This film is a tribute to the staff of Louisiana’s nursing homes who brought thousands of residents safely through the storm and its aftermath. They displayed extraordinary courage and compassion. We are grateful for their commitment and their dedication.

This film was produced by Cathie Brady and Barbara Frank of B&F Consulting, and Susan Wehry, MD, as the second phase of work this team did to support nursing home staff after Katrina through the New Orleans Nursing Home Staffing Project. The team worked with nursing homes in the Greater New Orleans area over a three year period to help them through the emergency and its aftermath, to recovery and stability.

The project and film were paid for by the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals with funds from the Nursing Home Residents’ Trust Fund. The project was administered by the State of Louisiana Long Term Care Ombudsman Program in collaboration with Gulf States Association of Homes and Services for the Aging, the Louisiana Nursing Home Association, the Department of Health and Hospitals, and Louisiana Health Care Review.

The film, and an accompanying facilitators’ guide, will be available for purchase at cost through the Louisiana State Ombudsman Linda Sadden. Contact her at lasadden@goea.la.gov.

The experiences of nursing home staff during Katrina hold lessons for us all. Their stories echo countless untold stories of courage, creativitiy, and commitment to residents. Their good practices contributed to staff stability in the midst of chaos. Individuals shared their stories knowing that others in the country may face similar challenges. They relived difficult experiences in the hope of helping others.

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