KRDO investigates complaints against ‘Aspen Living Center’ in Colorado Springs
KRDO investigates complaints of abuse and poor care at a Colorado Springs nursing home.
“Aspen Living Center” is one of approximately 400 nursing homes in the U.S. that has repeatedly been tagged as a ‘poor performer’ in state inspections, according to a congressional investigation.
According to Medicare data, Aspen has been cited with 61 deficiencies that resulted in $210,000 in fines since 2015.
On the outside, Aspen looks like a normal facility.
Online, it’s advertised as a place that provides thoughtful and personalized care. But the reality, according to dozens of complaints made to the state, is far from that.
Our team found 12 investigative reports filed with the Department of Public Health & Environment this year. In each one, there are disturbing details of sexual, physical, and verbal abuse in addition to some complaints of stolen property.
“Whenever something like this happens, it’s always very tragic,” said James Garofalo, the CEO of Psychotherapy Services, a center that specializes in mental healthcare. “When you work with vulnerable populations, you have to take extra precautions and protections,” he said.
According to Medicare, Aspen ranks as ‘below average’ with a rating of two out of five stars.
Reporter Stephanie Sierra went to the facility in person to get an explanation from administrator Katherine Leneave.
An employee greeted our team inside the building and soon asked them to leave without comment.
Our team tried reaching Katherine over the phone asking her directly if she’s aware of the 61 deficiencies and how the facility plans to improve care.
None of our questions were answered over the phone.
The facility provided the following statement:
“Ms. Sierra: I understand that you had inquired about Aspen Living Center’s inclusion on the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Service’s Special Focus Facility and Special Focus Facility Candidate list. While the list has not previously been published, Aspen was aware that it was a possible candidate based on the Survey Star Rating point system developed by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Aspen has been working diligently to continue to improve the care and services it provides to the residents it has the privilege to serve. The Center will continue with its efforts using its Quality Assessment Performance Improvement process. The Center also will continue with steps to educate the nursing staff on all areas of care it provides. We appreciate the progress that our staff has made to date. We look forward to serving the Colorado Springs community well into the future,” wrote Annaliese Impink with Aspen Living Center.
One can only hope that’s the case, because as Garafalo explains, any type of elder abuse quickly translates to poor health.
“You tend to see a very drastic decline in cognitive functioning, physical wellness, and emotional wellness,” said Garafalo.
KRDO will continue to stay on top of this story with new developing updates.
