Cited for abuse, neglect, and staggering under debt, GraceWood Rehabilitation and Nursing Care in Pinellas Park, Fl and its parent company, Senior Care Group Inc., have filed for bankruptcy. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services placed Gracewood on a list of “Special Focus Facilities” last year. Special Focus facilities are the nursing homes with the worst safety records. The Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (FAHCA) has also listed GraceWood as having safety violations since 2015.
Government agencies fined GraceWood at least three times over the past few years for neglecting and abusing residents. Earlier this year, caretakers left a 65-year-old resident out in the sun for hours. He died with second-degree burns. Relatives of other residents have complained about neglect at GraceWood, including failure to prevent falls or maintain hygiene.
Senior Care Group owns skilled nursing, home health, and rehab facilities in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and Oklahoma. The company’s other facilities in Florida are Laurellwood and Baywood nursing homes in St. Petersburg, and Harbourwood in Clearwater. They alos own Gracewood in Pinellas Park, the Bridges Nursing and Rehabilitation in Tampa, and the Key West Health and Rehabilitation Center.
Be Alert To Signs of Nursing Home Abuse, Neglect
Relatives and other caregivers should watch for signs of nursing home negligence. Specifically, take note of dirty linens, bed sores, or unwashed clothing. Be aware of generally poor hygiene. Watch for weight loss and dehydration. Mental health is important also, so pay attention to signs of anxiety, depression, and mood swings. Try to gauge general alertness.
You may want to seek the advice of a nursing home abuse attorney if someone you know has died or been injured through nursing home abuse or neglect. Martinez Manglardi is a statewide litigation firm committed to protecting the safety of Florida’s families for nearly 30 years. All too often, elderly victims suffer emotional, physical, or financial abuse. For a free consultation, call us at 407-846-2240 about nursing home abuse and negligence in Orlando, Orange County, Kissimmee, Osceola County, Apopka, Seminole County, Palm Bay, Brevard County, and Ocala .
