Boca Ciega Center
Boca Ciega Center, located in Gulfport, FL, is a short-term and long-term care center with 120 beds. This nonprofit corporate nursing home has been cited multiple times for failing to provide residents with the means to live dignified lives.
If you or your loved one have faced abuse or neglect at a nursing home, it’s crucial to explore your legal options. Contact us today for a free consultation with our experienced Florida nursing home abuse legal team.
Quick Overview
- Facility Name: Boca Ciega Center
- Address: 1414 59th St S, Gulfport, FL 33707
- CMS Overall Rating: 2 out of 5 stars – Below Average
- CMS Health Inspection Rating: 2 out of 5 stars – Below Average
- CMS Staffing Rating: 3 out of 5 stars – Average
- CMS Quality Measures Rating: 3 out of 5 stars – Average
- Federal Fines in Last 3 Years: 0
- Payment Denials by Medicare in the Last 3 Years: 0
- Total Bed Capacity: 120 beds
- Ownership Type: Corporate For Profit
Boca Ciega Center Overview
Located in Gulfport, Boca Ciega Center provides 24-7 nursing services to residents in a community setting. Treatment options include long-term and short-term stays, such as transitioning back to independent living after a hospital stay.
Residents and families have expressed concern about nursing staff responsiveness, including a lack of communication about concerns with family members. Multiple deficiencies, including those around infection control, have also been cited in inspection reports for the facility.
CMS Ratings and Performance
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) provides ratings for all facilities that accept these benefits. Each facility is rated on a five-star system, including health inspections, staffing, and quality measures.
Boca Ciega Center received a 2-star overall rating from CMS, which is below average. It has 2 out of 5 stars for health inspections, 3 out of 5 stars for staffing, and 3 out of 5 stars for overall quality.
The Florida Agency for Health Care Administration has 11 pages for Boca Ciega Center’s statements of deficiencies and inspection results dating back to 2013, many of which were initiated because of consumer complaints. In its most recent report, it had 13 citations, which is above the typical number for a nursing home
Services Provided
Services provided by Boca Ciega Center include:
- Cardiac care
- Occupational therapy
- Speech therapy
- Pain management
- Family and patient counseling
- Respite care
- Tracheostomy treatment
- Wound care
- Memory care
Violations and Citations
Boca Ciega Center has been cited for various concerns and has not had a formal inspection since 2022. Concerns include the following.
Care Deficiencies – In a July 2024 inspection, it was found that a resident had an indwelling catheter that was not being cared for, as there were no orders in place for catheter management. This severe oversight could have caused a urinary tract infection.
Abuse – A 2022 inspection found that staff were rough with residents, including shouting at them and using abusive language. A resident stated that the staff member threw her legs out of the bed, which was incredibly painful. Other residents reported theft of money and personal belongings, which was never investigated.
Nutritional Deficiencies – In a February 2022 report, a resident failed to eat, leading him to develop malnutrition. Failures in communication led to him lacking the necessary food to thrive. His gastrointestinal issues were not thoroughly investigated.
Lack of Follow-up – The February 2022 report also noted that nursing home staff did not inform families about changes to their loved one’s conditions or follow up with doctors about concerns within an appropriate timeframe.
Medication Management – In a critical display of neglect noted in February 2022, nurses did not update a resident’s care plan when she discontinued an antidepressant, which could have led to medication mix-ups.
Infections – One resident developed UTIs, which can be fatal in elderly individuals. At least one resident was not provided details about the medications being used.
Impact on Residents
Health and Safety Concerns
According to the multiple deficiencies noted throughout the years, this nursing home has failed to honor the dignity and rights of the residents under its care, including by failing to provide them with appropriate food for their unique conditions.
At least one resident developed a UTI, while others did not have their care plan updated when their conditions changed.
These oversights can lead to significant issues should a resident be given the wrong medication due to miscommunication. Most concerningly, in the most recent inspection, a resident used a catheter that was never noted on her care plan. This may have led to significant urinary tract issues if the staff did not know to clean and flush the catheter.
Emotional and Psychological Impact
At least two residents reported theft, which wasn’t investigated: one lost almost $100, and another lost a prized shirt. This, too, fails to honor the resident’s dignity.
The February 2022 report also noted that nurses and orderlies would enter residents’ rooms without knocking or announcing themselves, depriving the residents of a dignified existence that offers them privacy. Those dwelling in a nursing home have the same right to autonomy and privacy as living at home.
These concerns can lead individuals to develop anxiety and depression, especially if they have other mental conditions like dementia. Verbal and physical abuse, such as shouting at patients or grabbing them roughly, can cause significant mental issues, including fear and a sense of powerlessness.
Legal Rights and Actions
The Boca Ciega Center has had multiple deficiencies over several years that endanger the lives and safety of those it cares for. Those who have been subject to neglect at this nursing home deserve legal redress, and our nursing home abuse attorneys can help you fight for justice.
If you or your loved one has suffered at the Boca Ciega Center, contact us today for a free consultation regarding your legal rights. We will hold the administration and its employees accountable for failing to provide a safe environment and obtain financial compensation to assist in recovery.