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Water Damage Restoration in Waterbury, CT

Owning a home or business is one of the hallmarks of living the American Dream. While there are many fulfilling and positive aspects of owning property, one of the challenges that owners face is property damage. This type of damage can be caused by a range of disasters, both man-made and natural. Of all the types of property damage, water damage is among the most common.

Whether from broken pipes or heavy thunderstorms, it doesn't take a professor from Western Connecticut State University in Waterbury to know that water damage can be incredibly harmful to your home. Water can spread quickly throughout your property, causing damage to furniture and porous materials as it moves. In the blink of an eye, you could be looking at substantial rotting, warping, and even mold growth. That's why water damage restoration in Waterbury, CT is so important - to mitigate the damage to your home and help prevent it from happening in the future.

Trying to overcome flooding and other water-related disasters on your own can seem like a lost cause. But with Disaster Response by your side, you don't have to lose hope. As a local water damage clean-up company, we provide comprehensive restoration services to properties of all sizes in Waterbury. From the first time we assess your water damage to the time we mitigate and restore, we're here for you.

Disaster Review

What Our Clients Are Saying

Dealing with property damage can be overwhelming. You're likely concerned about a few key things:

insurance claim process
Navigating the insurance claim process

We guide you through every step, ensuring you understand the process and get the most out of your claim.

quality completion
Scheduling for a quick and quality completion

We provide a clear timeline for restoration, prioritizing both speed and quality, so you can get back to normal as soon as possible.

You might also be thinking about:

safety and health

Ensuring the safety and health of your family or employees during the restoration: Our team takes all necessary precautions to protect the safety and health of everyone involved, using the latest techniques and equipment.

assessment

Understanding the full scope of the damage and what needs to be done:We conduct a thorough assessment of the damage and provide a detailed plan of action, so you know exactly what to expect.

expenses

Knowing the costs upfront and avoiding unexpected expenses: We provide transparent pricing and a detailed estimate before any work begins, so there are no surprises along the way.

structural

Preventing future issues, such as mold growth or structural problems: We don't just fix the visible damage—we address the root causes to prevent future issues, giving you peace of mind.

Protecting

Protecting your belongings and valuables from further damage: We take extra care to safeguard your possessions during the restoration process, minimizing any further impact.

You might also be thinking
might also be thinking
Minimizing

Minimizing disruption to your daily life or business operations: We work efficiently and flexibly to reduce the disruption to your routine, allowing you to continue with your life or business as smoothly as possible.

trustworthy

Finding a trustworthy team to handle your property with care: Our experienced and highly-trained professionals treat your property as if it were their own, ensuring the highest standard of care.

Ensuring

Ensuring the job is done right the first time: We pride ourselves on doing the job right the first time, using industry-leading techniques and thorough quality checks to ensure lasting results.

updates

Receiving clear communication and updates throughout the restoration process: We keep you informed every step of the way, providing regular updates and clear communication, so you're never left in the dark.

involved

Ensuring the safety and health of your family or employees during the restoration: Our team takes all necessary precautions to protect the safety and health of everyone involved, using the latest techniques and equipment.

At Disaster Response

At Disaster Response, It's All About You

Like Waterbury Green in Waterbury, Disaster Response has been a pillar of the community for years. As a second-generation disaster response company, we know that our work is never about us. At its most basic, it's always about you—your situation, your needs, and your satisfaction. We engineer our processes to help you quickly recover from water floods and disasters. Our total focus is on you, our valued customer. And that, in a nutshell, is what makes Disaster Response one of the most trusted and highly-rated water restoration companies in Waterbury.

Instead of focusing on profit, bottom lines, and yearly projections, we make you our priority. That's why we're serious about providing expert-level disaster preparedness and response services when you need them the most. Could you imagine trying to decipher misleading fine print or dealing with a pushy salesperson when you're just trying to get your life back together? That's not the Disaster Response way, and it never will be.

We don't just clean up after water leaks, floods, or other disasters; we go above and beyond by providing a consultative approach that serves you for years to come. We assist you in dealing with insurance adjusters to ensure you get the coverage you deserve without unnecessary delays. We make it a point to meticulously review every detail of your claim and work hard to make sure adjusters understand the full extent of your losses. We can also provide guidance on how and when to engage a public adjuster to bypass inefficiencies in the insurance process. At the end of the day, we strive to provide peace of mind during your difficult time and work tirelessly to get your property back to its pre-loss condition.

