After the Gabriel House fire, here's how to help keep your loved ones in assisted living safe
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TODAY'S STARTING POINT
Nearly 36 hours after a five-alarm fire ripped through Gabriel House, an assisted living facility in Fall River, there's a lot we still don't know. It's unclear how the blaze, which killed nine residents and injured about 30 more, began. Governor Maura Healey says the state is investigating, and you'll find the Globe's latest coverage below.
In the meantime, you may be wondering what you can do to protect loved ones who live in similar facilities or soon will. 'This tragedy is a reminder of the need to keep older adults safe, supported, and treated with dignity,' Jen Benson, the director of AARP Massachusetts, said in a statement. While a lot depends on your loved one's specific circumstances, here are some guidelines.
Find the right place
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Nearly a quarter of Massachusetts residents
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If your loved one is a good fit for assisted living, start talking to them about what they'd like in a facility before they need one. Factors to consider include a facility's location and environment, cost, amenities, and whether it has different levels of medical care depending on a resident's needs. Some older people may shy away from the conversation, so the website AgingCare suggests having it
Ask questions
Once you've identified a few places that seem promising, tour them in person and ask questions of management and staff. Safety-related questions include whether hallways are well lit and the ratio of staff to residents during off-hours. The state Office of Aging and Independence, which oversees assisted living facilities,
Sometimes due diligence means imagining the worst. Ask when the last fire inspection happened and whether there's a comprehensive plan for facility-wide evacuations, particularly for residents with limited mobility (like many at Gabriel House). Don't forget to ask how the staff handles other kinds of emergencies. For example, are doors alarmed in the case of a resident wandering off?
It's also worth exploring what existing residents, their families, and staff have to say about the facility online and in person, because truth and advertising can differ. Yesterday, a certified nursing assistant at Gabriel House told the Globe that there were
Advertisement
Stay informed
Once your loved one moves in, stay on top of what's happening there. Talk to them often in person and on the phone about their care and experience. Visit the facility regularly and get to know the staff, who may get comfortable sharing information with you if there's a problem. Trust, but verify. And if you suspect your loved one isn't receiving the care they should, there are
That said, there's only so much you can control. The state office that oversees assisted-living facilities has limited authority,
'Any emergency situation could be amplified by the availability of staff, time of day, or other conditions,' Michelle Putnam, the head of UMass Boston's Gerontology Institute, said.
But that doesn't mean you're powerless. As one Gabriel House survivor
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The latest news:
The authorities will keep investigating today but said the fire's origins
Investigators named seven of the deceased, who ranged in age from 61 to 86, including a Vietnam veteran
Dennis Etzkorn, Gabriel House's longtime owner,
The fire was
🧩
5 Across:
88°
POINTS OF INTEREST
A developer is proposing to transform a vacant office park on Route 9 in Brookline.
Suzanne Kreiter/Globe Staff
Housing:
Right now it's a mostly vacant office park in Brookline. It could soon become a 600-unit complex, among
Earmarks:
Citing fiscal uncertainty, top Massachusetts Democrats trimmed programs that help the state's poorest. But they mostly kept the funding
Haverhill death:
7 police officers
Lessons learned:
A former New Hampshire Supreme Court justice's son, struggling with mental health, attacked him. Decades later, he tells the story
Free falling:
Lukas Lamb-Wotton, 31, fell off Mount Washington while free climbing earlier this month. As he recovers from his injuries, our reporter
Building up:
Boston Legacy FC, the city's professional women's soccer club, is planning a $27 million
Rules of the road:
Starting next year, New Hampshire residents won't have to get their cars inspected annually. Republican proponents say the inspections are unnecessary. Opponents, including the state police,
Caitlin Clark:
She and the Indiana Fever will play the Connecticut Sun tonight at TD Garden, where
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'In it to win it':
Andrew Cuomo, the former New York governor who lost the Democratic nomination for New York City mayor to Zohran Mamdani, will run as an independent in November. (
2028:
Amy Klobuchar, Gavin Newsom, and other Democrats are acting like the
BESIDE THE POINT
By Teresa Hanafin
🥬
A CSA model?
It delivers produce and other food
✏️
Fewer fidgets:
Parents are trimming the back-to-school spending a bit this year, ditching brand names and shopping July sales. One item they'll splurge on? The first-day outfit. (
🤬
Miss Conduct Classic:
A co-worker revealed private things about a colleague's family to people in their office.
💪
Sitting a lot?
