DSHS Closes Spokane Group Home; Abuse/Neglect

     I wonder how many unannounced visits were made to assure compliance and safety? My guess would be none. I would love to learn I was wrong and that DSHS had adopted new quality assurance policies aimed at prevention of such deaths instead of simply depending on complaints and reports of non-compliance or abuse.

Aug. 15 2019 Facebook Post

Cheryl Felak

August 15 at 12:26 PM

Another death and multiple people hurt due to lack of staffing, training and oversight. We must correct this abuse.

DSHS initiates contract termination of Spokane supported living provider
Release Date:
Aug 13 2019
DSHS Office of Communications
Lisa Copeland
lisa.copeland@dshs.wa.gov
(360) 902-7844
OLYMPIA - The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) is terminating a supported living provider contract because of a number of incidents at one of its Spokane residential programs.

Over the past several months, Aacres Spokane received several citations from Residential Care Services (RCS) based on serious non-compliance with the law and regulations to properly care for its nearly 60 clients. Most notably, a 64-year-old woman died following a medication administration error, and for failure to comply with mandatory abuse and neglect reporting requirements.

“We have lost confidence in Aacres Spokane,” said Evelyn Perez, Assistant Secretary for the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA). “Not being in compliance with regulations and ensuring the health and safety of our clients is unacceptable.”

Perez added that DDA will work with the clients, families, guardians and providers on a smooth transition, and will offer them opportunities to choose a different service provider.

DSHS will continue to work with communities, lawmakers, stakeholders, advocates and others to provide suitable living options for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

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DSHS does not discriminate and provides equal access to its programs and services for all persons without regard to race, color, gender, religion, creed, marital status, national origin, sexual orientation, age, veteran’s status or the presence of any physical, sensory or mental disability.

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My Dear Kathy Has Passed Away

     Sadly,  my dear sister, Kathy, passed away last October.  She was very ill for several months before she died.
     Well before her illness was apparent, the demands of her guardianship were becoming progressively more intense.  Since then, I've needed time away from DD issues, time to heal my heart and re-orient to matters so long left unattended in my personal life.  I'm still passionate about the needs of individuals with DD as well as their families; but so far,  I can't seem to involve myself without feeling consumed and needing to  pull back again.  I do look forward to a day when that will not be so.  
     But, at least, this evening, I find it possible to write this much. Later, when I'm more together, I may revisit this post with more about Kathy.  For now, though, it least provides a little explanation and allows for new posts.