By Garret DeReus
Investigation Summary
This is our second article examining inspection reports from Southern Hills Healthcare and Rehabilitation in Shreveport, Louisiana. Our previous article, “Southern Hills Healthcare and Rehabilitation: A 2020 Inspection Documented Various Patient Care Violations,” detailed serious care violations found in a February 2020 inspection. This article examines both those 2020 violations and more recent findings from a 2022 inspection, revealing concerning issues at the facility.
2020 Violations
As is discussed in our past article, a February 2020 inspection by the Louisiana Department of Health uncovered multiple serious alleged violations including:
- Dignity and patient rights violations, including leaving a resident uncovered during care
- Significant delays in call light response times
- Medication management problems
- Staffing inadequacies with high turnover
- Infection control issues
- Care plan implementation failures
2022 Violations
A more recent inspection completed in January 2022 revealed continuing problems at the facility.
Failure to Report and Investigate Injuries (F609, F610)
Inspectors found the facility failed to report and investigate a serious injury of unknown origin. Resident #12 was discovered with their catheter removed, arm swelling, and abrasions, later diagnosed with an acute fracture. Despite requirements to report such incidents, facility leadership acknowledged they neither reported the injury to state authorities nor conducted the required investigation.
Activities of Daily Living (ADL) Care Deficiencies (F677)
According to the 2022 report, the facility failed to provide basic care assistance to multiple residents. Resident #49, a stroke patient who couldn’t use their hands, was left without assistance during meals. Staff repeatedly left food trays unopened and inaccessible. Proper nail care was not provided to Resident #35. Documentation showed residents weren’t receiving needed help with basic care tasks.
Activities of Daily Living are fundamental to human dignity and health. When nursing homes accept residents who cannot independently perform these basic tasks – such as eating, grooming, and maintaining personal hygiene – they take on the sacred responsibility of providing this care. Failure to assist with ADLs can lead to serious health consequences including malnutrition, skin breakdown, infections, and emotional distress. Residents and their families trust nursing homes to provide this essential care, and facilities are legally and ethically obligated to do so.
Documentation and Assessment Issues (F641, F661)
Several documentation violations were identified:
- Inaccurate recording of Resident #1’s discharge status
- Failure to complete required discharge assessment for Resident #3
- Missing discharge summary for Resident #72
- Improper coding of discharge locations
Pest Control Problems (F925)
The January 2022 inspection revealed a disturbing pest infestation throughout the facility. Multiple resident rooms had visible insect problems, with both staff and residents reporting persistent issues. Resident #71’s room had numerous insects, from small to large, crawling around the room and bathroom. The facility administrator acknowledged the ongoing problem, yet the facility failed to maintain adequate pest control.
Louisiana residents of nursing homes should not have to live among insects and pests, especially given that they rely on the facility for a safe and sanitary environment. The presence of pests not only creates unsanitary conditions but also causes emotional distress to residents and visiting family members. When families place their loved ones in nursing homes, they rightfully expect a clean, pest-free environment. The failure to maintain such basic standards of cleanliness represents a serious breach of trust and care.
Legal Implications
These alleged violations represent possible failures to provide adequate or necessary care. Under Louisiana law, nursing homes have a duty to provide appropriate care, maintain accurate records, and ensure resident safety and dignity. Failures in these areas may cause injuries or harm, and give rise to legal claims.
Potential Steps
If you have a loved one in nursing home care:
- Regularly monitor the care they receive
- Document any concerns you observe
- Report problems to facility management and state authorities
- Consider consulting with legal counsel
Important Notice
This article discusses violations documented in state inspection reports from 2020 and 2022. The facility may dispute these findings, and conditions may have changed since these inspections. However, the pattern of violations across multiple years raises serious concerns about the quality of care provided at this facility.
***
For families with loved ones in nursing homes who observe poor conditions or care issues at a nursing home, it’s important to report these concerns to the Louisiana Department of Health. Additionally, consulting with legal counsel may be able to help protect your loved one’s rights and ensure they receive the care they deserve.
This information is based on Louisiana Department of Health inspection reports dated February 28, 2020, and January 26, 2022. While these reports document serious violations, current conditions at the facility may differ.