With a population of more than 83,000 residents, Carmel, Indiana is Indianapolis’ fastest-growing suburb. In addition, the city has an estimated 8500 senior citizens within its city limits and nearly double that number in the surrounding community. However, the recent increase in retiring senior citizens has caused an upsurge in the need for more nursing facility beds within the Indianapolis area. Because of that, many nursing homes have become instantly overwhelmed and understaffed in an attempt to meet the needs of every resident at their facility. As a result, many nursing home residents have become the victim of understaffing, or untrained nurses and nurses’ aides attempting to provide the highest level of care to everyone in the home.
Medicare releases information every month on all nursing homes in Carmel, Indiana based on the data gathered through surveys, investigations and inspections. According to the federal agency, investigators found serious violations and deficiencies at thirty-seven (49%) of these seventy-five Carmel nursing facilities that led to residents receiving substandard care. If your loved one was mistreated, abused, injured or died unexpectedly from neglect while living in a nursing home in Indiana, let our attorneys protect the rights of your family. Contact a Carmel nursing home abuse attorney from Nursing Home Law Center (800-926-7565) today to schedule a free case consultation to discuss filing a claim for compensation to recover your damages.
The nursing home neglect attorneys at Nursing Home Law Center LLC understand the complexities of operating a nursing facility and hiring supportive caregivers with adequate training to meet the needs of its residents. Sadly, many families are faced with no other option than to place a loved one in a nursing home in the hopes that they will receive the ultimate care in a nurturing, safe environment. Unfortunately, many of these professional nursing homes provide care far below acceptable standards and place the health and well-being of every resident in serious, and often life-threatening, jeopardy.
Our attorneys have posted publicly available information updated from various national sources including Medicare.gov. Currently, the listed nursing facilities below maintain just a one or two-star rating out of five possible stars because of serious deficiencies caught by state surveyors and investigators. This information is used as an effective tool for family members who must decide where to place a loved one in need of the best care available in the Indianapolis area.
Overall Rating 75 Nursing Homes
Rating: 5 out of 5 (11) Much above average
Rating: 4 out of 5 (13) Above average
Rating: 3 out of 5 (14) Average
Rating: 2 out of 5 (27) Below average
Rating: 1 out of 5 (10) Much below average
August 2018
ESSEX NURSING AND REHABILITATION CENTER
301 W. Essex St.
Lebanon, IN 46052
(765) 482-1950
A government owned and operated 38-certified bed Medicaid/Medicare-participating facility
Overall Rating – 1 out of 5 possible stars
Primary Concerns –
Failure to Provide an Environment Free of Safety Hazards
In a summary statement of deficiencies dated 02/03/15, complaint investigation was opened against the facility for its failure to “ensure a safe, functional, sanitary and comfortable environment related to damaged ceiling due to water leakage for [3 rooms out of 20 rooms in three out of five corridors. This deficient practice could affect at least 10 residents, staff and visitors throughout the facility.”
The complaint investigation is in response to an observation where “the Maintenance Supervisor indicated the damage was due to water leaks in the ceiling from a recent roof repair.” Even though the repairs were made between November/2015 and 1/24/2015, the hazardous water damage in the ceiling still remained unrepaired in February/2015, placing residents, visitors and employees in jeopardy.
Hickory Creek at Lebanon
1585 Perry Worth Rd.
Lebanon, IN 46052
(765) 482-6391
A government owned and operated 64-certified bed Medicaid/Medicare facility
Overall Rating – 1 out of 5 possible stars
Primary Concerns –
Failure to Provide Residents an Environment Free of Verbal and Mental Abuse from Staff Members
In a summary statement of deficiencies dated 10/08/2015, a state surveyor made a notation of the facility’s failure “to ensure residents were free from verbal and mental abuse when a Certified Nursing Aide (CNA) who verbally and mentally abused residents was not immediately removed from resident care.” This failure resulted in “psychosocial harm to [four residents at the facility].” The surveyor noted that immediate jeopardy began on 3/6/2015 when the certified nursing aide “threatened to smother a resident with a pillow while he slept, the staff member was not remove, and the Administrator did not thoroughly investigate and/or report the incident to State agencies according to law.” In addition, both the Director of Nursing (DON) and The Administrator were notified of immediate jeopardy later that morning. However, the immediate jeopardy was not removed until 10/08/2015, “but noncompliance remained at the lower scope and severity of isolated, no actual harm, with potential for more than minimal harm that is not immediate jeopardy. This is in direct violation with federal and state laws along with the written policies to be enforced at the facility.
