State Keeping Close Watch on Nursing Home

A Raleigh nursing home that's already seen it's fair share of trouble is once again under the watchful eye of the state. This time, the state has threatened to actually stop paying for Medicare and Medicaid for residents of Windsor House of Raleigh if the home doesn't clean up its act.

Two years ago, the state fined the home, then known as Meadowbrook Terrace, $1,500 for poor care. Last year, the state fined the nursing home at 8200 Litchford St. $6,000.

The nursing home now has a new name, Windsor House of Raleigh, and new management, but last week a team of state inspectors found many of the same old problems.

Everett Bailey's mother lives at Windsor House of Raleigh and has lived there since it was Meadowbrook Terrace. Bailey says not much has changed.

Bailey says he has complained repeatedly to management and to the state, but his complaints have not brought changes. Bailey says he still sees bedsores, poor hygiene and evidence of insufficient staff.

Steve White, the state's chief of licensure, says the Windsor House has until August 14 to substantially clean up its act or face the loss of Medicare and Medicaid dollars.

With space in the state's nursing homes at a premium, Bailey says no one would be well served if Windsor House were forced shut its doors.

The home's administrator, Ray Davis, had no comment on the recent inspection. The state will not release details of its findings for two weeks.

There are several things you can do if you need to find a nursing home for a loved one. First, contact your local ombudsman at the state department on aging. Then ask for survey results on the facility. Check to see if there have been any recent complaints and find out what else to look for in a good nursing home. You can reach the department of aging at 919-733-3983.