LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — UPDATE: After our story aired, Cambridge Place released a statement on Facebook refuting the claims made in the story. They say they do have AC, and indoor temperatures are being maintained within the range required by state regulations.
In their statement, they say one of the two chiller units has recently been repaired, but the facility hasn't had any resident heat-related issues. It also states Cambridge Place is using several cooling measures, including central cooling, window units, and fans.
ORIGINAL STORY:
The families of patients at a Lexington nursing and rehabilitation center are pulling their loved ones out of the facility after the heat inside reached dangerous levels.
The Cambridge Nursing and Rehabilitation Center does not have working air conditioning, said family members of two separate now-former patients. They said staff members told them the AC hasn’t worked there in two weeks.
LEX 18 called the nursing home and asked the weekend supervisor if that was accurate. “No comment,” they replied before quickly hanging up the phone.
“It was like walking into an oven,” said the wife of one now-former patient who wished not to share her name. “It was very uncomfortable. It was 86 degrees in the room last night or yesterday afternoon.”
She wondered how anyone could stay there, adding that the facility wouldn't even be fit for a dog due to the heat.
Patients shouldn’t currently be admitted to the facility, she said. At the very least, she believes patients and their families should be informed before they are admitted about the issue.
She said that didn't happen in her husband’s case, and she’s concerned the families of current residents aren’t aware of the situation.