McGivney Health Care Center
2907 E. 136th St.
Carmel, IN 46033
(317) 846-0265
A government owned and operated 37-certified bed Medicaid-participating facility
Overall Rating – 1 out of 5 possible stars
Primary Concerns –
Failure to Provide Every Resident and Environment Free of Sexual Abuse
In a summary statement of deficiencies dated 06/24/2015, a notation is made by a state surveyor of the facility’s failure “to ensure allegations of a resident to resident abuse, physical, verbal and sexual abuse were thoroughly investigated, failed to ensure protection of other residents during the investigation and failed to report to the Indiana State Department of Health (ISD eight) and law enforcement.” This failure directly affected for allegations of abuse at the facility and the deficient practice have the potential to affect all 30 residents at the facility. The notation concerns an incident occurring on 6/23/15 where “the administrator indicated the police were not notified of sexual abuse allegations until 06/19/2015. The administrator indicated the allegation had been reported to ISDH, but then “it clicked” and she realized she needed to call the police department.
In an interview conducted on 06/15/2015, one resident “indicated other residents in the facility have requested sex from him. The resident indicated he told staff that they did not do anything. [The resident] indicated he had not been sexually abused. The Administrator was notified of the allegations on 06/15/2015, but by 06/17/2015 the Administrator indicated the sexual abuse allegation had not been reported to ISDH or investigated.
Sheridan Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center
803 S. Hamilton St.
Sheridan, IN 46069
(317) 758-4426
A “For Profit” 80-certified bed Medicare/Medicaid-participating facility
Overall Rating – 1 out of 5 possible stars
Primary Concerns –
Failure to Follow Protocol to Investigate and Report Allegations of Abuse between Residents
In a summary statement of deficiencies dated 09/30/2014, a state surveyor made a notation of the facility’s failure “to ensure an alleged instance of verbal abuse was timely reported, investigated and reported to the Indiana State Department of Health.” This failure to follow protocol involved one alleged incident of verbal abuse at the facility.
The notation is made in response to a review of interdisciplinary progress notes and comments where a resident at the facility “had several confrontations with other residents on 09/7/2014. It indicated [the resident] verbally threatened [another resident] with ‘I will kill you.’ The resident also verbally threatened [another resident] by indicating ‘I f—ing hate you, you should die.’ Then the note indicated [a third resident] reported that [the alleged perpetrating resident] wanted to kill them, then, in the dining room.
Signature Healthcare at Parkwood
1001 N. Grant St.
Lebanon, IN 46052
(765) 482-6400
A “For Profit 138-certified bed Medicare/Medicaid-participating facility
Overall Rating – 1 out of 5 possible stars
Primary Concerns –
Failure to Adequately Assess and Treat a Resident in Pain to Ensure Their Highest Well-Being While Residing at the Facility
In a summary statement of deficiencies dated 09/17/2014, a state surveyor made a notation of the facility’s failure “to adequately assess/treat pain resulting in harm to a resident who had an undiagnosed fractured tibia and did not receive pain medication for 21 hours after pain symptoms reported/displayed.” This failure affects one resident at the facility.
The notation also confirms that the Director of Nursing on 09/15/2014 “indicated staff should assess the resident’s pain and consequences of pain at least each shift for acute pain or significant changes in levels of chronic pain. Observe the resident (during rest and movement) for physiologic and behavioral (nonverbal) signs of pain. Possible behavior signs of pain. Behavior such as resisting care, irritability, depression, decreased participation in usual activities. Limitations in [the resident’s] level of activity due to the presence of pain. Report the following information to the [resident’s] physician or practitioner [including] significant changes in level of resident’s pain [along with] prolonged, unrelieved pain despite care plan interventions.
