In 2026, New York Attorney General Letitia James secured a landmark settlement with Centers Health Care aiming to improve conditions across its nursing home facilities. However, an investigation by New York Focus has uncovered troubling evidence that residents at the Buffalo Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing continue to face severe hardships and neglect.
The settlement was intended to address widespread violations of patient care standards and ensure better living conditions for residents. Yet, the reality on the ground tells a different story, with former residents reporting ongoing issues that contradict the promises made in the agreement.
Residents report ongoing neglect and poor care
Tanica Johnson a 39-year-old former resident of the Buffalo Center, shared her harrowing experience, stating she was traumatized by her time in the home. Johnson, who was sent to the facility to recover from an amputation, reported that she did not receive adequate wound care or rehabilitation services for weeks on end.
Johnson’s account is not an isolated incident. The investigation revealed multiple violations of the settlement agreement including inadequate medical care, poor sanitation, and a lack of proper rehabilitation services. These issues persist despite the legal commitments made by Centers Health Care to improve conditions across its facilities.
The settlement and its intended impact
The 2026 settlement between the New York Attorney General’s office and Centers Health Care was a significant step towards addressing the systemic issues within the nursing home chain. The agreement aimed to enforce stricter standards of care improve staffing levels, and ensure that residents received the necessary medical attention and rehabilitation services.
However, the investigation by New York Focus suggests that the implementation of these measures has been largely ineffective at the Buffalo Center. Residents continue to report neglect and poor living conditions raising serious questions about the enforcement of the settlement and the oversight of nursing home facilities in New York.
The broader context of nursing home care in New York
The issues at the Buffalo Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing highlight the broader challenges facing nursing home care in New York. The state is known for its wealth disparity and segregation which often translate into unequal access to quality healthcare services. Despite being home to some of the wealthiest individuals and having the tenth largest economy in the world, New York struggles with high rates of wealth inequality and inadequate healthcare infrastructure.
The investigation underscores the need for greater accountability and oversight in nursing home facilities. It also highlights the importance of independent journalism in uncovering and reporting on issues that affect the most vulnerable members of society. As New York’s only statewide nonprofit news publication, New York Focus plays a crucial role in holding power to account and ensuring that the voices of ordinary New Yorkers are heard.
In the face of these ongoing challenges, the investigation calls for immediate action to address the persistent issues at the Buffalo Center and other nursing home facilities across the state. It is imperative that the promises made in the settlement are fulfilled, and that residents receive the care and dignity they deserve.
