Protesters outside investor meeting demand better care, wages at one of America's largest assisted living providers

New York, NY-Workers and family members of elderly residents at Atria Senior Living centers confronted private equity owner Lazard's executives outside their annual meeting of buyout fund investors today, demanding better care and wages at hundreds of facilities across the country.

Atria-the third-largest assisted living provider in the United States and largest provider in New York-has come under fire recently for skyrocketing rent increases, reprimands from government agencies for poor health and labor practices, and a series of troubling incidents at facilities across the country.  The protesters blamed Atria's bad performance on Lazard's greed-putting multi-million-dollar profits ahead of the needs of elderly residents and workers who have been under-trained and over-worked.

Lazard is a powerhouse Wall Street firm that manages more than $140 billion. A Lazard-affiliated private equity buyout fund owns Atria. Residents' family members detailed their concerns today outside of the Lazard investor meeting at a Ritz-Carlton hotel in Manhattan (50 Central Park South). 

"Before my mother moved in, Atria promised the best food and plenty of caregiving staff. We had high expectations, but I feel like we've been deceived every step of the way,"said Robin Berson, whose mother lives at Atria Senior Living in Riverdale, New York.
 
"Our rents are going up so much at Atria, I don't know if I can continue to stay there,"said Barbara Turner, a resident of Atria Valley View in Walnut Creek, California.

"My husband's oxygen tank didn't work in the blackout because Atria didn't have a back-up generator,"said Gilda Ceppos, whose husband lives at Atria Covell Gardens in Davis, California.

There have also been reports of shocking incidents at Atria facilities such as medication mistakes, violating fire codes by improperly locking in residents, and failing to call emergency services after a resident slipped and fell. Residents and family members pointed to the exorbitant fees some residents pay-as much as $8,500-a-month at the 86th St. facility in Manhattan.

Workers at Lazard's Atria facilities noted problems with short-staffing, high employee turnover, and inadequate training which they say contributes to care problems. Average starting pay for Atria workers is $8-$10 an hour. Workers at Lazard's Atria also report that the costs of company-offered healthcare put insurance well beyond their reach. At the same time, Lazard CEO Bruce Wasserstein's pay package was $41 million in 2007 plus nearly $100 million for signing a new five-year deal.

"We struggle everyday to try and make sure the residents get what they need. But there just aren't enough of us. But when most of us make about $300 a week for full-time work, I guess it's not surprising that so many of us leave to find other jobs,"said Cassandra Bryant, Med Tech at Atria Shaker in Albany.

The Federal Government has accused Atria of threatening to discipline, discharge, or take wage increases away from workers because of their support for forming a union. Atria is also under investigation for discrimination against workers based on their national origin.

Federal, state and local elected leaders have called for investigations, legislation and changes to the way Atria does business in the wake of revelations about patient care and bad labor practices at the facilities.

"What I've heard from residents is deeply troubling. Rents are soaring, and the difficulties of moving effectively trap them into paying. I'm hopeful that Atria's owners will act to protect vulnerable residents and their families,"said U.S. Congressman Jerrold Nadler (NY-08).

"I am deeply concerned by reports coming from residents at the Atria located in my district about rapidly rising costs coupled with disturbing lapses in patient care and service,"said State Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal (D, WF). "I am looking into these matters, but in the meantime I strongly urge Atria Senior Living to get its house in order and address these issues."

"Residents of the Atria Senior Living Center on West 86th Street have brought to my attention big increases in rent, from year to year, little information as to why one unit's rent is less than another, and no transparency regarding extra fees for services. The staff members are very nice but are woefully underpaid. The New York State Department of Health should research every aspect of the facility before granting an operating license,"said New York City Council Member Gale A. Brewer.

"Based on accounts that residents have shared with my office, I have serious concerns about the conditions in these facilities and the treatment of the Atria's residents. Given that the Atria has to apply to the state for a new operating licenses, I will be working with other elected officials to look into these allegations,"said State Senator Eric Schneiderman (D-Manhattan/Bronx).

NEW! We're pulling back the corporate curtain and exposing Lazard, Atria, and Bruce Wasserstein. Check out www.LazardUnveiled.org today.

More on problems at Atria Senior Living: www.improveassistedliving.org"

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