Inspection Reports for
Sierra Post Acute

1432 DEPEW ST, LAKEWOOD, CO, 80214-2237

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Deficiencies (last 5 years)

Deficiencies (over 5 years) 7.6 deficiencies/year

Deficiencies are regulatory findings recorded during state inspections.

46% worse than Colorado average
Colorado average: 5.2 deficiencies/year

Deficiencies per year

16 12 8 4 0
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025

Inspection Report

Complaint Investigation
Deficiencies: 2 Date: Oct 20, 2025

Visit Reason
The inspection was conducted due to complaints regarding physical abuse incidents between residents within the facility.

Complaint Details
The complaint investigation substantiated physical abuse incidents involving Resident #3 being pushed by Resident #4 causing a fracture, and Resident #1 being hit by Resident #2 causing a black eye. Both incidents were investigated with interviews, observations, and review of care plans and progress notes.
Findings
The facility failed to protect residents from physical abuse by other residents, resulting in actual harm including a fractured femur and physical altercations causing bruising. Investigations substantiated the incidents and documented interventions such as 15-minute checks and behavioral care plans.

Deficiencies (2)
Failure to protect Resident #3 from physical abuse by Resident #4 resulting in a fall and fracture.
Failure to protect Resident #1 from physical abuse by Resident #2 resulting in physical injury.
Report Facts
Residents affected: 2 15-minute checks: 2 BIMS scores: 0 BIMS scores: 3 BIMS scores: 11 BIMS scores: 15

Employees mentioned
NameTitleContext
Licensed practical nurse #1LPNInterviewed regarding interventions and behavioral triggers related to Resident #4.
Certified nurse aide #2CNAInterviewed about Resident #4's behavior and staff interventions.
Certified nurse aide #1CNAInterviewed about Resident #1 and Resident #2 behaviors and altercations.
Registered nurse #1RNInterviewed about Resident #1 and Resident #2 behaviors and altercations.
Director of nursingDONInterviewed about facility interventions and resident behaviors.
Nursing home administratorNHAInterviewed about incidents and facility policies.
Social services directorSSDInterviewed about Resident #1 and Resident #2 behaviors and mental health services.
Social services assistant #1Social services assistantInterviewed about Resident #1 and Resident #2 behaviors and mental health services.

Inspection Report

Complaint Investigation
Deficiencies: 3 Date: Feb 26, 2025

Visit Reason
The inspection was conducted due to a complaint investigation regarding the facility's failure to ensure adequate supervision and fall prevention measures for Resident #3, who sustained a vertebral fracture after a fall.

Complaint Details
The complaint investigation focused on Resident #3's fall on 12/23/24, delayed family notification, lack of RN assessment post-fall, and failure to implement recommended fall prevention interventions. The resident sustained a vertebral fracture requiring surgery. The facility acknowledged deficiencies in care planning and supervision.
Findings
The facility failed to develop and implement a person-centered care plan addressing Resident #3's fall risk, did not ensure a registered nurse assessed the resident immediately after the fall, delayed family notification, and failed to install recommended safety interventions such as bed rails and fall mats. Resident #3 sustained a significant vertebral fracture requiring surgical intervention.

Deficiencies (3)
Failure to ensure adequate supervision to prevent accidents and falls for Resident #3.
Failure to develop and implement a person-centered care plan identifying fall risk and effective interventions.
Failure to ensure Resident #3 was assessed by a registered nurse prior to being moved off the floor after the fall.
Report Facts
Resident fall date: Dec 23, 2024 Fall risk assessment score: 32 Hypotension measurement: 86.58 Fracture displacement: 1.5 Resident length of stay before fall: 10

Employees mentioned
NameTitleContext
LPN #1Licensed Practical NurseDocumented initial nursing progress note after Resident #3's fall
Director of NursingDirector of Nursing (DON)Interviewed regarding fall incident, assessment procedures, and care plan deficiencies
Primary Care PhysicianPrimary Care Physician (PCP)Interviewed regarding Resident #3's history, fall, and injury

Inspection Report

Complaint Investigation
Deficiencies: 1 Date: Sep 5, 2024

Visit Reason
The inspection was conducted due to a complaint investigation following an incident where a resident sustained burns during a supervised smoking session while using oxygen therapy.

Complaint Details
The investigation was complaint-related due to an incident on 8/20/24 where Resident #1's oxygen ignited while smoking, causing burns. The resident was hospitalized and the incident was substantiated. Staff involved were suspended and reeducated. The facility implemented corrective actions including policy review, staff reeducation, and daily audits.
Findings
The facility failed to provide adequate supervision during a smoking break for a resident using oxygen, resulting in the resident sustaining burns to his face. The facility corrected the deficient practice prior to the onsite investigation and implemented reeducation and policy revisions to prevent recurrence.

