Worst Nursing Homes in Colorado

When a loved one needs more support than can be provided at home, family members must find a safe nursing home that can provide quality care. However, not all health facilities meet these basic standards. 

The worst nursing homes in Colorado have been accused of physical abuse, putting senior citizens’ lives at risk due to poor care. If your loved one has been mistreated in a Colorado nursing home, you have legal options. Contact the Nursing Home Law Center to learn how to get justice for elder abuse. 

How Nursing Homes Are Rated in Colorado

Families can use federal and state data to evaluate nursing homes. These systems gather data on health outcomes, highlight repeated violations, and levy fines against non-compliant facilities. 

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

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is a federal agency under the United States Department of Health and Human Services that gives an overall star rating to all facilities that get benefits from the federal government.

The Medicare data has three components: health inspections, staffing, and quality measures. One-star facilities with multiple complaints about possible abuse may be placed in the Special Focus Facility Program, where the government provides additional management.

Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) Inspections

The CDPHE also inspects and regulates nursing homes. They can also levy fines against nursing homes that mistreat those in their care. Consumers can use their website to identify facilities that provide substandard care and review reports. 

List of Colorado Nursing Homes with a History of Violations

1. Adara Living – Inspections revealed multiple rights violations, including not telling families when their loved ones were transported [1]. 
2. Canyon View Care Center – Inspections found black mold in the facility, and one resident hit several people in the face [2]. 
3. Cherrelyn Healthcare Center – Issues here include lack of incontinence care, medication errors, and rights violations [3]. 
4. City Park Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center – Property theft and the use of physical restraints are major problems at City Park [4]. 
5. Colonial Rehabilitation and Nursing – Individuals here were exposed to serious fall hazards that led to immediate jeopardy [5]. 
6. Creekside Village – Individuals were not provided adequate assistance and were not allowed to choose their own doctor [6]. 
7. Crestmore Care Center – Formerly known as Monaco Parkway Health & Rehabilitation Center, this assisted living facility did not provide appropriate medications and used outdated equipment [7]. 
8. Eagle Ridge Post Acute – Individuals in this Grand Junction facility were denied adequate food and water [8]. 
9. Elevation Health – Formerly known as Pearl Street Health and Rehabilitation, individuals here were subjected to overflowing trash cans and missing medication [9]. 
10. Elk Ridge Health and Rehabilitation Center – The nursing home failed to prevent pressure ulcers, leaving patients in severe pain [10]. 
11. Falcon Heights – Formerly known as Aspen Living Center, this facility didn’t let patients meet with their families and failed to perform proper psychiatric testing [11].
12. Forest Street Compassionate Care Center – Staff did not correct potential fall hazards, leading to several serious injuries [12]. 
13. Glenwood Springs Healthcare – Individuals suffered from bed sores and were not provided physical therapy to help with range of motion issues [13]. 
14. The Heights Post-Acute – In recent years, people here were forced on unnecessary psychotropic medication and suffered from bed sores [14]. 
15. Highline Post Acute – A facility employee punched a resident in the face, knocking him out of his wheelchair [15]. 
16. Hilltop Park Post Acute – This Denver, CO, facility did not properly train its staff or provide nursing plans for all individuals [16].
17. Juniper Village – The Spearly Center – This facility is a Special Facility Focus Candidate due to resident-on-resident violence and forcibly secluding individuals [17]. 
18. Kiowa Hills – Located in Colorado Springs, Kiowa Hills has given unnecessary psychotropic medications instead of non-pharmacological interventions [18]. 
19. Lincoln Health Care Center – The facility did not provide care for activities of daily living or have enough registered nurses available [19]. 
20. Lowry Hills Care and Rehabilitation – Lowry Hills has been cited for unsanitary conditions and inadequate staff training [20]. 
21. Mantey Heights —In the past two years, this facility has paid $205,000 in fines for repeated violations of resident rights [21]. 
22. Oakwood Care and Rehabilitation – This is a Special Focus Facility candidate that has been fined $266,000 due to violence and exploitation [22].
23. Paonia Care and Rehabilitation Center – Violations here include inedible food, pharmacy errors, and rights violations [23]. 
24. Parker Post Acute – The facility did not honor advance directives, including failing to give CPR [24]. 
25. Pelican Pointe Health and Rehabilitation Center – A common complaint at this facility is inadequate nutrition and social stimulation. Staff are also not fully trained in dementia care [25].
26. Pikes Peak Post Acute – This Special Focus Facility candidate has repeatedly violated patients’ rights, including refusing to let them choose their roommates, participate in groups, or protect them from violence [26]. 
27. Prestige Care Center of Morrison – Prestige Care had a rodent infestation, dirty bedding, and overflowing garbage cans [27]. 
28. Red Cliffs Post Acute – One resident died because staff failed to give her insulin [28]. 
29. The Rehabilitation Center at Sandalwood – The facility did not have a pharmacist perform monthly medication reviews [29]. 
30. River Valley Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center – Staff restrained patients, used excessive medication, and did not train employees on dementia care [30]. 
31. Rock Creek Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center – Individuals were not given physical therapy or provided a homelike environment [31]. 
32. Sandridge Rock – Seven patients were left traumatized after one resident verbally harassed them and threatened them with physical harm [32]. 
33. The Sharmar Village Care Center – Administration failed to create care plans, handle pest infestations, or offer social activities [33]. 
34. Sierra Post Acute – This Lakewood facility did not remove fall hazards that led to injuries [34]. 
35. Skylake Post Acute  – One resident was physically assaulted in the memory care unit, but the staff did not intervene before she was injured [35]. 
36. Storybrook Care & Rehabilitation – Individuals were denied their rights, including voicing grievances and organizing family groups [36]. 
37. Thornton Care Center – Formerly known as Alpine Living Center, this facility was fined when one resident attacked another and left him with broken ribs [37]. 
38. Trinidad Rehabilitation and Healthcare – The staff here did not adequately treat and prevent bed sores and infections [38]. 
39. University Heights Care Center – The staff did not escort a resident to her medical appointment on a busy street, which could have led to serious harm [39].
40. Westwood Post Acute – There were significant medication errors which could have caused serious harm [40].
41. Willow Tree Care Center – Some individuals were given unnecessary psychotropic medication and were not vaccinated for influenza [21]. 

