Worst Nursing Homes in New Mexico
Nursing facilities are meant to provide safe, high-quality care for seniors, but some facilities fall short. Reports of serious deficiencies in New Mexico nursing homes have exposed unsafe conditions, putting seniors at risk. At Nursing Home Law Center, we are dedicated to helping families hold facilities accountable when residents suffer neglect or abuse.
How Nursing Homes Are Rated in New Mexico
New Mexico nursing homes are rated using Medicare’s Five-Star Rating System and state health inspections. These evaluations focus on staffing levels, health and safety violations, and overall care quality. Facilities with poor ratings often have a history of severe deficiencies, including neglect and abuse. Low-rated facilities may fail to provide adequate care, leading to preventable injuries or worsening health conditions.
New Mexico Nursing Homes with a History of Violations
Several New Mexico nursing homes have been cited for serious deficiencies, and inspectors have reported violations that put residents at risk.
- Casa de Oro Center – Las Cruces, NM – This nursing home has faced multiple citations for serious deficiencies in resident care. Inspectors reported unsanitary conditions, medication errors, and inadequate staffing levels. Recent unannounced inspections found issues with infection control and improper wound care, raising concerns about neglect. The facility’s repeated violations have resulted in low ratings from Medicare and Medicaid services.
- Casa Maria Healthcare – Roswell, NM – This facility has a troubling history of infractions detailed in state health inspections. Health department staff conducted investigations that revealed understaffing, failure to prevent falls, and a lack of timely medical attention for residents. Reports also highlighted concerns about room uncleanliness and poor hygiene standards, which put seniors at risk of infections and other health complications.
- Clovis Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center – Clovis, NM – This facility has been cited for serious deficiencies, including improper medication management and failure to address residents’ nutritional needs. State health officials found that the facility failed to provide adequate notice before switching roommates, causing distress among residents. A three-day span of inspections uncovered multiple violations related to neglect and substandard care violations.
- Ladera Center – Albuquerque, NM – This facility has received multiple citations for health and safety violations. Inspectors reported inadequate supervision of residents, leading to preventable injuries and accidents. Recent reports found that the facility failed to maintain proper infection control measures, increasing the risk of illness. Due to ongoing compliance issues, Medicare and Medicaid-certified evaluations have consistently rated Ladera Center poorly.
- Sandia Ridge Center – Albuquerque, NM – This nursing home has a history of serious infractions, including failure to protect residents from abuse and neglect. The Albuquerque Journal reported that state health officials cited the facility for poor staffing levels, which contributed to delayed medical care and preventable health complications. Room uncleanliness and sanitation concerns were also noted in past nursing home inspections.
Common Deficiencies Found in New Mexico Nursing Homes
Inspectors reported serious deficiencies in New Mexico nursing homes, often citing recurring violations jeopardizing resident safety.
Infection prevention and control failures have led to unsanitary conditions, increasing the risk of illness. Inadequate staffing levels and training contribute to neglect, as overworked caregivers struggle to meet residents’ needs.
Medication errors and mismanagement put seniors at risk of harmful drug interactions and missed doses. Failure to provide adequate nutrition and hydration can result in weight loss and dehydration.
Pressure ulcers (bedsores) and improper wound care are common signs of neglect, often leading to severe infections and unnecessary suffering for residents.
Signs of Abuse and Neglect in Nursing Homes
Recognizing the warning signs of abuse or neglect in New Mexico nursing homes is essential for protecting loved ones.
- Bruises, fractures, or unexplained injuries;
- Malnutrition and dehydration;
- Bedsores;
- Poor hygiene;
- Withdrawal, fear, or agitation;
- Missing funds or valuables;
- Unexplained STDs;
- Sudden behavioral changes.
Legal Rights of Nursing Home Residents in New Mexico
Nursing home residents in New Mexico are protected by both federal and state laws to ensure they receive proper care.
The Federal Nursing Home Reform Act (OBRA ’87) establishes rights to dignity, privacy, and freedom from abuse or neglect in Medicare and Medicaid-certified nursing homes. It also mandates adequate staffing, proper medical care, and protection from unnecessary restraints.
New Mexico’s Residents’ Rights Statutes reinforce these protections, requiring facilities to provide safe living conditions and respect residents’ autonomy.
If a facility violates these rights, legal action may be necessary to hold them accountable and seek compensation for affected residents.
What to Do if You Suspect Abuse or Neglect in a New Mexico Nursing Home?
If you suspect abuse or neglect in a New Mexico nursing home, take immediate action to protect your loved one.
- Document your concerns by taking notes, photos, or videos of injuries, poor living conditions, or signs of neglect.
- Report your suspicions to the nursing home administration and request a written response.
- Contact the Long-Term Care Ombudsman, who advocates for residents’ rights and investigates complaints.
- Finally, consult with an experienced New Mexico nursing home abuse attorney to explore legal options.
Filing a Lawsuit for Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect in New Mexico
Filing a lawsuit for nursing home abuse or neglect in New Mexico can help families seek compensation for their loved one’s suffering.
The process begins with investigating the claim and gathering evidence, including medical records, witness statements, and inspection reports. Next, determining liability is crucial—this may involve the facility, individual staff members, or corporate owners.
Once evidence is collected, the attorney files a complaint in court, officially starting the case. Both sides exchange evidence during the discovery process and pre-trial motions, and may argue legal issues before trial.
Many cases end with negotiating a settlement, but if a fair offer isn’t made, the case proceeds to trial. An experienced New Mexico nursing home abuse attorney can guide families through this process and fight for justice on behalf of affected residents.
Contact a New Mexico Nursing Home Attorney for a Free Consultation
If your loved one has suffered neglect or abuse in a New Mexico nursing home, the legal team at Nursing Home Law Center is here to help. Our experienced nursing home abuse attorneys fight for victims and their families to secure compensation and hold facilities accountable.
We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.
To schedule a free consultation, call us at (800) 926-7565 or fill out our contact form.
Sources: Medicare