Iowa Nursing Home Faces Allegations of Abuse by Teen Caregiver

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Iowa Nursing Home Faces Allegations of Abuse by Teen Caregiver

Posted on behalf of Jeff Pitman on September 3, 2024 in Nursing Home Abuse

elderly woman sat alone in nursing home Caring Acres Nursing and Rehabilitation in Anita, Iowa is once again under scrutiny for failing to protect its residents from abuse. The facility, which has a history of violations, is now facing potential federal fines. The fines, which total $30,250, are related to the alleged verbal abuse and physical roughness by a teenage caregiver employed by the facility.

16-Year-Old CNA and Daughter of Assistant Nursing Director Shouted Profanity At Residents

This latest incident involves a 16-year-old certified nursing assistant (CNA) who reportedly used profanity as well as rough physical behavior towards residents. The CNA, who is described in a news article as the daughter of the assistant director of nursing, was apparently heard telling a resident, “I am not putting up with your s— tonight.” The teen has been observed making other similar inappropriate comments by workers at the facility.

Multiple Staff Workers Witnessed the Teen’s Behavior

Multiple staff members reported witnessing the CNA’s abusive yelling at residents. The teen was also observed spending excessive time on her phone while at work. One employee stated that residents “would be happier without her here because she is so disgusting and horrible” to them.

Staff Members Feared Retaliation

Some staff members expressed fear of retaliation for reporting the abuse, as the CNA’s mother is employed as an assistant nursing director at the facility.

Caring Acres Has a History of Failing to Protect Residents From Abuse

This is not the first time Caring Acres has been cited for abuse. In 2023, the nursing home was fined $21,356 for failing to protect residents from sexual abuse.

In one incident, a male resident with a history of inappropriate behavior was found groping and kissing a female resident without consent. This is particularly egregious as the assaulted resident has dementia and is unable to give her consent.

Caring Acres Holds a One-Star Rating

The facility’s history of abuse has led to a portion of the proposed fines for these most recent violations being tripled. Caring Acres holds the lowest rating possible form the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. This one-star rating from CMS is an assessment of the facility’s staffing levels as well as their overall quality of care.

What Families Need to Know

These incidents highlight the need for residents and their families to be vigilant in monitoring the well-being of their loved ones. Families who note any signs of abuse or neglect should report concerns immediately.

The serious nature of the violations against this facility underscore just how necessary it is for nursing homes to have increased oversight, thorough background check, and proper staff training in nursing homes.

These are a few key steps you can take to help protect your loved one in a nursing home:

Regularly visit and communicate with residents
Be aware of signs of abuse or neglect
Know the facility’s complaint procedures
Report any concerns to the appropriate authorities

Anew Healthcare Operations, a for-profit company operating, owns Caring Acres, as well as 12 other nursing home facilities across Iowa, Missouri and Kansas. As investigations continue, it remains to be seen how the company will address these serious allegations or whether they will attempt to improve resident care at its facilities.

Contact PKSD for Legal Help If You Suspect Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect

If you suspect your loved one is at risk or has been injured by nursing home abuse or neglect, we recommend seeking legal advice without delay.

At PKSD, we have been fighting for injured nursing home residents and their legal rights for decades. We have earned the reputation of being a trusted law firm, having recovered millions for our clients. Our experienced nursing home abuse attorneys are here to help get you the results you need.

Call our staff to request a free initial case review anytime, night or day. If we represent you, there are no upfront costs or fees to pay. We only get paid if you do.

PKSD currently accepts nursing home abuse cases in Iowa, Wisconsin and New Mexico.

Experienced Lawyers. Fighting for you. (414) 333-3333

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