For Second Time in Two Years, Iowa Orders Emergency Evacuation of Aspire of Donnellson

Last month, the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing (DIAL) ordered an emergency evacuation of residents from Aspire of Donnellson, a nursing home in Lee County. This facility was also evacuated in 2022 after the facility flooded due to a water line break.

On August 27th, DIAL inspectors were on site to investigate a complaint. The inspection revealed various problems, such as a life-threatening situation. This discovery forced the facility to enact its emergency procedures. This meant they needed to move all 16 residents to other nursing facilities.

Why Was the Facility Evacuated?

State officials have yet to explain the specific reasons why there was a life-threatening problem at the facility. They have also not explained how residents were moved or when or if they will be brought back to the facility.

A DIAL spokesperson commented on the situation, stating that there will be a report after DIAL finishes inspecting the facility. The report will be posted on the agency’s website.

Iowa Long-Term Care Ombudsman Angela Van Pelt confirmed her office was kept informed during the evacuation. She mentioned that one issue involved infection control, but she did not provide more detail.

As she does not know what DIAL will disclose in its report, she does not want to share the information she has currently. Van Pelt also said her office is not the regulator, so she is not “comfortable” releasing this information.

Aspire of Donnellson Has a History of Complaints

Aspire has received a one-star rating for both inspection results and staffing levels and has been under significant scrutiny in recent years. After the 2022 evacuation, the home remained closed for nearly 10 months, reopening in October 2023.

Almost immediately after reopening, the facility faced several complaints. In November 2023, state inspectors validated six out of seven complaints and issued 11 regulatory citations.

Problems at the facility continued into 2024, when inspectors returned to investigate additional complaints in April. They validated nine of the 10 complaints and cited the home for 30 state and federal regulatory violations. These violations ranged from failure to meet infection-control standards to insufficient staffing.

Inspectors proposed fining the facility a total of $15,700, but the proposal was suspended. The facility was fined $30,544 by federal regulators in 2022.

How Has the Facility Responded to the Situation?

Aspire of Donnellson and its corporate owner, Beacon Health Management, have not responded to requests for comment.

The facility is currently facing multiple lawsuits, including a wrongful death case related to a former resident’s fall in 2021. The trial for this case is scheduled for May 2025. Another negligence lawsuit involving pressure sores is set for trial in September 2025.

Has Your Loved One Been Neglected at a Nursing Home? Contact PKSD

Unfortunately, the problems at Aspire of Donnellson are far from unique. Residents of many facilities are often put into dangerous situations that result in severe or life-threatening injuries.

If your loved one was neglected or abused at a nursing home in Iowa, Wisconsin or New Mexico, PKSD may be able to help you take legal action. Our nursing home abuse lawyers have decades of experience and a track record of success representing nursing home neglect victims.

Call us to set up a free consultation. No upfront costs: 414-333-3333.