The Disaster Response Difference

number-one

Professional Technicians, Technology, and Processes

In fact, we'll dispatch a team of water disaster technicians to you within three minutes. We'll also advise you on what can be done to minimize the water damage in your home or business. Our water damage restoration team will use cutting-edge technology and IICRC-approved methods to restore as much of your property as possible.

number-two

Insurance Advocacy

Disaster Response works one-on-one with you and your insurance provider to expedite the claims process and get your home back to normal as soon as possible.

number-three

Satisfaction Guaranteed

We're proud of our work and stand behind every project we complete. Our goal is to exceed expectations and provide peace of mind throughout every step of your water damage restoration process. If you're not satisfied for any reason, we'll listen to your concerns and work tirelessly to rectify any issues that need addressing.

Disaster-Response Difference
Guide-Water-Damage.png

Your Guide to Water Damage Restoration in Waterbury, CT

Water damage restoration is a key step in remediating damage to your home, both structurally and aesthetically. Damage from water doesn't just affect the walls, floors, and ceilings in your home. It can also cause deeper issues that, when untreated, can weaken your foundation significantly and lead to long-term instability.

As if that weren't enough, water damage can present health hazards to your friends, family, and pets. Mold and bacteria can grow in damp areas after water incidents, causing allergies, respiratory problems, and even visits to The Village at East Farms in Waterbury for examination. Ignoring water damage can also result in irreversible harm to your belongings, including furniture, electronics, and sentimental items, leading to financial loss and emotional distress. Professional water clean-up services can repair the damage to your property, help protect valuable assets, and re-establish your home or business as a safe, healthy environment for occupants.

What Makes Our Water Damage Company in Waterbury, CT, Different from Others?

One of the most common questions we get at Disaster Response is, "What separates you from other water damage clean-up companies in Waterbury?" The first and easiest answer to that question centers around our commitment to customer service. We hold our clients in high regard because, without them, there would be no Disaster Response. As such, we work tirelessly to provide them with quality work from friendly and helpful technicians, regardless of the size of their home or business.

But that's just the start. Our clients recommend friends and family to our business because we prioritize the following:

Investing-damage

Cost

Investing in damage restoration for your home is a smart move that can help reduce long-term costs. The best part? Our services are covered by insurance companies, so there's less worry about paying out of pocket.

specialized training

Technicians

Every member of our team has years of experience, specialized training, and certifications in handling water damage. We prioritize our customers' well-being and meticulously attend to every detail to prevent any potential mold-related issues in the future. From single-family homes to

disasters happen quicker

Time

Water disasters happen quicker than you might think. One moment, you're enjoying family time at Fulton Park in Waterbury. The next, you're pulling in your driveway to a flooded home. When you call our office, we'll get to work assessing the cause of your water damage and how extensive the water damage is in your home or business. From there, we'll dispatch a team of IICRC water damage restoration experts to your location.

significant investments

Tools

Disaster Response has made significant investments in cutting-edge water damage equipment, including inspection tools that enable thorough water removal. Our technicians have undergone extensive training to operate these machines and know when and when not to use them.

helping with water damage

Process

For over 40 years, we have been helping with water damage issues, refining our process along the way. We can quickly find hidden damages that others might miss and document everything for your insurance company.

Reliable Water Damage

Reliable Water Damage Restoration Network

We aren't afraid to ask for help if it means a safer, more enjoyable environment for your family or customers. In fact, we have access to a network of industry pros who are experts in a range of water damage services. To make your life a little easier, we also work with insurance professionals who assist with the claims process.

What Does Disaster Response Fix?

As an IICRC-certified water damage contractor in Waterbury, CT, our technicians can address several areas of your home or business that have been damaged by a water disaster.

