A resident of Western Rehabilitation Care Center put a camera in their room. What they discovered started a DPH inquiry and criminal probe.

Jenna Carlesso
Jenna is CT Mirror’s Health Reporter, focusing on health access, affordability, quality, equity and disparities, social determinants of health, health system planning, infrastructure, processes, information systems, and other health policy. Before joining CT Mirror Jenna was a reporter at The Hartford Courant for 10 years, where she consistently won statewide and regional awards. Jenna has a Master of Science degree in Interactive Media from Quinnipiac University and a Bachelor or Arts degree in Journalism from Grand Valley State University.
CT lawmakers may pass on key elder care reforms this session
Several ambitious legislative proposals to reform nursing homes have hit a wall, hampered by funding and stunted by a lack of political will.
After 50 years, a five-star nursing home closes — with a warning
The closure of Hughes Health & Rehabilitation, a 5-star facility, is partly due to a shift to home and community-based care, its owner said.
CT leaders praise Supreme Court ruling keeping abortion pill accessible
CT politicians and abortion rights advocates noted the ruling means mifepristone remains legal and accessible nationwide.
CT aid in dying bill won’t advance this year
For the third year in a row, the Judiciary Committee essentially ended debate on aid in dying in CT by declining to vote on the bill.
CT joins challenge to Texas judge’s ruling on abortion pill
CT A.G. William Tong is part of a coalition challenging a ruling that would invalidate FDA approval of the abortion pill mifepristone.
CT legislators OK reproductive health bills, nix parental notification
CT lawmakers have advanced a raft of legislation that would expand access to birth control and maternal health services.
Home care providers: A growing but unregulated industry
The shift away from long-term care facilities has exposed a home care industry that operates with little oversight.
CT has no ombudsman for those aging in place
People in nursing facilities have access to CT’s ombudsman program, which investigates complaints. But people being cared for at home don’t.
Advocates fear rising inequality in CT elder care services
As more CT residents choose elder care outside of nursing homes, advocates worry access to services for the aging will become more unequal.
Connecticut’s nursing homes are facing an uncertain future
Connecticut’s nursing homes, which have 20,000 residents, are facing pressure from all sides — financial, legal and internal.
CT’s aging population is growing, but support systems are struggling
Connecticut ranks 4th-highest in the nation in 85 and older population. The state’s network of support systems for seniors is struggling.
CT committee OKs Medicaid expansion for residents under 19 without legal status
The Human Services Committee voted to advance the proposal, which would expand Medicaid to people under 19 of any immigration status.
A new aid-in-dying bill, revised again, stirs debate at public hearing
An aid-in-dying bill has been proposed more than a dozen times in CT, never getting a vote. Advocates hope this is the year.
CT nursing home residents, workers want more staff, transparency
Dozens of advocates testified Thursday on a sweeping bill that would boost mandatory minimum staffing hours in CT nursing homes.