Loosen up your joints and improve your mobility by lying on the floor. All of the exercise comes from you struggling to get back up. (
💦
Drying up:
For years, Great Salt Lake has been shrinking due to water overuse and rising temperatures. That will have serious impacts
🫥
Hey, Zoomer:
Millennials are getting exasperated with the Gen Z 'stare' — that blank look you may get when you ask a young person a question. Either the kid doesn't have social skills or they think you're a total moron. (
💍
The Big Day:
They each planned to propose on the same day. But
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Yahoo
17 hours ago
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Fall River fires that have rocked the community: 6 historic fires
(This story has been updated to add more information.) The deadly blaze that swept through the Gabriel House assisted living center on July 13 is evocative of past fires that ravaged Fall River buildings. Nine people were killed and 30 were injured in the nighttime fire at 261 Oliver St., according to the Fall River Fire Department. There were 70 residents at the apartment complex. It's believed to be the second deadliest fire in Fall River's history. "The fire at Gabriel House in Fall River is a tragedy," Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey said in a written statement. "My heart goes out to those who are waking up to the most horrific news imaginable about their loved ones this morning. I'm grateful to the firefighters and first responders whose heroic efforts saved lives." Several major fires became ingrained in the city's history, dating back to the 19th century. Here are six of the fires that have shaped the city. Four Winds: Jan. 1, 2019 On New Year's Day in 2019, two people were killed when a car careened into a three-story building at the Four Winds apartment complex, sparking a fire. A 72-year-old Fall River woman was driving her 75-year-old sister in a 2008 Pontiac when it crashed into the building's utility room, officials said. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene, while her sister died at the hospital the next day. Seven firefighters were treated for minor injuries at a local hospital. In total, 80 residents were displaced from the apartment building. More: Four Winds fire was 'a nightmare scenario' for firefighters Kerr Mill: Jan. 12, 1987 A giant blaze charged through the Kerr Mill Complex on Jan. 12, 1987, destroying several commercial buildings. The complex was located on the South Watuppa, where Meditech is now. The fire began in the Thread Mill on Eastern Avenue before it devastated the entire complex. About 900 people lost their jobs due to the fire. Notre Dame: May 11, 1982 A massive church fire broke out on May 11, 1982, after workers soldering copper gutters on the roof unknowingly ignited the Flint's Notre Dame de Lourdes Church. The fire, sparked on a windy afternoon, went on to damage 27 homes across five blocks. Firefighters battled the blaze well into the night, standing guard around Bedard, Choate, and Pleasant streets. Around 300 people were left displaced, and there were only a few minor injuries. More: Notre Dame Church was lost to fire on this day in history. The Flint changed forever. Great Fire of 1928: Feb. 2, 1928 The Great Fire of 1928 destroyed a professional office building and a bus terminal on North Main Street in February of that year. Workers dismantling the Pocasset Mill started a fire in a steel drum to try and keep warm, but did not fully extinguish it before they left for the day. Later that afternoon, an employee at The Herald News across the street called the fire department to report the fire. The Granite Block office building and a nearby bus terminal went up in flames within the hour. Granite Mill Fire: Sept. 18, 1874 Around 23 workers – mainly women and children – were killed when a fire broke out at Granite Mill No. 1 in September 1874. Many who died were working too high up in the mill for firefighters' ladders to reach. Several of them died after jumping from the mill's windows. This fire sparked changes in regard to fire and boiler safety standards. The Gabriel House fire is the deadliest fire since the one at Granite Mill, according to Stefani Koorey, author of the book "Historic Fires of Fall River." Great Fire of 1843: July 2, 1843 On July 2, 1843, a fire that began near Main and Borden streets swept through 291 buildings. Two boys playing with a small toy cannon ignited a pile of wood shavings, and the fire quickly spread throughout the neighborhood. We'll Try: How the Great Fire of 1843 shaped the city's motto The blaze destroyed a post office, churches, banks, and hotels. Around 200 families were displaced from their homes. This article originally appeared on The Herald News: Fall River fires: 6 historic fires that have shaped the city
Boston Globe
3 days ago
- Boston Globe
Family, friends remember Gabriel House fire victims as strong elders with a knack for storytelling