Deficiencies (1)
Failure to ensure the resident environment remained free from accident hazards and provide adequate supervision during a smoking break for a resident using oxygen.
Report Facts
Date of incident: Aug 20, 2024 Date of facility corrective action: Aug 21, 2024 Oxygen flow rate: 3 BIMS score: 15 Number of residents affected: 1

Employees mentioned
NameTitleContext
CNA #1Certified Nurse AideSupervised smoking session and involved in the incident
CNA #2Certified Nurse AideSupervised smoking session and involved in the incident
NHANursing Home AdministratorProvided investigation details and corrective actions
DONDirector of NursingInterviewed resident and involved in reeducation and investigation

Inspection Report

Routine
Deficiencies: 2 Date: Mar 20, 2024

Visit Reason
The inspection was conducted to assess the facility's compliance with regulations regarding maintaining a safe, clean, and comfortable environment for residents, staff, and the public, with a focus on sanitation and pest control.

Findings
The facility failed to ensure a sanitary and comfortable environment across multiple units, with issues including debris, food crumbs, mouse droppings, unpleasant odors, and gaps allowing pest entry. The pest control program was ineffective in mitigating mice populations, with evidence of ongoing mouse activity and inadequate pest prevention measures.

Deficiencies (2)
Resident rooms, dining rooms, hallways, kitchen floors and furniture were not free from debris, food, and mice droppings; unpleasant odors were present on the Legacy unit.
Failed to provide an effective pest control program to ensure the facility was free of pests, including failure to eliminate or minimize food sources and prevent mice entry through door gaps and holes.
Report Facts
Pest control service invoices: 4 Pest control visit frequency: 1 Pest control visit frequency: 2

Employees mentioned
NameTitleContext
Dietary DirectorDietary DirectorInterviewed regarding mice issues and food contamination in activities room
Activity DirectorActivity DirectorInterviewed about snack bins and mice activity
Maintenance SupervisorMaintenance SupervisorInterviewed about mice issues, pest control visits, and facility conditions
Nursing Home AdministratorNursing Home AdministratorInterviewed about cleaning policies, pest control, and facility maintenance
Operations ManagerOperations ManagerInterviewed about mice issues and pest control
Certified Nursing Assistant #1Certified Nursing AssistantInterviewed about mouse traps and mice activity in Legacy unit

Inspection Report

Routine
Deficiencies: 10 Date: Oct 24, 2023

Visit Reason
Routine inspection of Sierra Post Acute nursing home to assess compliance with regulatory requirements including resident care, environment, activities, medication management, and facility operations.

Findings
The facility was found deficient in multiple areas including failure to accommodate resident mobility needs, inadequate homelike environment, unresolved resident grievances, insufficient meaningful activities, improper urostomy care, lack of full-time director of nursing, medication administration errors, expired medications storage, inadequate hot water supply, and ineffective pest control program.

Deficiencies (10)
F 0558: The facility failed to reasonably accommodate the needs of Resident #39 by not providing an appropriate assistive device, maintaining clear walking paths, and ensuring bathroom accessibility for toileting and hygiene supplies.
F 0584: The facility failed to provide a safe, clean, comfortable, and homelike environment, including persistent foul odors, unclean resident rooms, damaged common areas, and poorly maintained outside areas.
F 0585: The facility failed to ensure resident grievances were followed up on and resolved timely and appropriately, with lack of documentation and communication of grievance outcomes.
F 0679: The facility failed to provide consistent meaningful activity programming for residents, including cancellations without notice and lack of activities on the secured behavioral unit.
F 0691: The facility failed to provide appropriate urostomy care for Resident #293, including failure to change the urostomy bag per physician orders and lack of documented care plan interventions.
F 0727: The facility failed to designate a registered nurse to serve as the full-time director of nursing, with the DON also acting as the nurse home administrator and infection preventionist.
F 0760: The facility failed to ensure Resident #392 was administered the correct dose of insulin by properly priming the insulin pen before administration.
F 0761: The facility failed to ensure drugs and biologicals were stored and disposed properly, with expired medications found in the medication storage refrigerator.
F 0908: The facility failed to maintain essential equipment in proper working order, including a malfunctioning water system boiler causing lack of hot water for resident showers and kitchen dishwasher.
F 0925: The facility failed to maintain an effective pest control program, with multiple observations and resident reports of mice in resident rooms and common areas.
Report Facts
Resident sample size: 41 Urostomy appliance change frequency: 2 Insulin dose: 30 Expired medication date: 2023 Dishwasher temperature: 99.6 Resident council meeting dates: 5 Pest control service frequency: 1

Employees mentioned
NameTitleContext
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) #6Interviewed regarding urostomy care and insulin administration.
Director of Nursing (DON)/Nurse Home Administrator (NHA)Interviewed regarding multiple facility operations including urostomy care, medication administration, and leadership roles.
Activities Director (AD)Interviewed regarding activities programming and resident engagement.
Operations Manager (OM)Interviewed regarding facility operations and resident satisfaction.
Regional Corporate Consultant (RCC) #2Interviewed regarding pest control and maintenance issues.
Maintenance Director (MTD)Interviewed regarding boiler repair and pest control.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) #4Interviewed regarding insulin pen priming and medication storage.

