OXFORD – The New York State Department of Health recently addressed online concerns about veterans’ home staff in Oxford, saying some of the issues being circulated online were unfounded.

Officials at New York State Veterans Home at Oxford recently ended a COVID-era practice of providing free cable to residents. The decision sparked some backlash from residents and claims that nursing staff were also being reduced, which was false.

NYS Department of Health Public Information Officer Marrisa Crary said the facility works closely with the board of residents to address any concerns.

"Maintaining a safe environment for the residents and workers at this facility is our top priority," said Crary.

"CNA positions are not being eliminated," she said. "The facility has never eliminated, paused the hiring of, or impeded the hiring of any nursing staff," Crary added.

She also addressed the removal of cable, citing it will still be available in the community room, yet if residents wished to continue cable in their private room, the residents would cover the cost.

During the COVID-19 public health emergency the facility temporarily covered residents’ cable costs.

"The facility will no longer cover the cost of cable, which will be optional for all residents, and the wireless internet fee will remain unchanged," Crary said.

President of the Oxford VA Home Residents Council Chester Pierce said a few of the residents believe CNAs are being fired and also noted when he was recently informed cable TV would be removed, it was unsettling.

"I was shocked they would remove cable and called a few other VA homes to see if they were doing the same, but was told they had never heard such a thing," said Pierce.

"I do want to clear up the misinformation about CNAs being fired, that's not accurate," Pierce continued. "Although, I do think more staff is needed."

Crary explained the Oxford administrator and staff have developed, established and operate a Certified Nursing Assistant trainee program on site at the facility, adding "right now, there are over 100 part-time and full-time CNAs working different shifts at the facility.”

She cited the program  provides an opportunity for individuals to enter the nursing field, as well as to increase the number of CNAs at the facility.

"Staff holding the role of unit assistant, a non-certified position unable to provide direct care, are being offered other positions within the facility including the opportunity to train as a direct care worker to better serve resident needs," said Crary.

She noted unit assistants do not fulfill staffing requirements as defined by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

Crary said facility administrators are responsible for making organizational updates to improve operational functionality and ensure the facility delivers the highest quality and most innovative skilled nursing home care and ancillary services to veterans, their spouses and gold star parents, in a respectful, compassionate, holistic and supportive environment that honors the legacy of every veteran’s service.

The NYS Veterans Home at Oxford is a 242-bed facility located in Chenango County. The Home provides state of the art medical, nursing, psychosocial, and rehabilitative services to their residents.