Worst Nursing Homes in Hawaii

The nursing home industry is built on caring for elderly residents with medical needs. Unfortunately, every state has underperforming facilities that fail to meet professional standards. Although Hawaii is small, there are still troubled nursing homes in this state that are putting residents at risk. 

How Nursing Homes Are Rated in Hawaii

There are several ways to evaluate nursing home quality in Hawaii. Let’s discuss some methods that you can use to assess different facilities and make the best decision for yourself or a loved one. 

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Five-Star Rating System

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is the primary rating system for nursing homes in the United States. This federal government entity created a five-star system to determine the quality of each long-term care facility. Each nursing home receives an overall score between one and five stars. This conglomerate score includes ratings in three separate categories: health inspections, quality measures, and staffing. 

The list below includes all nursing homes in Hawaii with a one-star rating, which is considered “much below average,” according to CMS data. 

Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) Office of Health Care Assurance (OHCA) Inspections

Another entity that collects and shares data on Hawaii nursing homes is the Hawaii Department of Health Office of Health Care Assurance Inspections. On this website, you can look up individual nursing homes and their history of inspections, substantiated complaints, and deficiencies. This organization helps inspect and regulate nursing homes at the state level. 

Hawaii Nursing Homes with a History of Violations

• Liliha Healthcare Center – This Honolulu nursing center has a troubled history of violations and fines in the last three years. Four separate fines totaling roughly $161,000 have been levied against the rehabilitation center, as well as a Medicare payment suspension. The largest fine resulted from a report that listed several serious violations, including a failure to prevent infection spread and a failure to designate someone to lead the infection prevention program. Other reports revealed concerns about the nursing staff’s practices regarding care plans and protection from physical, mental, and sexual abuse. Nutritional and dietary care for all residents have also been cited as deficiencies [1]. 
• Nuuanu Hale – This facility has had multiple inspection reports that listed serious deficiencies in the last 36 months. The total number of violations is 77, and some of these reports have led to fines totaling $95,300. In 2021, the biggest violation was a failure to implement an infection prevention program, resulting in the health of residents being put at risk. The facility did not maintain and protect the records of individual residents. Multiple resident rights have been violated, including the right to self-determination, the right to receive notices in a language they understand, and the right to a dignified existence. Instances of physical abuse, sexual abuse, and exploitation also endangered a few residents, and the facility failed to respond to these allegations and report them in a timely manner [2]. 

Common Deficiencies Found in Hawaii Nursing Homes

When nursing homes in Hawaii are inspected, many of the same issues come up again and again. 

Many facilities fail to implement infection prevention programs, putting residents at risk of getting sick. Inadequate staffing and training can lead to residents not receiving proper nursing home care. Medication errors are simple mistakes that can have dire consequences. In some cases, nursing staff members fail to provide sufficient nutritional and dietary support to all residents. Pressure ulcers are common signs of nursing home negligence. Even unclean premises can contribute to dangerous falls or poor hygiene. 

Recognizing the Signs of Abuse and Neglect in Nursing Homes

If you have a family member in a nursing home with a low-quality rating, you should be extra vigilant for the signs of nursing home abuse and neglect. Here are some common signs of abuse in these facilities:

• Physical abuse – Bruises, fractures, unexplained injuries
• Neglect – Malnutrition, bedsores, dehydration, poor hygiene
• Emotional abuse – Withdrawal, fear, agitation
• Financial abuse – Missing money, missing possessions, financial document changes
• Sexual abuse – Behavioral changes, STDs, pain, bleeding

Legal Rights of Nursing Home Residents in Hawaii

Older adults in long-term care facilities have certain rights when they are admitted. These rights are protected by numerous state and federal laws, including the Federal Nursing Home Reform Act. Some of the most important resident rights are as follows:

• The right to be free from abuse and neglect
• The right to a dignified existence
• The right to access quality care standards
• The right to participate in care planning
• The right to refuse treatment

What to Do if You Suspect Abuse or Neglect in a Hawaii Nursing Home?

If you suspect substandard care in a nursing home, it is essential to take action. The best way to protect yourself or your loved one from abuse or neglect is to report the issue appropriately. Here are some steps you should follow if you are concerned about potential abuse or neglect:

• Document your concerns with notes, photos, and videos.
• Report your suspicions to the administration at the nursing home.
• File a complaint with the DOH Office of Health Care Assurance.
• Contact the long-term care ombudsman program. 
• Contact a nursing home abuse attorney for legal guidance.

Filing a Lawsuit for Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect in Hawaii

In some cases, a lawsuit may be your best course of action to pursue compensation and hold the rehabilitation center accountable. Here are the steps involved in a nursing home abuse lawsuit that you may encounter:

• Claim investigation
• Gathering evidence
• Determining liability
• Filing a complaint in court
• Discovery process
• Pre-trial motions
• Settlement negotiations
• Trial (if necessary)

Compensation in Hawaii Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Cases

The purpose of a lawsuit is to pursue justice and seek compensation for legal damages. Damages fall into two primary categories: economic and non-economic.

Economic damages include lost income, medical expenses, and future medical costs. Non-economic damages include emotional distress, pain and suffering, and loss of quality of life. 

Contact a Hawaii Nursing Home Abuse Law Firm for Legal Representation

The Nursing Home Law Center is committed to providing support for victims of nursing home abuse or neglect. We can help hold these facilities accountable for poor care and mistreatment, seeking compensation for the victims and their families. 

Whether you have suffered serious harm from physical, sexual, or verbal abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation, call us today at 800-926-7565 or complete the online form to request a free consultation.

Resources: [1] ProPublica – Liliha Healthcare, [2] ProPublica – Nuuanu Hale