Residents Face Uncertainty After Gabriel House Fire
Survivors of the recent fire at Gabriel House, which tragically claimed ten lives, may soon face another upheaval as officials assess their long-term care options. Fall River Mayor Paul Coogan announced that survivors, many with disabilities, are on a 30-day timeline to determine their relocation status. Following the disaster, residents were temporarily placed in various nursing facilities in the area. They can remain at these facilities free of charge during the assessment period.
Alvaro Vieira, one of the survivors recovering in Royal Fairhaven Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, expressed concerns about his uncertain future and the return of personal items critical for his recovery. His family hopes to relocate him closer to home in New Bedford rather than Attleboro. In a statement, Gabriel House owner Dennis Etzkorn assured families he is working to recover their loved ones’ belongings.
The fire has raised questions regarding Gabriel House’s management and compliance history, which includes previous suspensions over resident mistreatment and other violations. With scrutiny of the facility escalating, both state and city records reflect long-standing concerns about resident safety and conditions.
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