Resident’s Death Raises Concerns About Private Equity in Long-Term Care

A recent incident involving the choking death of a resident at Harmony House Health Care Center in Waterloo underscores critical safety concerns of nursing homes owned by private equity firms.

Forty-five-year-old Christine Beenken, a resident at Harmony House passed away last October after choking on a sandwich, resulting in a $10,000 state fine against the facility. This case specifically raises concerns about resident supervision and safety protocols in facilities owned and operated by Cascade Capital Group, a private equity firm that owns multiple facilities.

Christine, who had intellectual disabilities, was known to choke while eating and was therefore restricted to a diet of soft, bite-sized food. On October 18, 2024, Christine managed to get hold of a sandwich and was seen by staff stuffing it into her mouth. Unfortunately, Christine choked on the sandwich, which ultimately led to her death just three days later.

Harmony House Health Care Center’s Failed Safety Measures

According to a recent article, the state alleges that Harmony House, recently acquired by Cascade Capital Group, failed to implement proper behavioral interventions for a resident with known dietary restrictions and food-seeking behaviors. This oversight proved fatal when the resident consumed a whole sandwich, leading to her death just three days later.

Private Equity Ownership Raises Red Flags

Of particular concern is the facility’s recent ownership change. Data analysis reveals troubling patterns: Cascade Capital-owned facilities, like Harmony House in Waterloo, average $83,994 in federal fines compared to their predecessors’ $4,815 – a staggering 17-fold increase in penalties.

What Families Need to Know

For families seeking nursing home care in Iowa or other states, this incident highlights several critical factors to consider:

• How the impact of new ownership introduces safety concerns or impacts quality of care
• What are the staff training and supervision protocols and are they followed?
• Does the facility implement and adhere to proper safety measures for residents with special needs?

In addition to these key points, this case demonstrates the need for families to thoroughly investigate the history of a facility’s history of violations. Corporate ownership transitions can have a significant impact on resident care quality and safety standards in long-term care facilities.

Need Legal Help for a Nursing Home Injury in Iowa or Wisconsin? Call PKSD Today

This incident is not isolated but part of a growing pattern. If you or a family member were injured due to nursing home negligence, you may be eligible to recover compensation. Contact our experienced nursing home abuse attorneys at PKSD today for a free, initial consultation.

PKSD currently accepts nursing home abuse cases in Wisconsin, Iowa and New Mexico. There are no upfront costs to pay if we represent you. We only get paid if you do.

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