Carmel Health & Living Community
118 Medical Dr.
Carmel, IN 46032
(317) 844-4211
A “For Profit” 188-certified bed Medicare/Medicaid facility
Overall Rating – 2 out of 5 possible stars
Primary Concerns –
Failure to Provide the Basic Standards of Care to Prevent Degradation of Existing Medical Condition
In a summary statement of deficiencies dated 02/03/2015, complaint investigation was opened against the facility for its failure “to ensure that necessary care for a resident with an indwelling catheter, in that when [the resident] had an indwelling catheter placed due to [a medical condition], the nursing staff failed to ensure the resident’s urinary output was sufficient. This deficit practice resulted in the resident with a change in condition, which prompted the nursing staff to alert the emergency medical system to transport the resident to the local area hospital with a “serious condition.”
The resident had recently been “return to the facility from a hospitalization for urinary tract infection and dehydration.” However, upon returning the nursing staff failed to record the resident’s medical record indicating “the amount of urine drain. The character, clarity and color of urine. Any observation of obstruction: evidence of blood, pus etc. Any change in the resident’s condition (e.g. swelling, discomfort etc.) All assessment data obtained during the procedure. Reporting: notify the physician of any abnormalities (i.e. urine output greater than 800 milliliters, obstruction of catheter, etc.”)The neglectful actions of the nursing staff placed the health and well-being of the resident in jeopardy that resulted in the need to return the resident to the hospital.
Countryside Meadows
762 N. Dan Jones Rd.
Avon, IN 46123
(317) 495-7200
A “For Profit” 188-certified bed Medicare/Medicaid-participating facility
Overall Rating – 2 out of 5 possible stars
Primary Concerns –
Failure to Provide Basic Medical Care to Prevent Advanced Development of Existing Bedsores
In a summary statement of deficiencies dated 11/05/2015, a state surveyor made a notation concerning the facility’s failure “to ensure pressure ulcer prevention and reducing interventions were elevated and revised for a resident who enter the facility without pressure sores, resulting in the development of a stage III (full thickness skin loss) pressure ulcer to the sacrum that later became unstageable and development of unstageable pressure ulcers (full thickness tissue loss in which actual depth of the ulcer is completely observed by slough and/or eschar in the wound bed) to the bilateral heels, right ankle, right foot, and the right and left medial knee.” This failure affected one resident at the facility.
The notation is made in response to a 2/15 “IDT weekly review of residents with wounds” that stated “the note should refer specifically to each site and be general whether the site has worsened, remain unchanged or improve. The policy stated, if the wound has worsened or improve the IDT note should reference these changes in credit or change the current interventions. The policy indicated care plans related to the wounds should be reviewed, weekly in addition to writing an IDT note to ensure the documentation is current and reflects the interventions being utilized.” This failure directly affects the health and well-being of the resident suffering unstageable (life-threatening) facility-acquired bedsores.
ManorCare Health Services Summer Trace
12999 N. Pennsylvania St.
Carmel, IN 46032
(317) 848-2448
A “For Profit” 104-certified bed Medicare/Medicaid facility
Overall Rating – 2 out of 5 possible stars
Primary Concerns –
Failure to Properly Assess a Resident Deemed Unable to Operate a Motorized Scooter at the Facility
In a summary statement of deficiencies dated 04/17/2015, complaint investigation was opened at the facility for its failure “to ensure the assessment of residents who had the use of motorized scooters, in that one a resident had the use of motorized scooter and had underlying conditions which could pose a risk to themselves and others, the facility failed to assess the resident’s ability for continued safe operation of the scooter.” This failure directly affected two residents at the facility.
