – Delays in responding to residents’ needs are often linked to chronic understaffing.
- Medication errors – Missed doses or wrong medications can cause infections, falls, or hospitalization.
- Falls and injuries – Often due to lack of supervision or missing safety equipment like bed rails or alarms.
- Dehydration and malnutrition – Warning signs that residents are not being adequately monitored or assisted.
- Development of bed sores or pressure ulcers – Typically resulting from failure to rotate or otherwise care for the resident.
- Staff turnover and low staffing levels – Leading to inconsistent care and neglect of residents’ basic needs.
Why Families Speak Up — and Why It Matters
The woman who filed the complaint said she wasn’t seeking compensation—only accountability and better care for others. Her courage reflects what we often hear from families: they don’t want revenge; they want change.
Filing a complaint or legal action can spark oversight, improve staffing levels, and force facilities to follow safety regulations. When facilities know they’ll be held accountable, conditions improve.
What to Do If You Suspect Nursing Home Neglect
If you believe a loved one is being neglected or mistreated in a nursing home, take these steps immediately:
- Document everything – Photos, notes, and dates are crucial evidence.
- Report your concerns – Contact the New York State Department of Health or the Long Term Care Ombudsman Program.
- Seek legal guidance – A nursing home neglect attorney can help you understand your rights and take action if necessary.
Our Commitment to Families Across New York
At D’Orazio Peterson, we represent families throughout New York State in cases involving nursing home neglect and abuse. We know the emotional toll these situations take, and we’re committed to helping families find answers and accountability.
If you’re concerned about a loved one’s care at The Grand Rehabilitation and Nursing at Barnwell or another New York nursing home, contact us for a free, confidential consultation.