  • Floors: It's very important to take the necessary time and steps to effectively dry your floors to prevent any potential water damage and mold growth in the future.
  • Walls: Depending on the amount of water that enters your business or home, the structural integrity of your property may be at stake. Our technicians will evaluate the situation, inspect your property, and replace materials damaged by water.
  • Rugs: If your rugs get wet during flooding or from another water disaster, they may be salvageable. We'll work hard to save all the rugs in your property.
  • Furniture: Your furniture is probably expensive and may hold a certain level of sentimental value. Instead of throwing it away or donating it to Mattatuck Museum in Waterbury, we can repair and restore it.
Disaster Response Fix

Disaster Response specializes in every kind of damage caused by rain, wind, or snowstorms. We handle water damage, mold, mildew, and more, and can be at your home or office within an hour of your call to assess the situation and put a water damage restoration plan into action.

What Tools Does Disaster Response Use for Water Damage Clean-Up?

We only use the best equipment! With our extensive experience in the Waterbury restoration industry, we've acquired state-of-the-art tools designed to tackle a wide range of challenges. This experience has also allowed our technicians to identify which type of equipment is best for a particular situation. Some of the most common water damage restoration tools we use include:

Infrared

Infrared Cameras

Our infrared cameras give us the ability to see moisture in walls and ceilings that is not visible to the naked eye, almost like having "X-ray" vision. This capability allows us to detect and address trapped and hidden humidity, significantly reducing the risk of mold growth.

Moisture

Moisture Meters

We use moisture meters to measure moisture levels in cellulose material. Before and after the drying process, we will conduct moisture readings in all areas of your property. If we detect moisture in an unaffected area of your building, we'll get to work quickly to dry it.

Air Movers

Air Movers

This equipment is designed to work in conjunction with our dehumidifiers. While our dehumidifiers extract moisture from the air and convert it to a liquid, our Air Mover helps to circulate this moisture in the air so that the dehumidifier can effectively remove it.

Generators

Ozone Generators

These advanced tools enable us to cleanse affected surfaces and the air in a more effective manner. Ozone Generators work by causing oxygen molecules to implode, making them a valuable deodorization tool.

Xtractor

Xtreme Xtractor

This tool is great for tackling tough moisture after water damage. It allows us to apply direct pressure to a surface, like a carpet, that has soaked up water. The pressure helps draw out the water, making it easier to remove.

Top 3 Types of Water Damage You Should Know About

Water damage can strike without warning and can wreak havoc on your property, leaving you feeling hopeless and overwhelmed. Whether it's from a burst pipe, a severe storm, or an overflowing appliance, your property needs immediate water damage clean-up in Waterbury, CT, to prevent further harm. Here are the top three types of water damage you should know about:

Clean Water Damage

Clean Water Damage

Clean

This type of water damage happens from a "clean" source, such as rainwater or a broken pipe in your home. It's easier to clean up than others on this list but can still cause extensive property damage when ignored.

Gray Water Damage

Gray Water Damage

Gray-Water

Gray water damage stems from appliances such as toilets without feces, washing machines, and dishwashers. Gray water sometimes contains bacteria and contaminants that can make you or your family sick.

Black Water Damage

Black Water Damage

Black-Water

The name alone indicates the severity of this type of water damage. It's caused by backed-up sewer lines, river flooding, and standing water that supports bacteria growth. Black water presents serious health hazards and needs to be handled by professional water damage contractors.

If you suspect your home or business has been damaged by one or more of the types of water above, take the following steps:

Stop the Source of Water
  • Be Safe: Turn off all electricity running through your property. Don't go near or touch any water you believe to be contaminated.
  • Stop the Source of Water: If you're able, put a stop to the water at its source. That way, you can prevent more damage.
  • Call Disaster Response: Contact our water damage company ASAP for water restoration services. Our team is available 24/7 to respond to emergencies.

Our Process for Water Damage Restoration in Waterbury, CT

Having a water damage restoration company by your side who knows how to remediate moisture is a key factor in getting your life back on track. At Disaster Response, we have refined our process over 40+ years of water damage clean-up experience. That way, we can provide customers with reliable, comprehensive service when they need it the most.

We utilize powerful pumps and vacuums to eliminate standing water from your property. Swift water removal is essential in minimizing damage and lowering the likelihood of mold growth. Our team is dedicated to ensuring efficient water extraction to prevent any additional complications.

After extracting water from your property, we dry and dehumidify the impacted areas. We use industrial-grade dehumidifiers and air movers to do so to eliminate moisture from walls, floors, and furniture. Proper drying helps prevent warping, swelling, and the growth of mold.

