A Copperas Cove nursing home is under scrutiny after a 75-year-old disabled veteran was hospitalized and is now fighting for his life. Lacey Purciful, the veteran's daughter, has raised serious concerns about the living conditions and care provided at the facility, which has a history of health violations.
Key Takeaways
- A 75-year-old disabled veteran, Robert Turner, is hospitalized due to alleged neglect at Copperas Cove Nursing and Rehab.
- His daughter, Lacey Purciful, has documented numerous complaints about the facility's conditions.
- The nursing home has faced significant fines for health violations in recent years.
- Texas Health and Human Services is currently investigating the facility.
Background of the Incident
Lacey Purciful's father, Robert Turner, has been a resident at Copperas Cove Nursing and Rehab for 18 months. Following a car accident that left Purciful unable to care for him, she placed him in the facility, hoping for better care. However, she soon began receiving distressing voicemails from her father, detailing his struggles with the nursing home's conditions.
In one voicemail, Turner expressed his desperation, stating, "My call light's been on for two hours. My urinal is full of pss. I'm sitting in sht and no one's coming by. I'm all alone in this little room. I just feel so depressed."
Conditions at the Facility
Purciful's visits to the nursing home revealed alarming conditions. During a three-hour visit, she found her father's room in disarray and took it upon herself to clean and groom him. She noted that the facility, which houses 123 patients, may not be providing adequate care for those unable to voice their needs.
On October 10, Turner was transferred to the ICU due to septic shock, a condition that could have been prevented with proper care. Purciful claims that the nursing home failed to inform her about her father's earlier discharge and subsequent health issues, including an enlarged kidney and a stent placement.
Investigations and Consequences
The nursing home has a troubling history, facing $118,000 in fines for serious health violations in 2021 and 2022. ProPublica, an investigative journalism organization, reported that these fines are imposed when a facility fails to correct health citations.
Texas Health and Human Services (THHS) has confirmed that they are actively investigating the nursing home but have not disclosed specific details about the ongoing inquiry. THHS emphasizes that the health and safety of residents are their top priorities.
Call to Action
Purciful is urging other families to speak out against neglect in nursing homes. She believes that many families are afraid to report issues due to potential repercussions. She encourages family members to be vigilant and advocate for their loved ones, stating, "If your loved one is in a nursing home, please be their voice. Please check on them."
As the investigation unfolds, the community watches closely, hoping for accountability and improved conditions for vulnerable residents in nursing homes.