Common Deficiencies Found in Colorado Nursing Homes

Facilities across the country fail to treat elderly residents with the respect they deserve, including the worst nursing homes in Colorado. Common concerns include the following: 

Infection Prevention and Control Failures

Elderly individuals are more at risk for infections, including COVID-19, flu, pneumonia, and MRSA. Common violations include not vaccinating residents, failing to disinfect surfaces, not installing adequate ventilation, and not laundering bedding. 

Inadequate Staffing Levels and Training

Staffing shortages can lead to poor care outcomes as there’s not enough staff to monitor patients, answer questions about care plans, or call emergency medical services if a patient has an emergency.

Medication Errors and Mismanagement

Medication errors can put individuals at serious risk of adverse reactions. For example, failing to give someone insulin can lead to a diabetic coma and death. Nursing homes must be able to pass out medication with minimal errors. 

Failure to Provide Adequate Nutrition and Hydration

Elderly individuals are particularly susceptible to malnutrition and dehydration. A lack of appropriate hydration and nutrition can lead to serious complications, such as worsening medical conditions or even death. 

Pressure Ulcers (Bedsores) and Improper Wound Care

Bedsores, also known as pressure ulcers, occur when a person is not being turned often enough, such as if they have to lay in bed for an extended period or are not allowed to leave their wheelchair. If not treated, these can worsen and lead to serious outcomes, like bone infections.

Recognizing the Signs of Abuse and Neglect in Nursing Homes

Physical Assault – Victims may have bruises, fractures, or unexplained injuries. Hand-shaped bruises on the arms are a sign that they have been pulled or pushed.

Neglect – The victim may not be cleaned or groomed. They may be dehydrated or underweight due to dehydration or malnutrition. Bed sores are a major sign that the staff is not properly caring for patients.

Emotional and Psychological Harm – Victims may show personality changes, like becoming agitated, withdrawn, or fearful.

Financial Exploitation – Money may go missing from bank accounts, or their belongings may be stolen. There may be sudden changes to wills and life insurance accounts.

Sexual Assault – Victims may suffer from unexplained STDs, vaginal or anal bleeding, or bruising around the genital area.

Legal Rights of Nursing Home Residents in Colorado

Staff members must do everything they can to protect residents while offering them the help they need to thrive. This includes the right to be free from harm, live a dignified existence, participate in care planning, receive visitors, and refuse treatments. 

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

If you suspect that your loved one is being harmed in a nursing home, take the following steps.

Document Concerns – Take notes, photos, and videos.

Report Your Concerns – Email the nursing home administration with the evidence you’ve gathered.

File a Complaint – You can file a complaint with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.

Call an Ombudsman – Your local Long-Term Care Ombudsman serves as a liaison between you and the nursing home. 

Call an Attorney – Consult with legal experts to identify your options. 

Filing a Lawsuit for Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect in Colorado

If you choose to pursue legal action, you can expect the following steps:

• A nursing home abuse lawyer will investigate your claim.
• We will determine liability.
• The attorney will file a complaint in court.
• We’ll share information with the other parties.
• Our team will negotiate a settlement or proceed to trial.

Compensation in Colorado Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Cases

Damages you may receive include:

• Past and future medical expenses
• Out-of-pocket expenses
• Funeral and burial costs
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Grief

Why Choose Us to Protect Your Loved One?

We are a top elder law firm that has helped thousands of clients recover millions in compensation. With a perfect rating from Justia Law and the prestigious Super Lawyers designation, Nursing Home Law Center has the resources and skills necessary to hold negligent nursing homes accountable.

We are committed to helping elderly individuals and their families heal from abuse, fighting hard to get you the compensation you deserve. We use a trauma-informed legal process that reduces stress so you can focus on healing.

Contact Our Nursing Home Attorneys for Assistance With Your Claim

If your family member has been harmed in a nursing home, our Colorado nursing home abuse lawyers can help. Reach us by calling (800) 926-7565 or using our online contact form. 

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