Whenever we deal with water damage, we have to address the potential contaminants and bacteria that can enter your home. We make sure to thoroughly clean and sanitize all affected areas to create a safe living environment. This involves cleaning carpets, upholstery, and personal belongings. Our technicians also use antimicrobial treatments to prevent mold and bacterial growth.

The final step in the process is the restoration of your home to its pre-damage condition. This comprehensive restoration process may encompass a range of tasks, from minor repairs such as replacing drywall and installing new carpeting to major reconstruction efforts. Rest assured that Disaster Response is fully equipped to manage all aspects of water damage restoration, from start to finish.

  • Maintenance: Have your business or home's roof, appliances, and plumbing inspected by professionals to spot early signs of wear and tear.
  • Water Alarms: If there is a flood or leak in your home, a water alarm can alert you so that you can take action immediately.
  • Drainage: Your home needs proper drainage systems in place at all times. To prevent water buildup, be sure to unclog your downspouts and gutters.
  • Cracks and Gaps: Be sure to seal up any cracks and gaps in your property's foundation to limit water from getting inside.
Disaster Response Fix

The Water Damage Company in Waterbury, CT, You Can Trust

When you want a great steak, you don't go to a fast-food joint and expect a filet. You go to a Diorio Restaurant Bar in Waterbury. When you need quality disaster response services from licensed professionals, you don't go to a fly-by-night shop. You contact Disaster Response.

As a local water damage clean-up business, we believe that providing clients with effective service that they can rely on in times of stress is of utmost importance. While some of our competitors prioritize profits over people, you can rest easy knowing we care about you - and that's something you can always count on when you choose our water damage company.

Whether a pipe has burst in your commercial space and your showroom is flooding, or your home has standing water from a Waterbury rainstorm, we're here for you 24/7. Contact our office to learn more about the Disaster Response difference or to schedule an inspection for your property today.

Contact Your Emergency Disaster Response Now!

Latest News in Waterbury, CT

I-Team: Sunrun and Vision Solar lawsuits leave Waterbury man feeling stuck in the middle

Conn. (WFSB) - The I-Team was the first to report that the State of Connecticut is suing Sunrun, one of the largest solar companies in the country. The I-Team has now learned Sunrun offered to help a local customer only if he excluded himself from any lawsuits.Like many others, Michael Hickey from Waterbury was looking for a way to lower his monthly electric bill. He was hoping solar panels w...

Conn. (WFSB) - The I-Team was the first to report that the State of Connecticut is suing Sunrun, one of the largest solar companies in the country.

The I-Team has now learned Sunrun offered to help a local customer only if he excluded himself from any lawsuits.

Like many others, Michael Hickey from Waterbury was looking for a way to lower his monthly electric bill. He was hoping solar panels would be the answer.

“They were saying anywhere from 25 to 50% reduction in my Eversource bills based on my own solar production,” said Hickey.

Hickey says a Vision Solar salesperson came knocking at his door in August of 2022. While the salesperson worked for Vision Solar, the salesperson was subcontracting for Sunrun. Hickey signed a Sunrun contract that same day.

“It was like once he walked out the door, everything just started to go downhill from there,” said Hickey.

Hickey says he agreed to have all the solar panels installed on the front of his home, but the day of installation he discovered they were installing panels in the back. Trees shade the backyard of his home for the majority of the day. Because of that shade, Hickey has seen little benefit on his monthly electric bill.

“It’s never been to the point where I opened up an Eversource bill and was like wow solar is really paying off,” said Hickey.

Hickey brought his concerns straight to Sunrun. Due to the underproduction of the system, he says Sunrun was offering to lower his monthly bill by around $30. However, Hickey says he was told he’d have to first sign a document which states “you agree to release Sunrun and their respective past, present and future partners, subcontractors” etc. from “any and all claims or counterclaims”

“That was not going to fly,” said Hickey. “I’m like well I can’t sign anything that’s going to save me $30 but let them off the hook for all of the other atrocities they’ve done to me.”

Hickey knows that signing that document would release Vision Solar, Sunrun’s former subcontractor, of any liability too. Hickey has a problem with that because Vision Solar was sued by the State of Connecticut in March 2023. Hickey says he was in contact with the attorney general’s office to be involved with the lawsuit, but then in December 2023, Vision Solar filed for bankruptcy. Hickey has listed himself as one of the company’s creditors.

