Iowa Nursing Home Bypasses Fines for Alleged Abuse and Understaffing

The state of Iowa has paused $47,500 in fines against the Garden View Care Center in Shenandoah, a nursing home that has been repeatedly cited for violations. This time, the facility was flagged for inadequate staffing and instances of resident abuse.

State inspectors noted the understaffing during a recent investigation into four complaints against Garden View. During this investigation, they also noted the director of nursing said she was under pressure from the facility’s management to make further staffing cuts, despite risks to resident safety.

Garden View Has a History of Complaints and Federal Violations

Garden View, managed by an out-of-state real estate investment trust, has been cited for multiple federal violations in the last two inspections. They were cited for ten violations of federal regulations and four state violations in the most recent inspection. However, just weeks before the latest investigation, the home was cited for additional issues, including nine federal violations, during a routine inspection.

Allegations against the facility, including employees verbally abusing residents and failing to report those incidents appropriately. Residents reported significant delays in receiving assistance, sometimes being made to wait over an hour for help. The director of nursing expressed concerns about staffing shortages, particularly during evening and overnight shifts, where there was just one nurse and one aide to manage many residents.

Persistent Issues Despite New Administrator

According to the Iowa Capital Dispatch, since the current administrator took charge in December 2019, the home has repeatedly been cited for insufficient staffing and other issues, yet there has been no effective corrective action. Additionally, the facility has other significant issues, including inadequate bedding and poor infection control, with medical records stored in a damp basement.

Garden View is linked to Arboreta Healthcare and CareTrust, both of which manage multiple nursing homes facing similar issues. Despite recent management changes, the facility continues to struggle with low ratings from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) across all evaluation criteria.

Do You Have a Loved One Facing Neglect in an Iowa Nursing Home? Call PKSD Now for Help

If you or a loved one has been harmed by abuse or neglect in a nursing home, it is important to seek legal support.

Our nursing home abuse attorneys are dedicated to advocating for the rights of residents and ensuring they receive the care they deserve. We are here to listen to your concerns and guide you through the process of seeking justice.

Do not hesitate to reach out to us for a free consultation. We are ready to help you and your loved one to understand your options and pursuing the best course of action. We accepts cases in Wisconsin, Iowa and New Mexico.

Call now to speak with one of our skilled lawyers today: 414-333-3333