Worst Nursing Homes in Washington

Choosing a nursing home should mean ensuring a safe, caring environment for your loved one. Unfortunately, some facilities in Washington State fail to meet even basic standards, leading to inadequate supervision, neglect, and serious deficiencies in medical care. At Nursing Home Law Center, we are committed to holding facilities accountable for their failure to provide safety and quality care.

Our Methodology for Identifying Washington’s Worst Nursing Homes

To assess the worst nursing homes in Washington, we rely on data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and state health inspections. Nursing Home Compare is a Medicare-operated website that evaluates nursing homes nationwide using a five-star rating system based on health inspections, staffing levels, and quality measures to help families assess the care provided at different facilities. A one-star rating indicates serious deficiencies that could put residents at risk.

List of Washington’s Lowest-Rated Nursing Homes

Some nursing homes in Washington State have repeatedly failed to meet basic care standards, receiving one-star ratings from Medicare and citations for serious deficiencies.

1. Auburn Post Acute – Auburn, WA – This facility has been flagged for severe understaffing, failure to prevent infections and medication errors. Inspection reports show residents left in soiled bedding, untreated bedsores, and a lack of adequate supervision, leading to preventable falls and injuries.
2. Avamere Rehabilitation of Burien – Burien, WA  – This rehabilitation center has received multiple substantiated complaints regarding poor hygiene, neglect, and failure to provide timely medical treatment. State inspections cited serious deficiencies in staff training and infection control, which put patients at risk.
3. Bethany at Silver Lake – Everett, WA – This nursing home has been cited for failing to prevent accidents and injuries among residents. Reports highlight inadequate supervision, medication mismanagement, and failure to respond to emergencies. Families have filed complaints about poor communication and lack of access to medical services.
4. Colfax of Cascadia, LLC – Colfax, WA – This long-term care facility has one of the lowest possible ratings due to chronic understaffing, failure to meet infection control standards, and repeated safety violations. Inspectors found residents without proper nutrition and hydration, which contributed to worsening health conditions.
5. Garden Village – Yakima, WA – This nursing home has been cited for serious medication errors, failure to properly assess patient conditions and inadequate staffing. Several residents suffered preventable injuries due to a lack of supervision and improper fall prevention measures.
6. Life Care Center of Mount Vernon – Mount Vernon, WA – This assisted living facility has been flagged for neglect, poor hygiene, and inadequate medical services. CMS reports show issues with infection control, untrained staff, and failure to follow proper safety protocols. Several complaints involve residents developing severe pressure sores due to a lack of care.
7. Snohomish of Cascadia, LLC – Snohomish, WA – This nursing home has received multiple substantiated complaints of patient neglect, medication mismanagement, and unclean living conditions. Inspectors cited multiple falls, infections, and delayed medical treatment due to inadequate staffing.
8. Soundview Rehabilitation and Health Care Inc – University Place, WA  – This rehabilitation center has been cited for poor infection control, neglect, and a lack of proper rehabilitation services. Complaints highlight unsanitary conditions, understaffing, and inadequate medical care, which put residents at risk for serious complications.
9. Washington Care Center – Seattle, WA  – This facility has received a one-star rating due to serious deficiencies in patient care, failure to prevent infections, and poor staff training. Families have reported long wait times for assistance, unresponsive management, and a lack of access to medical treatment.

Steps to Take if You Suspect Abuse or Neglect in a Washington Nursing Home

If you suspect that a loved one is experiencing neglect or abuse in a Washington nursing home, taking immediate action is critical to ensure their safety.

• First, document your concerns by taking notes, photos, and videos of injuries, unsafe conditions, or signs of neglect. Keep records of conversations with staff and any sudden changes in your loved one’s health or behavior.
• Next, report your suspicions to the nursing home administration. Request a written response and follow up if the issue is not addressed.
• If the problem persists, contact the Washington State Long-Term Care Ombudsman. This agency investigates substantiated complaints and works to protect residents from mistreatment.
• Finally, consult with an experienced Washington nursing home abuse attorney.

Filing a Lawsuit for Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect in Washington

If a loved one has suffered neglect, abuse, or inadequate medical care in a Washington nursing home, legal action may be necessary to hold the facility accountable.

The process begins with investigating the claim and gathering evidence. Attorneys collect medical records, health inspections, substantiated complaints, and witness statements to build a case. Next, they determine liability, identifying whether the nursing home, staff, administrators, or third-party providers are responsible.

Once liability is established, the attorney files a complaint in court against the facility and other responsible parties. Both sides exchange evidence, conduct depositions, and file pre-trial motions during the discovery process. Some cases are resolved through negotiation and settlement, while others proceed to trial if a fair agreement cannot be reached.

What Are the Most Common Forms of Nursing Home Neglect in Washington?

Health inspections of Washington nursing homes often reveal serious deficiencies that put residents at risk.

• Infection prevention and control failures allow dangerous illnesses to spread due to poor hygiene and unsanitary conditions.
• Inadequate staffing levels and training leave patients without proper care, increasing the risk of accidents and untreated medical issues.
• Medication errors and mismanagement can lead to overdoses, missed doses, or dangerous drug interactions.
• Many facilities also fail to provide adequate food and water, leading to malnutrition and dehydration.
• Pressure ulcers (bedsores) and improper wound care often result from prolonged neglect and can lead to serious infections and complications.

Statute of Limitations for Nursing Home Abuse Claims in Washington

In Washington State, the statute of limitations for nursing home abuse and neglect claims is generally three years from the date of injury or discovery. Failing to file within this period may result in losing the right to seek compensation.

Contact a Washington Nursing Home Attorney for a Free Consultation

At Nursing Home Law Center, our experienced nursing home abuse attorneys fight to hold negligent facilities accountable and help families seek the compensation they deserve.

We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.

Call us at (800) 926-7565 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation.

Sources: Medicare