“I was willing to accept the price reduction based on what my system is producing, but I won’t do it to compromise going after Vision Solar for the mistakes they made,” said Hickey.

Sunrun told him the document could not be changed, but then Hickey saw the I-Team’s story about how Sunrun is now also being sued by Connecticut’s attorney general’s office. The lawsuit accuses Sunrun of deceptive, unfair, and otherwise unlawful sales practices. Court records show Sunrun has requested that the judge make certain changes to the lawsuit.

After seeing our report, Hickey called the I-Team for help. Hickey says Sunrun called him to try and work something out only a few hours after we got involved.

Sunrun later sent the I-team a statement saying:

“This system was sold and installed by one of Sunrun’s former third party affiliates, Vision Solar, which we haven’t done business with since early 2023.

Once Sunrun became aware of Mr. Hickey’s concerns with his system, we have been actively working to find a solution so that he can continue to enjoy the benefits of solar and experience monthly savings.”

“The whole idea of solar is still something that I’d be interested in, but after dealing with both companies I’d rather not deal with either of them,” said Hickey.

Hickey says no matter what happens next, he’s already lost time and money. He is still looking over Sunrun’s latest options with his family.

The I-Team put together a half-hour special with more information on what to consider before Going Solar. You can watch the full report here.

Copyright 2024 WFSB. All rights reserved.

Abbott Terrace Health Center closure pushed back one month

An embattled Waterbury nursing home, whose Medicare and Medicaid funding recently was terminated, will remain open for an additional month as residents are being relocated to other facilities.The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services had notified Abbott Terrace ...

An embattled Waterbury nursing home, whose Medicare and Medicaid funding recently was terminated, will remain open for an additional month as residents are being relocated to other facilities.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services had notified Abbott Terrace in August that it would lose funding beginning Sept. 10 for any new patients and within 30 days for all residents. The move by federal officials effectively closes the 205-bed facility because most of the residents are Medicaid or Medicare recipients and not private payers.

Last week, Abbott Terrace was issued a new termination date of Oct. 9. The facility now plans to move all of its 166 residents out of the building by Nov. 8, said Savannah Ragali, a spokeswoman for Athena Health Care Systems, which owns the facility.

“During this incredibly challenging time, our focus remains steadfast on our residents, their families, and our employees,” she said. “We are committed to working closely with each resident and their responsible parties to help them find suitable care at other facilities. We are equally devoted to supporting our staff — many of whom have served this community for decades — with employment opportunities, either within Athena’s network or locally.”

[RELATED: Abbott Terrace Health Center lost its federal funding. What’s going on?]

Abbott Terrace employs 287 workers, “including 11 team members who have been with us for 30 to 38 years,” Ragali said.

In their letter to Abbott Terrace managers, CMS officials noted that involuntary termination of a provider agreement is generally the last resort after all other attempts to remedy deficiencies at a nursing home are exhausted.

State Department of Public Health officials made several visits to Abbott Terrace over the first six months of this year. The inspections revealed staff shortages, particularly among nurses, large holes in the tile floors and at least one incident where an employee told a resident with incontinence problems “they could smell them in the hallway.”

Ragali said the health department had mandated updates to the building, particularly the flooring, and Athena invested $200,000 in upgrading floors in “specified areas.”

“The facility also earmarked additional dollars for further renovations to benefit the quality of life and life safety of the residents at Abbott Terrace,” Ragali said. She did not specify an amount.

The health department identified further areas needing renovation, including two doors that Ragali said were upgraded.

“Our team did everything possible in the past several weeks to address the physical plant concerns identified by DPH,” she said.

[RELATED: Athena nursing home in Waterbury loses federal funding]

Athena owns 14 nursing homes in Connecticut, including Abbott Terrace.

The state Long-Term Care Ombudsman’s office is helping residents find alternative facilities and aiding in their transition.

“The Office of the State Ombudsman is concerned whenever there is a nursing home closure because it can leave residents and their families facing uncertainty and distress,” Mairead Painter, the ombudsman, said. “Closures raise significant issues regarding the continuity of care, displacement of residents, and the overall well-being of those affected.