Eleanor Willett and her great-great grandson, Jamison, hug at Gabriel House Assisted Living Facility, just hours before a deadly fire struck the facility on Sunday, July 13. Holly Mallowes Eleanor Willett At 86, the oldest victim was known by her doctors as an anomaly — seemingly becoming healthier with age and retaining a sharp memory, Willett's granddaughter told the Globe on Tuesday. 'She was a fighter, her long term memory was on point,' Holly Mallowes of Dartmouth said. Advertisement Willett raised five children, two of whom had already passed away, according to Mallowes. The former longtime Wareham resident also survived two husbands, her granddaughter said. 'Anything she went through, any tragedy, she came back even stronger,' Mallowes, 45, said. In her late 40s, Willett earned a college degree to advance her career at the local health department, Mallowes said. 'She had been too busy raising the kids when she was younger, and she went back to college just for herself,' she said. Just hours before the fire on Sunday, Willett had enjoyed a visit from her 5-year-old great-great grandson, Jamison. 'She had lived such a long time in life, she had a lot of experience,' Mallowes said. Eleanor Willett (far right) stands at a family member's home. Holly Mallowes Willett came from a large, loving family, according to her daughter-in-law, Deborah Dixon. Advertisement 'She was a lovely lady, and that's all. She loved everybody, she was easy going. She'd do anything for anybody,' Dixon said in a brief phone interview. Willett had lived with Dixon and her husband — Willett's son — for about 20 years before moving to Gabriel House a little over a year ago. 'She made friends, and she enjoyed it,' Dixon said, referring to Gabriel House. 'They were good to her.' Richard Rochon 'He was a tough cookie,' Stephanie Johnson said of her uncle, 78, who was a veteran of the Vietnam War. " but he always made you laugh and smile, Her mother, Judy, was Rochon's sister, Johnson said. 'I know my mom is taking it pretty hard,' Johnson said. She and her family appreciated the work of first responders. 'I want to thank all of the firefighters and the ambulances and everybody who did show up to help,' Johnson said. 'It is unfortunate that it happened the way it happened.' Rui Albernaz, 64, one of the victims of the Fall River fire. Alda Albernaz Robert King and Kim Mackin Fall River resident Russell Silvia said he loved chatting with King and Mackin beneath a canopy that was often set up on the Gabriel House property. Silvia, 42, who works at the A&M Driving School, said residents considered him a connection to the outside world, like a 'little light that came by and said hello.' King, a Vietnam War veteran, shared stories of the conflict with an intrigued Silvia. He would would often complain about Advertisement He also said the 78-year-old was good at reading people's emotions and had a knack for using conversation to brighten their moods. 'If you weren't in the right mood, you could have a conversation with the man and get in the right mood,' Silvia said. Mackin, much more quiet, would greet Silvia by saying, 'I was just thinking about you.' The 71-year-old liked to give him gifts, including sweaters and recently, a brand new Boston Bruins cap with a Superman patch she'd attached. 'She was a good-hearted woman, she'd just come and sit and listen to my stories,' Silvia said. Besides King, a few other Gabriel House residents were Vietnam War veterans, Silvia sai. Silvia said King always wanted to raise awareness about the 'If it took nine people for the rest of those people to get saved, God works in mysterious ways,' Silvia said. Rui Albernaz , He was 64, one of five brothers. Their only sister, Alda Albernaz, and brother Robert looked up at the third floor of Gabriel House around 3 p.m. on Tuesday at the corner room where Rui lived for three years. 'It's just depressing looking at his room.' Robert said as he shook his head at the third floor walk up. 'Everybody still can't process all this. It's a lot to take in.' Rui loved to travel, dance, and never missed the chance to get his scratch tickets, the two said. Alda described him as a happy person who loved music. She said he was 'very good with numbers' like Raymond Babbitt in the movie 'Rain Man.' Advertisement 'He loved being around people,' Alda said. 'He was a good person, a very very outgoing person.' Alda worked at the facility about five years ago and said she had 'no complaints.' 'It was just a shock,' she said of hearing about Rui's death. 'I feel like I'm in a nightmare. I feel like it's a nightmare that I haven't woken up from yet.' Claire Thornton can be reached at
Boston Globe
4 days ago
- Boston Globe
After the Gabriel House fire, here's how to help keep your loved ones in assisted living safe
