SAGECREST NURSING AND REHABILITATION
LOCATED: 2029 SAGECREST COURT, LAS CRUCES, NM 88011
SAGECREST NURSING AND REHABILITATION was recently cited by the DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES for the following deficiencies:
PLEASE NOTE: The following highlighted quoted text is only a portion of the full report/survey submitted by DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES. The full report/survey can be found here.

THE FACILITY FAILED TO PROVIDE A MECHANICAL SOFT DIET TO A RESIDENT WITH SWALLOWING DIFFICULTIES

Level of harm – Immediate Jeopardy

The facility failed to provide a mechanical soft diet to a resident with swallowing difficulties. Resident #92 had [DIAGNOSES REDACTED]. The Speech Therapist had assessed that the resident needed a mechanical soft diet and Safety awareness was ongoing during treatment due to patient’s cognitive deficits. On [DATE] during the evening meal, Resident #92 was given a hamburger and a whole lunch meat sandwich that was cut in to four pieces. Two CNAs and a cook provided the hamburger and sandwich and one nurse watched from outside while the resident was feeding himself so fast that he did not take breaths between taking bites. These deficient practices resulted in an Immediate Jeopardy (IJ) being identified at the facility on [DATE] at 2:30 pm.
Continuing: Based on record review and interview, the facility failed to ensure that one (R #92) of three residents (#s 37, 80, and 92) sampled due to risk of choking was free from neglect. The facility failed to: 1. Monitor residents in the dining room who had swallowing difficulties, 2. Follow the physician’s diet order, and 3. Act immediately when one (R #92) resident was observed at risk for choking. This failed practice possibly led to R #92 experiencing a choking episode in the facility and subsequently expired.
Continuing: An interview with the Director of Operations and the Administrator (Adm #2) on [DATE] at 3:45 pm revealed that it was the facility’s policy to always act immediately when they observed residents shoving food into their mouths especially if they are at risk for choking. They stated that the staff involved were neglectful when they: 1) Changed R #92’s meal ticket from mechanical soft to a regular hamburger and a cold cut sandwich without getting approval, 2) prepared the meal ticket before checking the diet against the physician’s orders [REDACTED].#92 then walked away without monitoring him, and 4) did not act immediately when he was first observed choking.
Personal Note from NHAA Advocates: NHAA shares with all the families of loved ones who are confined to nursing homes the pain and anguish of putting them in the care of someone else. We expect our loved ones to be treated with dignity and honor in the homes we place them. We cannot emphasize enough to family members of nursing home residents; frequent visits are essential to our loved ones’ well-being and safety. This nursing home and many others across the country are cited for abuse and neglect.
You can make a difference. If you have a loved one living in this nursing home or any other nursing home where you suspect any form of abuse or neglect, contact us immediately. We can help you file a state complaint, hire a specialized nursing home attorney or help you find a more suitable location for your loved one.
Contact us through our CONTACT FORM located on our website here or call our toll free hot line number: 1-800-645-5262
You can make a difference even if your loved one has already passed away.