75 Long-Term Care Facilities in New Mexico Failed Their Unannounced Evaluations

Last month, New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham held a news conference to reveal findings from a state evaluation of 91 long-term care facilities.

The inspections were done in May, and nearly 90 percent of the facilities failed some portion of the evaluation. Four facilities failed entirely, while 11 received perfect scores. Most of the top-performing facilities were in Santa Fe, including The Montecito Santa Fe, Kingston Residence of Santa Fe and Pacifica Senior Living Santa Fe.

New Mexico Department of Health Secretary Patrick Allen reported that 10 percent of residents in the facilities they studied were living in unhygienic conditions. Allen also stressed the importance of social engagement, noting that fewer than 70 percent of residents were participating in activities.

Governor Grisham’s Personal Experience With Neglect

During the news conference, Grisham recounted a personal experience of witnessing neglect while visiting her mother in a long-term care facility during the COVID-19 pandemic. Grisham said she found her mother in bed without clothes or a sheet and crying out for someone to help her. Another resident came in the room and told Grisham that residents were not safe in the facility.

This experience fueled her drive to improve care across the state, emphasizing that the issues she encountered are happening throughout New Mexico.

What is Being Done to Address the Problem?

The state’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program has been working to address these concerns. Aging & Long-Term Services Department Cabinet Secretary Jen Paul Schroer highlighted the positive impact of the ombudsmen in improving care in facilities like one in Deming, where neglect had previously been reported.

Gov. Grisham vowed to hold negligent facilities accountable and called for better staffing, training, and support for long-term care employees.

What is Causing Widespread Neglect in New Mexico Long-Term Care?

Two of the main culprits in long-term care neglect are understaffing and lack of training for certified nursing assistants and personal aides. Grisham said that the state may need to take another look at licensing requirements for assisted living facilities.

The governor said for many years the only requirement for being an assisted living administrator was being over 18 years of age. You did not even need training, which is something that the state has not moved far enough away from, according to Grisham.

Another problem is low pay. Low wages and salaries affect the quality of staff and the number of staff available. Without proper training and support, neglect is bound to happen, according to Grisham.

Grisham says the state needs to take steps to encourage people to become certified nurse’s aides and get detailed training. The state also needs to take steps to raise awareness about the state’s Ombudsman Program.

Contact PKSD if Your Loved One Was Neglected at a Long-Term Care Facility

PKSD has been representing victims and families of victims of nursing home abuse and neglect for decades. Our lawyers have secured millions in compensation on behalf of our clients.

If you are considering your legal options, call our Santa Fe nursing home abuse lawyers. Our firm takes cases in New Mexico, Wisconsin and Iowa.

No upfront costs or fees. Call us today at: 505-677-7777.