On January 2, 2025, a female resident with a brain injury, dementia, and mental health issues escaped from Community NeuroRehab’s Glen Oaks facility in Coralville. The state-licensed, five-bed residential care facility specializes in caring for people with cognitive or developmental disabilities. The incident occurred during freezing weather conditions with temperatures around 22 degrees and active snowfall.
How the Resident Escaped the Care Facility
According to Iowa Capital Dispatch, staff discovered the escape at 9:40 a.m. during a routine medication check when they found the resident missing from her room. Evidence showed that she had bent a window screen and climbed out through the window, leaving a footprint on an air conditioning unit directly below. The resident then walked 2.3 miles through a residential neighborhood to reach an interstate highway, where she hitched a ride with a semi-truck driver.
Discovery in Nebraska and Facility Accountability
The resident was picked up by a semi-truck driver who transported her 265 miles to a truck stop in Gretna, Nebraska. She was found confused and frightened at the truck stop after her mother received notification and contacted the care facility around 5 p.m. State inspectors reported that the woman had “engaged in some type of sexual activity” during her traumatic 24-hour ordeal. However, medical testing for sexually transmitted infections came back negative.
Inspectors found the worker skipped required resident checks on January 2, 2025. The Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing concluded that Community NeuroRehab violated resident safety protocols. The facility was fined $3,000 for safety violations after the resident escaped and was harmed.
Call PKSD if Your Loved One Was Harmed Due to a Nursing Home Facility’s Negligence
This disturbing incident at Community NeuroRehab highlights the importance of adhering to proper supervision and safety protocols in residential care facilities. Facilities that do not protect residents with brain injuries or dementia often cause tragic outcomes.
At PKSD, we understand the impact that neglect and abuse in care facilities can have on residents and their families. If your loved one has been harmed due to inadequate supervision, safety violations, or other forms of neglect at a residential care facility, contact us.
At PKSD, we accept nursing home injury cases in Wisconsin, Iowa, and New Mexico. Call for a FREE case review to get answers to your questions and find out if you may be eligible to pursue compensation. When we represent you, there are no upfront costs or fees to pay.
Need legal help for your loved one in memory care? Call PKSD today. 414-333-3333