The complaint investigation was opened on 4/17/15 in part to a resident who indicated “her motorized wheelchair had been taken away from me because I gained a little weight. However, that same day, interview with the rehabilitation manager indicated that “the resident had a change in mental status last fall and when she returned to the facility she could not manage the scooter. When further interviewed if an assessment had been completed since her readmission to the facility to determine if the resident could operate the scooter safely, the rehabilitation manager indicated “no, the therapy department does not do evaluations on resident safety with motorized wheelchairs.” This failure to properly assess the resident strips away their independence and the ability to live a dignified life while under the care of others.
Danville Regional Rehabilitation
255 Meadow Dr.
Danville, IN 46122
(317) 745-5451
A government owned and operated 110-certified bed Medicare/Medicaid-participating facility
Overall Rating – 1 out of 5 possible stars
Primary Concerns –
Failure to Develop and Implement Interventions to Prevent Existing Later Stage Pressure Ulcers from Developing to a Life-Threatening Stage
In a summary statement of deficiencies dated 08/21/2015, complaint investigation was opened against the facility for its failure “to ensure individualized interventions were implemented and pressure reducing devices were placed effectively to reduce pressure and prevent an increase from a stage III pressure ulcer (full thickness skin loss) to a stage IV pressure ulcer (full thickness tissue loss) for [a resident at the facility].” This complaint investigation was also in response to the facility’s failure to “prevent an increase from the stage II pressure ulcer (partial thickness) to a stage III pressure ulcer for [another resident].”
These two incidences are in direct violation to the facility’s current pressure ulcer policy that indicates “care plan should include interventions for residents at risk of skin impairment may include but were not limited to: frequent turning and repositioning, and off-loading pressure to heels. The policy indicated residents at moderate risk should have a turning schedule with foam wedges for lateral positioning. The policy indicates very high risk residents should have all treatments, the policy indicated intervention should be communicated to the staff.” These failures directly impact the health and well-being of residents involved in the incidents.
Manor Care Health Services – Prestwick
445 S. CR 525 E.
Avon, IN 46123
(317) 745-2522
A “For Profit” 140-certified bed Medicare/Medicaid facility
Overall Rating – 2 out of 5 possible stars
Primary Concerns –
Failure to Take Professional Measures to Reduce Levels of Pain during a Medical Procedure
In a summary statement of deficiencies dated 5/27/2015, a state surveyor made a notation of the facility’s failure “to ensure pain medication was ministered prior to a pressure ulcer dressing change.” This failure resulted “and symptoms of anxiety and severe pain that were unrelieved until the procedure was complete.” In addition, the surveyor makes a notation of the failure “to ensure communication of care and health status for [a resident experiencing pain at the facility during the performance of a procedure].”
Even though there is substantial state and federal oversight of nursing homes and assisted living centers, many nursing facilities in Indiana are not closely monitored to ensure the welfare and safety of every resident. Unfortunately, unacceptable standards of care continue to be a serious problem at many nursing homes statewide. In fact, some of the problems involved potentially life-threatening issues that can cause the untimely death of a resident who was victimized by unnurturing caregivers or bureaucratic administrators placing profits ahead of resident safety.
While many signs of abuse, mistreatment and neglect are obvious, where the victim suffers a bruise, broken bone or laceration caused by falling on a slippery surface, not other signs are so obvious. More suspicious signs of mistreatment involve:
If you suspect that your loved one has suffered mistreatment, neglect or abuse at the hands of care givers at any facility in Indiana, Nursing Home Law Center LLC can legally intervene immediately. Our team of dedicated nursing home neglect attorneys working on your behalf can provide a variety of legal remedies to stop the abuse and hold those at fault financially accountable for your damages.
We urge you to contact our law offices today at (800) 926-7565 to schedule a full free case evaluation. We accept all cases involving nursing home abuse, mistreatment and neglect through contingency fee agreements. This means all legal services are provided without an upfront fee and are only paid after we successfully litigate your case at trial or negotiate an Out-Of-Court settlement on your behalf.
For additional information on Indiana laws and information on nursing homes look here.
If you are looking for information on a specific facility or an attorney, please see links below to respective locality pages.
Attorney Jeffrey D. Powless
Licensed in Indiana
Hamilton County Nursing Home Injury Lawyer Nursing Home Law Center LLC Home