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Last Modified on Jul 21, 2025
Elder abuse in North Carolina nursing homes is a growing concern for families across the state. State reports programs have consistently failed elders. Exposing the worst nursing homes in North Carolina is a necessary step for those seeking justice, and doing so can help inform and protect prospective future residents of these facilities.
Experienced Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys in North Carolina
North Carolina is among the top 10 states in America in terms of residents aged 65 and older. As of 2021, nearly 1.8 million people in North Carolina were 65 or older, making up 17% of the population. If you suspect that your loved one is being abused in a North Carolina nursing home, do not wait to take legal action and hold the facility accountable.
Attorney Thomas W. Pleasant at Pleasant Law, PLLC, is a long-term resident of North Carolina and understands the deep impact that abuse can have on survivors and their families. He has practiced the law tirelessly for over two decades and has spent the last 15 years focusing on protecting elders in nursing home abuse cases.
The Worst Nursing Homes in North Carolina
Elder abuse and neglect in nursing homes are disturbingly common in North Carolina. From January 2019 to December 2023, 17,152 neglect and abuse complaints were reported to the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), yet39% were not investigated within the 60-day legal requirement.
Unfortunately, families can’t rely on facilities to act according to the law, making it incredibly important to research care facilities extensively. Luckily, Medicare provides families with a certified rating search of nursing homes to compare the quality of care provided to residents. This rating goes from one to five stars, based on health inspections, staffing levels, and quality of care for facility residents.
Some of the one-star rated facilities in North Carolina include:
- Accordius Health at Concord: Located at 515 Lake Concord Road in Concord. This facility was cited for issues that may involve abuse. In the past three years, Accordius Health at Concord received three federal fines. These fines are issued when a nursing home has serious violations or fails to correct reported violations in a reasonable timeframe. Accordius Health has multiple other facilities with a one-star rating.
- Premier Living and Rehab Center: Located at 106 Cameron Street in Lake Waccamaw. Its most recent health inspection was in July 2024, which showed 28 facility health citations. This number is extremely high, with the state average being 6.6 citations. There have also been 38 complaints in the past three years that led to citations. This facility has been cited for potential abuse issues.
- Vero Health & Rehab of Sylva: Located at 417 Cloverdale Road in Sylva. In the past three years, this facility has had 41 complaint-related citations. The total nursing staff turnover rate is extremely high, at 75.2%. In the past three years, there have been three separate federal fines, totaling $352,420.
- Deer Park Health and Rehabilitation: Located at 306 Deer Park Road in Nebo. For long-term residents, 27% were reported to be on antipsychotic medication. When facilities have such a high percentage of residents on antipsychotic medication, this is a red flag. A lower percentage means the facility is trying other ways to manage overall mental wellbeing, like having more staff or daily activities.
- The Carrolton of Dunn: Located at 711 Susan Tart Road in Dunn. The health of long-term residents at this facility is concerning. 9.7% of residents were reported to have pressure ulcers. Pressure ulcers are skin injuries that occur from staying in one position for too long. They can be prevented with regular movement and proper care. 39.9% of long-term residents experienced worsened mobility.
Why Choose Pleasant Law, PLLC?
Elder abuse in nursing homes can take on a wide variety of forms, and family members are often the first to identify it. If you believe your loved one is being harmed in a North Carolina nursing home, we are ready to fight for them. Pleasant Law, PLLC, handles nursing home abuse cases involving:
- Bedsores and pressure sores
- Falls and fractures
- Head trauma and brain injury
- Malnutrition and dehydration
- Infections and untreated medical issues
- Overmedication or chemical restraints
- Physical or sexual assault
- Wrongful death caused by negligence
FAQs
What Is the Biggest Complaint Regarding Nursing Homes in North Carolina?
One of the most common complaints about nursing homes in North Carolina, and across the country, is neglect or abuse due to understaffing. This is a systemic issue and should be considered by families when they are choosing a nursing home for their loved one. Researching the turnover rate and staffing rate of potential nursing homes can help you find a facility that will give your loved one the attention they deserve.
How Can I Tell If My Loved One Is Being Abused in a North Carolina Nursing Home?
Nursing home abuse and neglect can show up in a variety of forms. Warning signs can include bruises, broken bones, bedsores, weight loss, or poor hygiene. Emotional abuse may cause withdrawal or fear of certain staff members. Neglect often appears as malnutrition, dirty living conditions, or lack of medical care. If a loved one seems anxious, isolated, or afraid, take it seriously. Gather evidence quickly and contact a skilled nursing home abuse lawyer.
What Is Considered Negligence in a North Carolina Nursing Home?
Negligence occurs when a North Carolina facility fails to provide the care and attention that a reasonable provider would give. This can include a variety of situations, such as not giving residents enough time with nurses, ignoring symptoms, mismanaging medications, not encouraging physical independence, and failing to prevent injury. Extensive proof is vital to prove negligence in court.
What Kind of Documentation Is Needed to Prove Nursing Home Negligence in North Carolina?
Start by taking photos and videos of injuries, poor hygiene, unsafe conditions, or any other signs of abuse or neglect. Keep records with dates, photos, and witness names. Get copies of your loved one’s medical records as far back as possible. An experienced attorney can help you gather evidence to strengthen your case for nursing home negligence.
Hire a Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer in North Carolina Today
Depending on nursing homes to provide your loved one with the care they deserve can be daunting. It hurts even more when you find out that your loved one is being mistreated. No matter their condition, seniors deserve to be cared for and respected. Contact Pleasant Law, PLLC, today to take legal action against harmful nursing homes in North Carolina.