“We know that the sudden closure of homes disrupts the stability and security that residents depend on, potentially leading to adverse health effects and emotional distress, but we hope that this outweighs the risks associated with a facility that is not able to offer the appropriate care residents deserve.”

Staffing problems persist at Prospect-owned Waterbury Hospital, union leader says

Staffing problems at a Prospect-owned hospital in Connecticut are affecting patients and practitioners, according to the hospital’s nursing and technicians union.The concerns at Waterbury Hospital — one of three hospitals in Connecticut owned by the private equity firm Prospect Medical Holdings — continue after unannounced inspections last year found a staffing shortfall at the hospital’s emergency department.Public records obtained by Connecticut Public stated the department was understaffed by between ...

Staffing problems at a Prospect-owned hospital in Connecticut are affecting patients and practitioners, according to the hospital’s nursing and technicians union.

The concerns at Waterbury Hospital — one of three hospitals in Connecticut owned by the private equity firm Prospect Medical Holdings — continue after unannounced inspections last year found a staffing shortfall at the hospital’s emergency department.

Public records obtained by Connecticut Public stated the department was understaffed by between one and four registered nurses on 80% of the reviewed shifts in October and November.

Union officials say those staffing problems continue this year, even after a state law was passed in 2023 to try to fix the problem of staff-to-patient ratios at hospitals statewide.

In a statement, Waterbury Hospital said it continues to work to recruit nurses despite national shortages. It says “providing safe, quality patient care is our top priority” and that the hospital remains in compliance with state and federal care guidelines.

Private equity and persistent problems at Prospect

As Connecticut Public has reported, state investigations at two Prospect-owned hospitals in Connecticut, including Waterbury, unearthed a pattern of alleged patient abuse and a failure by hospital staff to conduct timely investigations in accordance with hospital policy.

A sale of the three Prospect-owned hospitals in Connecticut — Rockville General, Manchester Memorial and Waterbury Hospital — to Yale New Haven Health is also currently in jeopardy.

In May, Yale sued Prospect alleging mismanagement. Prospect countersued, saying Yale was breaching its contract on the $435 million deal.

The multimillion-dollar deal has caught the attention of lawmakers. In September, U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy told members of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee that private equity firms like Prospect are cutting staff and gutting services at hospitals to boost profits.

“Are you making money for the purpose of providing good health care or are you making money for the purpose of making the owners filthy rich?” Murphy said.

‘I was hopeful’

State law mandates hospitals formulate staffing committees to ensure each unit has a healthy ratio of patients to nurses or medical assistants. The staffing committee is evenly split between hospital administrators and nurses, but nurses get a "plus-one" vote. In a union hospital like Waterbury, the union selects the nurses on the committee.

In July, the administration and nurses at Waterbury Hospital met to hammer out a new agreement on staff-to-patient ratios and a plan was agreed upon.

Staff at the hospital were optimistic.

“It was a unanimous vote in favor of the plan, and I was hopeful that staffing would get better at that point,” said Edmund Gadomski, executive secretary at the Connecticut Health Care Associates District 1199.

But Gadomski says the hospital is “not complying with the staffing plan submitted and that is leaving the staff short staffed and working in a dangerous work environment on a daily basis.”

In a statement, the hospital said “any issues that are self-identified or noted by the Department of Public Health (DPH) are immediately addressed.”

“We continue to work with our unions and our regulators to meet all regulatory requirements,” the hospital said.

Medications not administered on time, not documented

Medication administration and documentation were also a problem at Waterbury Hospital, according to records obtained by Connecticut Public of unannounced state inspections of the hospital in 2023.

One nurse said she was unable to administer on Aug. 7 an intravenous antibiotic to a patient whose palm fell onto nails because “she was busy.”

That same patient, who was diabetic, also lacked documentation of proper blood-glucose monitoring, public records showed.

In a response to DPH investigators, the hospital on Aug. 8 said it provided education on dose timing to all nursing staff, and supplied a posted reference chart to each of the nursing units as a job aide.

One shift per day was also assigned to complete verification of the medication administration record to the physician’s orders. And the pharmacy and nursing unit would no longer accept medication orders if they were not complete or compliant with the guidance that was put in place, the hospital said.

