11/04/09 - Dyer County

By: Jonquil Newland
jnewland@wbbjtv.com
10:30 p.m.
 
According to statement released by state representatives, The Highlands of Dyersburg Health and Rehab center will not be allowed to admit new patients due to more than a dozen violations cited against them. 
 
During a complaint investigation and annual survey, which ended Nov. 2, surveyors found 14 deficiencies, six of which are considered grounds for admission suspension. Those violations include, nursing services, performance improvement, infection control, pharmaceutical service, and food and dietetic services. 
 
"I am shocked! I am shocked because I still know at least one person who still works there," said Geraldine Holder. She chose the 123-bed nursing home for her mother nearly 18 years ago. "I never, in all those years that she was there, went in and found her in any situation where I felt like she had been neglected. It was just the opposite. They took very, very good care of her," Holder said.
 
Owners have until Nov. 14 to submit a plan of improvement. If not, it could lose its provider agreement, meaning any patient who receives federal money to stay there would have to move.
 
A spokesperson said the nursing home has paid a $5,500 federal fine every day since Oct. 21, and will continue to pay until corrections are made. That is on top of a one time state penalty fee of $1,500.
 
Holder said it seems like more than just the name has changed since her mother lived there. "I am sure that the families of patients there are going to be very disturbed over this. I guess I am just thankful my mother was there at a different time," Holder said.
 
State representatives said The Highlands will not be allowed to admit new patients until all the violations are fixed.