Write to us at . To subscribe, . TODAY'S STARTING POINT Nearly 36 hours after a five-alarm fire ripped through Gabriel House, an assisted living facility in Fall River, there's a lot we still don't know. It's unclear how the blaze, which killed nine residents and injured about 30 more, began. Governor Maura Healey says the state is investigating, and you'll find the Globe's latest coverage below. In the meantime, you may be wondering what you can do to protect loved ones who live in similar facilities or soon will. 'This tragedy is a reminder of the need to keep older adults safe, supported, and treated with dignity,' Jen Benson, the director of AARP Massachusetts, said in a statement. While a lot depends on your loved one's specific circumstances, here are some guidelines. Find the right place Advertisement Nearly a quarter of Massachusetts residents Advertisement If your loved one is a good fit for assisted living, start talking to them about what they'd like in a facility before they need one. Factors to consider include a facility's location and environment, cost, amenities, and whether it has different levels of medical care depending on a resident's needs. Some older people may shy away from the conversation, so the website AgingCare suggests having it Ask questions Once you've identified a few places that seem promising, tour them in person and ask questions of management and staff. Safety-related questions include whether hallways are well lit and the ratio of staff to residents during off-hours. The state Office of Aging and Independence, which oversees assisted living facilities, Sometimes due diligence means imagining the worst. Ask when the last fire inspection happened and whether there's a comprehensive plan for facility-wide evacuations, particularly for residents with limited mobility (like many at Gabriel House). Don't forget to ask how the staff handles other kinds of emergencies. For example, are doors alarmed in the case of a resident wandering off? It's also worth exploring what existing residents, their families, and staff have to say about the facility online and in person, because truth and advertising can differ. Yesterday, a certified nursing assistant at Gabriel House told the Globe that there were Advertisement Stay informed Once your loved one moves in, stay on top of what's happening there. Talk to them often in person and on the phone about their care and experience. Visit the facility regularly and get to know the staff, who may get comfortable sharing information with you if there's a problem. Trust, but verify. And if you suspect your loved one isn't receiving the care they should, there are That said, there's only so much you can control. The state office that oversees assisted-living facilities has limited authority, 'Any emergency situation could be amplified by the availability of staff, time of day, or other conditions,' Michelle Putnam, the head of UMass Boston's Gerontology Institute, said. But that doesn't mean you're powerless. As one Gabriel House survivor Advertisement The latest news: The authorities will keep investigating today but said the fire's origins Investigators named seven of the deceased, who ranged in age from 61 to 86, including a Vietnam veteran Dennis Etzkorn, Gabriel House's longtime owner, The fire was 🧩 5 Across: 88° POINTS OF INTEREST A developer is proposing to transform a vacant office park on Route 9 in Brookline. Suzanne Kreiter/Globe Staff Housing: Right now it's a mostly vacant office park in Brookline. It could soon become a 600-unit complex, among Earmarks: Citing fiscal uncertainty, top Massachusetts Democrats trimmed programs that help the state's poorest. But they mostly kept the funding Haverhill death: 7 police officers Lessons learned: A former New Hampshire Supreme Court justice's son, struggling with mental health, attacked him. Decades later, he tells the story Free falling: Lukas Lamb-Wotton, 31, fell off Mount Washington while free climbing earlier this month. As he recovers from his injuries, our reporter Building up: Boston Legacy FC, the city's professional women's soccer club, is planning a $27 million Rules of the road: Starting next year, New Hampshire residents won't have to get their cars inspected annually. Republican proponents say the inspections are unnecessary. Opponents, including the state police, Caitlin Clark: She and the Indiana Fever will play the Connecticut Sun tonight at TD Garden, where Advertisement 'In it to win it': Andrew Cuomo, the former New York governor who lost the Democratic nomination for New York City mayor to Zohran Mamdani, will run as an independent in November. ( 2028: Amy Klobuchar, Gavin Newsom, and other Democrats are acting like the BESIDE THE POINT By Teresa Hanafin 🥬 A CSA model? It delivers produce and other food ✏️ Fewer fidgets: Parents are trimming the back-to-school spending a bit this year, ditching brand names and shopping July sales. One item they'll splurge on? The first-day outfit. ( 🤬 Miss Conduct Classic: A co-worker revealed private things about a colleague's family to people in their office. 💪 Sitting a lot? Loosen up your joints and improve your mobility by lying on the floor. All of the exercise comes from you struggling to get back up. ( 💦 Drying up: For years, Great Salt Lake has been shrinking due to water overuse and rising temperatures. That will have serious impacts 🫥 Hey, Zoomer: Millennials are getting exasperated with the Gen Z 'stare' — that blank look you may get when you ask a young person a question. Either the kid doesn't have social skills or they think you're a total moron. ( 💍 The Big Day: They each planned to propose on the same day. But Advertisement Thanks for reading Starting Point. This newsletter was edited by ❓ Have a question for the team? Email us at ✍🏼 If someone sent you this newsletter, you can 📬 Delivered Monday through Friday. Ian Prasad Philbrick can be reached at
