Oregon DHS Launches Website to Highlight Problematic Long-Term Care Facilities
In a significant step towards transparency, the Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS) has unveiled a new website identifying some of the state’s most problematic long-term care facilities. Corissa Neufeldt, the deputy director of safety at DHS, emphasized the importance of this resource during a recent meeting with advocates, suggesting it should serve as a cautionary tool for families considering care options for their loved ones.
While this initiative may not provide an exhaustive list of facilities or extensive details, it marks a welcome change for an agency previously criticized for its lack of public accountability regarding the issues within these oft-for-profit and government-funded centers. The website features listings of facilities with significant “conditions,” which include restrictions on new admissions until identified problems are resolved. Neufeldt also announced an increase in enforcement measures, stating they would now impose compliance conditions after issuing civil penalties.
The response from industry representatives has been mostly positive. Rosie Ward, spokesperson for the Oregon Health Care Association, acknowledged the value of the information, noting it empowers consumers in making informed decisions regarding care for themselves or their family members.
Among the facilities listed, six have received ongoing “additional oversight” due to serious violations. Notable examples include Brookdale Geary Street Memory Care in Albany, where residents suffered critical falls, and Maple Grove Memory Care in Portland, where rapid, unsafe weight loss among residents went unaddressed. Other facilities like Sunnyside Meadows in Happy Valley have been cited for inadequate staff training, while Hearthstone Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Medford faced scrutiny for delayed care that led to a resident’s leg amputation.
This new portal aims to enhance consumer awareness and ultimately improve the standards of care within Oregon’s long-term care system.
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