Countryside Health Care Center in Sioux City is facing closure, leading to the displacement of 49 residents within the next 60 days. Mission Health has been appointed as the temporary manager by the courts to oversee the winding down of operations and relocation of residents. The facility has accumulated nearly $100,000 in fines for deficiencies since 2021, according to ProPublica. In a recent report from the state Division of Inspection and Appeals, a $30,000 fine was issued for failure to properly assess and provide medical interventions for residents. The closure has resulted in the layoff of 101 employees, with Mission Health providing resources to help staff find alternate employment.
The facility's history of fines includes incidents such as a resident gaining access to pills from a staff member's purse, resulting in an empty pill bottle being found. In another instance, caregivers failed to assess a change in symptoms for a resident who was later hospitalized for a stroke. Investigators noted that the delay in seeking appropriate medical attention put the resident's life in jeopardy. Countryside Health Care Center voluntarily decided to close, and the temporary manager, Mission Health, is tasked with ensuring a smooth transition for residents and staff.
The closure of Countryside Health Care Center has raised concerns about the well-being of residents and the livelihoods of employees. Mission Health has stated that it will assist in relocating residents "as close to home" as possible and provide resources for staff to find new employment opportunities. The discrepancy between the number of employees affected, as indicated in the WARN notice and by Mission Health, raises questions about the impact of the closure on the workforce. Despite the challenges faced by the facility, efforts are being made to ensure the welfare of residents and support for staff during this transition period.