‘The danger of a medical error occurring’

Gadomski, with the hospital’s nursing and technicians union, said when staff is stretched thin, problems can develop.

“If you’re working short staffed it certainly increases the danger of a medical error occurring and that’s what we’re trying to avoid,” Gadomski said.

He said the shortage — also comprising patient care assistants — persists across departments at Waterbury Hospital, including at a unit where patients need continuous cardiac monitoring.

A complaint by the union has been pending with the state Department of Public Health (DPH) since January and Gadomski said DPH officials have been on-site at the hospital on a regular basis.

Chris Boyle, a spokesperson for the DPH, said the agency “does not release any details regarding open investigations.”

‘These small hospitals can’t survive on their own’

Dr. David Hill, a pulmonary critical care physician on staff at Waterbury Hospital, who also serves as chair of the local leadership board for the hospital, attributed the hospital’s staffing challenges in part to cash flow problems, for which he said lawmakers bear responsibility.

“We have a high burden of Medicaid patients. The state has not increased reimbursement for Medicaid patients to hospitals in over fifteen years,” he said.

“The challenges we face, some of that may be put on Prospect, but a lot of this is on the state of Connecticut. We're a very wealthy state, and we're underfunding health care for the people who need it the most, and these small hospitals can't survive on their own.”

Waterbury’s median household income is $48,787, compared to $83,572 statewide, according to data from Data Haven.

Hospitals were reimbursed 62 cents for every dollar they spent on a patient insured by Medicaid in 2022, according to the Office of Health Strategy.

And then there’s the ongoing struggle of finding enough nurses.

It’s a crisis that has hit hospitals across America in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a statement, Waterbury Hospital acknowledged the ongoing nursing shortages, but said, “despite this challenge, we continue to actively and successfully recruit nurses and staff, with new employees joining our team every month.”

Gadomski agreed. But said the problem is that they leave.

“Many of the nurses come in, unfortunately see what's going on and leave,” he said. “There's got to be a plan in place for retention, not just for drawing in nurses.”

Learn more

Pattern of alleged abuse emerges following state inspections at 2 Prospect-owned CT hospitals

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Waterbury officials give Amazon warehouse developer nine-month extension to close deal

The developer of a proposed 650,000-square-foot Amazon distribution warehouse on 183 acres at the Waterbury/Naugatuck Industrial Park has been granted another extension by Waterbury officials to complete the sale and close on the property.Waterbury Mayor Paul Pernerewski app...

The developer of a proposed 650,000-square-foot Amazon distribution warehouse on 183 acres at the Waterbury/Naugatuck Industrial Park has been granted another extension by Waterbury officials to complete the sale and close on the property.

Waterbury Mayor Paul Pernerewski approved a nine-month extension of the deadline, giving the developer until next August to conduct due diligence in completing the deal. The extension comes after a small but vocal group of Naugatuck and Waterbury residents spoke out against the plans for the massive logistics Amazon facility to be built by the Bluewater Property Group, headquartered in New York City and suburban Philadelphia.

The intial presentation of the plans occurred in early September.

Thomas Hyde, chief executive officer of Naugatuck Valley Regional Development Corp. which is representing the two communities in the process, said Wednesday that the public shouldn't read anything into Bluewater's decision to seek another extension for the closing date.

"This is a big project and it takes time to work through everything," Hyde said. "At this point, the project needs approval from the wetlands commission in Naugatuck and the state Department of Transportation because of the amount of traffic this facility is expected to generate."

He said developers will sometimes purchase a property where a large facility is being planned, making the closing of the sale contingent on obtaining the necessary state and local land use approvals. In some cases, a developer will purchase the property first and then seek the necessary approvals, Hyde said.

"In some ways doing it this way is better for the communities involved," he said of the extension on the closing date. "In cases where the purchase of the property comes first, if the project falls through, then you worry about the property's owner just sitting on the property and doing nothing with it."

Pernerewski said Wednesday that city officials have remained in regular contact with Bluewater executives and "the conversations that have had with them have all been positive."

"When they sought the first extension last October, we were a little concerned because in a lot of other places they were building, they were scrapping their plans," Pernerewski said. "But they've made a lot of progress on this project since then and we're very confident this will continue to move forward. This is a very difficult site that they've chosen, especially in terms of the blasting they need to do."

