3 Min Read Posted on October 3, 2025October 3, 2025 $12 Million & Sweeping Reforms Secured for Nursing Homes in Syracuse, NY New York Attorney General Letitia James secured a $12 million settlement and major reforms against Van Duyn Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing in Syracuse after uncovering widespread neglect and financial misconduct. The facility’s owners were siphoning taxpayer funds meant for resident care by charging inflated rent through a self-dealing mortgage scheme and paying themselves millions in improper salaries and fees. Meanwhile, residents suffered from chronic understaffing and unsafe conditions, including a lack of assistance with basic needs, inadequate medical monitoring, and dangerous lapses in care that in some cases led to death. As part of the New York nursing home settlement: $2 million will be returned to New York’s Medicaid program. $10 million will be placed in a Resident Care Fund to improve services. Van Duyn will operate under oversight of an Independent Health Care Monitor and an Independent Financial Monitor, with authority over staffing, spending, and leadership hires. Together, these reforms aim to ensure accountability, restore safe conditions, and prevent future exploitation of residents and public funds. Learn more about what happened at this Syracuse nursing home and the strict oversight it now faces. What Happened at This Syracuse Nursing Home? Despite receiving millions in taxpayer funding through Medicaid and Medicare, the nursing home in Syracuse, NY, was chronically understaffed, leaving residents without basic assistance, medical attention, or supervision. While residents suffered, the owners diverted funds for their own gain, prioritizing profit over patient care. Key issues uncovered in the case: Inflated rent through a mortgage scheme that benefited the owners Lack of medical monitoring and daily resident care Misuse of taxpayer funds intended for resident services Preventable deaths caused by failures to manage medications and respond to falls Salaries and fees inflated by over $2 million in fraudulent payments These schemes drained resources that should have gone to staffing and care, leaving residents in dangerous conditions and taxpayers footing the bill. “For years, residents at Van Duyn endured unacceptable neglect that caused traumatic injuries and tragic deaths. We are holding Van Duyn’s owners accountable for these conditions, and ensuring the facility will make all the necessary changes so that its residents get the care they deserve.” – New York Attorney General Letitia James As part of the settlement, the facility must appoint a Chief Compliance Officer, cannot close or sell for 5 years, and faces steep penalties for failing to follow through — $5,000 per day for ignoring monitor recommendations and $1 million for violating staffing requirements. Abuse at Nursing Homes in Syracuse, NY Nursing home abuse and neglect happen when facilities fail to properly care for residents. It can cause serious injuries, worsening medical conditions, emotional trauma, or even death. At Van Duyn Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing, chronic understaffing and poor management left residents without basic daily support. These failures include: Falls that went untreated and resulted in serious injuries Minimal help with eating, bathing, or moving, which causes bedsores Prolonged time in soiled clothing or bed linens without hygiene care Unsafe bathroom access that led to preventable falls Staff shortages also meant medical needs were missed or delayed, from skipped medications to failure to monitor serious health conditions. Find out how to report nursing home abuse in New York to protect your loved one and hold facilities accountable. Get Legal Help for Nursing Home Abuse At the Nursing Home Abuse Center, we can connect you with top New York nursing home abuse lawyers who are here to fight for your family. Our legal partners have: Secured substantial compensation in New York lawsuits and nationwide More than 45 years of experience in elder abuse cases No hourly fees or out-of-pocket costs If your loved one was harmed in a nursing home, a New York nursing home lawsuit could provide justice and financial relief. Get a free case review now.