Ten deaths reported at HS nursing home
Wednesday’s Arkansas Department of Health nursing homes and congregate settings report listed 10 resident deaths at Hot Springs Nursing and Rehabilitation — A Waters Community, 552 Golf Links Road.
The Health Department said Thursday the facility reported the deaths, which may not be reflected in Garland County’s death numbers for a few days or longer. The department said it didn’t have details on when the deaths occurred. Its website listed eight COVID-19 deaths for the county as of Thursday; it could not be verified whether any of those listed on the report were included in that number.
The nursing home first appeared on the Health Department’s congregate settings report last month, with 17 infected residents and 14 infected staff. The numbers remained unchanged until Wednesday’s report listed 66 infected residents, 31 infected staff and 10 resident deaths. The same numbers were listed in Thursday’s report.
It was also unclear Thursday how many of the cases are active.
The nursing home provided a statement after the newspaper contacted it Thursday morning. Deaths the Health Department said the facility reported were not addressed in the statement.
“Recently we had residents test positive for COVID-19,” the statement said. “We are doing everything we can to ensure we stop the spread of this virus within our community, which includes testing of all staff. Hot Springs A Waters Community strict proactive measures are still in place and
will continue to be in place.
“We have a dedicated isolation wing with dedicated staff to care for our COVID-19 residents. We are in very close communication with local and state health officials to ensure we are taking every appropriate step presently. The safety and well-being of our residents and staff is our top priority, and we are following the recommended preventative measures until this virus has been eradicated from our community.
“Just like many across our nation, our community and families have been impacted by the loss of loved ones, as well as, celebrating the recovery from COVID-19. Please keep all of our residents and staff in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”
According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid
Services nursing home database, Infinity Health Care Management of Illinois and Strawberry Fields Real Estate Investment Trust of Indiana acquired the 152-bed facility in January 2019.
It had an above-average staffing rating, but a health inspection rating classified as “much below average.” Its overall rating was below average.
The group also owns the Waters of White Hall, the Jefferson County nursing home where 16 residents deaths from COVID-19 have been reported. According to news reports, the group acquired the Hot Springs and Jefferson County nursing homes from the Skyline Group in late 2018. Earlier that year, the state took over more than 20 nursing homes operated by Skyline after the New Jersey-based group claimed financial insolvency.