State inspectors in Iowa said they have uncovered a wide range of violations at a nursing home operated by an out-of-state company, according to the Iowa Capital Dispatch.
A total of 28 state and federal violations were found at the Aspire of Washington nursing home, resulting in state fines of $64,750. Those fines are suspended for now until the federal government makes a decision on whether to impose its own penalties on the facility.
Aspire of Washington is a for-profit home owned by Beacon Health Management of Florida, which owns at least seven other Iowa care facilities.
The Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing conducted an investigation in January following several substantiated complaints at the home, and listed its findings in a 190-page report.
The violations involved deficiencies found in numerous areas, including management, medical and dental care, food and nutrition, daily living, competency of staff, interventions, and immediate jeopardy of residents. Some of the allegations are tied to abuse, but the facility was not cited by the state for abuse, or failing to report cases of abuse.
Two workers reported concerns with a certified nursing assistant at the facility for poor treatment of the residents there, with one of the workers telling an administrator that the treatment rose to the level of abuse.
The published report listed other problems found by the inspectors. These included a lack of assistance and intervention for residents who needed help eating, or who had a severe, unplanned weight loss.
It was also determined that staff members failed to complete a baseline medical care plan for residents within 48 hours of being admitted, and that some residents did not receive proper assistance with their dental care.
According to the report, “the home was cited for failing to have an administrator who enabled the home to use its resources effectively and efficiently, as evidenced by a lack of prompt and thorough responses to allegations of abuse”.
Other violations included failing to provide at least two baths or showers per week to residents, failing to provide effective pain management, treatment, or timely assessments of wounds, and a lack of competent nursing staff.
Management of the eight Iowa care facilities owned by Beacon was placed in the hands of a receiver in November 2024, following claims that the operators owed over $1.8 million in past-due rent on the homes and were in a dire financial position.
Michael Flanagan, the court-appointed receiver who has reportedly taken over dozens of other financially troubled nursing homes, declined to comment on the report regarding the Aspire of Washington facility.
ProPublica compiled federal data indicating that Beacon facilities have almost three times the national average of serious regulatory violations, have significantly higher staff turnover and lower than average staffing levels.
The fines against Aspire of Washington follow a recent enforcement action at another eastern Iowa nursing home, Parkview Manor in Wellman. According to the Des Moines Register, that facility was cited for 24 state and federal regulatory violations of resident abuse.
The Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing proposed $35,750 in fines but those will be suspended until federal regulators decide whether to impose penalties.
The Parkview violations, found after a four-week inspection, reportedly involve allegations of medication errors and failures prevent to resident abuse, investigate and report resident abuse, to treat bed sores, to provide services that meet professional standards, to manage residents’ pain, to provide sufficient nursing staff, and other issues.
Prevalence of Nursing Home Abuse
-The National Council on Aging (NCOA) estimates that up to 5 million older Americans experience abuse every year, with many residing in nursing facilities.
-Approximately 1 in 10 nursing home residents in the U.S. experiences some form of abuse, according to the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA).
-Nearly 16% of nursing home residents report being abused.
-In 2023, nursing homes received 94,499 health citations, with 7,654 (8.1%) related to abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
What to Do If You Suspect Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect
If you believe that your loved one has been the victim of nursing home abuse or neglect, don’t hesitate to seek legal help. By consulting with an experienced nursing home abuse attorney, you can take a powerful step towards protecting your loved one’s rights, holding abusers accountable, and securing the compensation your loved one deserves. Visit FreeNursingHomeAbuseReport.com to get started by filling out our simple contact form.
Our dedicated legal team can connect you with experienced nursing home abuse attorneys in your area who fight for justice on behalf of victims and their families. We will provide the guidance and support you need, completely free of charge, as we help you navigate this challenging time.