Officials with Bluewater were not immediately available for comment on receiving another extension for closing on the property. A hearing on the project has been scheduled for Oct. 3 in Naugatuck.

Bluewater owns a number of logistics facilities in the Northeast, including one in Johnston, Rhode Island, and another under construction in Charlton, Massachusetts, not far from the Connecticut line and Interstate 84.

The developer's plans were first made public in January 2022.

Concerns raised by residents of the two communities at the informational meeting in early September included truck and employee vehicles snarling traffic at certain points during the day; damage to nearby structures from blasting rock to level the site during construction; any residual impact on nearby property values in having a busy industrial facility in close proximity; and the facility's overall environmental footprint.

Includes prior reporting by Liese Klein, Paul Schott and Alex Soule.

Abbott Terrace Health Center lost its federal funding. What’s going on?

This story is part of CT Mirror Explains, an ongoing effort to distill our wide-ranging reporting into a "what you need to know" format and provide practical information to our readers.Athena Health Care Systems has lost federal Medicare funding for nearly 200 residents living at the Abbott Terrace Health Center in Waterbury, causing the company to prepare for the closure of the nursing home.The Centers for Medicare and Medicai...

This story is part of CT Mirror Explains, an ongoing effort to distill our wide-ranging reporting into a "what you need to know" format and provide practical information to our readers.

Athena Health Care Systems has lost federal Medicare funding for nearly 200 residents living at the Abbott Terrace Health Center in Waterbury, causing the company to prepare for the closure of the nursing home.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services notified state officials and Athena that because of the “facility’s failure to meet Medicare’s basic health and safety requirements,” funding would be stopped as of Sept. 10 for any new patients and within 30 days for all patients.

The unprecedented step by federal officials in effect will close the 205-bed facility because most of its residents are Medicaid or Medicare recipients and not private payers. It comes amid growing financial problems and legislators’ concerns about patient care at Athena facilities.

Here’s what to know.

Department of Public Health officials made several visits to Abbott Terrace over the first six months of this year, during which concerns were raised about the facility itself and patient care.

The inspections showed staff shortages, particularly for nurses, large holes in the tile floors and at least one incident where an employee told a resident with incontinence problems “they could smell them in the hallway.”

[RELATED: Athena nursing home in Waterbury loses federal funding]

The federal Medicare website lists a 1-star rating for Abbott Terrace, with “much below average” health inspections and “below average” quality measures.

A spokeswoman for the company said the Department of Public Health had mandated updates to the building, particularly the flooring, and Athena invested $200,000 in renovating floors.

The company had also “earmarked additional dollars” for further upgrades, the spokeswoman, Savannah Ragali, said. She did not specify an amount.

“Our team did everything possible in the past several weeks to address the physical plant concerns identified by DPH,” Ragali said. “We have invested significant financial resources in returning our facility to compliance by upgrading floors, doors and other identified facility infrastructure. We believed that the identified issues had been successfully resolved.”

Following reports that CMS had granted a stay to Abbott Terrace, Ragali said the nursing home “has not been notified of any change to its status” and continues to prepare to close.

When asked if a stay had been granted, state officials referred The Connecticut Mirror to CMS.

A spokesperson from CMS declined to confirm or deny it, stating: “To protect the integrity of our survey process, we are unable to provide additional information at this time.”

Residents have begun receiving discharge notices ahead of the closure, said Mairead Painter, the state’s long-term care ombudsman.

Ragali said Abbott Terrace is looking for locations for its residents to move to and possible transfers to other Athena sites for its nearly 300 employees.

“Residents who have voluntarily decided to discharge from the center are being discharged under their rights,” Ragali said. “Based on the research from our staff at Abbott Terrace, there are 110-skilled nursing beds within a 15-mile radius of Abbott Terrace, with zero beds available on a secure dementia unit.”

Painter said her staff at the Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman is working with Abbott Terrace residents as well to ensure that their rights are being protected and preferences are taken into account.

Department of Public Health Commissioner Manisha Juthani and Department of Social Services Commissioner Andrea Barton Reeves said the announcement does not mean that Abbott’s residents have lost their coverage. Residents will still be covered when they move to a facility that participates in the Medicare and Medicaid programs.

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