Inspection Report

Deficiencies: 0 Date: May 4, 2023

Visit Reason
The document is a statement of deficiencies and plan of correction related to a regulatory survey of the nursing home facility.

Findings
No health deficiencies were found during the inspection.

Inspection Report

Complaint Investigation
Census: 90 Deficiencies: 3 Date: May 4, 2023

Visit Reason
The inspection was conducted due to a complaint investigation regarding resident to resident physical abuse incidents involving two residents on 4/19/2023.

Complaint Details
The complaint investigation involved two residents (#1 and #2) who engaged in physical altercations on 4/19/23. The facility failed to prevent the second retaliatory incident despite 15-minute checks. The facility concluded insufficient evidence of willful abuse due to Resident #1's cognitive impairment but did not address Resident #2's aggression. Staff interviews revealed concerns about inadequate supervision and agency staff involvement. The facility did not provide documentation of one-to-one care or identify staff responsible for monitoring.
Findings
The facility failed to protect two residents from physical abuse by each other on two occasions within approximately one hour. The facility documented 15-minute checks but lacked documentation of one-to-one supervision as required. The facility concluded insufficient evidence to substantiate abuse due to cognitive impairments of one resident, but failed to address the retaliatory aggression adequately.

Deficiencies (3)
Failure to protect residents from resident to resident physical abuse on 4/19/23.
Lack of documentation for one-to-one supervision for Resident #1 after the second incident.
Inadequate monitoring and failure to prevent retaliatory physical abuse between residents.
Report Facts
Resident census: 90 Residents with psychiatric diagnosis: 47 Residents with dementia: 44 Residents with behavioral healthcare needs: 18 15-minute checks duration: 3

Employees mentioned
NameTitleContext
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)Agency LPN who witnessed the altercations and separated the residents.
Certified Nurse Aide (CNA)Agency CNA who witnessed the first altercation and reported not getting involved in fights.
Social Services Assistant (SSA)Responsible for the Legacy unit; reviewed video footage and instructed one-to-one supervision which was not documented.
Social Service Director (SSD)Interviewed regarding resident behaviors and facility interventions.
Nursing Home Administrator (NHA)Provided census data, facility policies, and follow-up information; acknowledged lack of documentation and monitoring.

Inspection Report

Routine
Deficiencies: 14 Date: Sep 15, 2022

Visit Reason
The inspection was a routine survey to assess compliance with regulatory requirements related to resident care, safety, and facility operations.

Findings
The facility was found deficient in multiple areas including honoring resident preferences, preventing resident abuse, maintaining residents' activities of daily living, providing appropriate activities, treatment and care, medication administration, infection control, and ensuring resident safety. Specific failures included inadequate shower accommodations, failure to prevent resident-to-resident abuse, poor grooming and nail care, insufficient activity programming, failure to address a skin lesion, improper medication supervision, failure to provide hearing aids, inadequate respiratory care, failure to address significant weight loss, and deficient mental health and behavioral care.

Deficiencies (14)
Failed to honor resident choices for shower frequency for Resident #340.
Failed to protect residents from resident-to-resident abuse involving Residents #90, #76, #14, and #23.
Failed to maintain facial hair grooming for Resident #51, a female resident.
Failed to provide nail care for Residents #25, #27, #62, and #89.
Failed to provide consistent and meaningful activity programming for residents on the secured behavioral unit including Resident #6.
Failed to provide treatment and care for a bleeding lesion on Resident #36's right ear, including failure to schedule timely dermatology appointment and update care plan.
Failed to provide hearing aids to Resident #89 upon waking as ordered.
Failed to ensure adequate supervision to prevent accidents for Residents #60, #41, and #27, including failure to observe medication administration and incomplete fall assessments.
Failed to consistently monitor weights, identify significant weight loss, and timely address nutritional needs for Resident #6 who experienced a 13% weight loss in six months.
Failed to provide oxygen therapy as ordered for Resident #13 and failed to label/date oxygen tubing for Residents #41 and #13.
Failed to ensure medication administration was observed to prevent residents from self-administering unsupervised, specifically Resident #41 was left alone with medications.
Failed to provide appropriate psychosocial support and mental health services for Residents #60, #37, and #6, including failure to update care plans and provide effective behavioral interventions.
Failed to obtain consent prior to administering psychotropic medications for Residents #43 and #14.
Failed to ensure infection control practices including appropriate cleaning of resident rooms and sanitary medication dispensing.
Report Facts
Weight loss: 13 Medication doses: 8 Falls: 7 Weight loss: 19.2 Weight loss: 15

Employees mentioned
NameTitleContext
LPN #3Licensed Practical NurseObserved leaving Resident #41 unattended with medications during administration.
CNA #7Certified Nurse AideInterviewed regarding Resident #6's behavior and care.
Director of NursingDirector of NursingInterviewed regarding multiple deficiencies including medication administration, weight monitoring, and behavioral care.
Housekeeping SupervisorHousekeeping SupervisorInterviewed regarding improper cleaning practices by housekeeper.

Inspection Report

Complaint Investigation
Deficiencies: 3 Date: Jun 10, 2021

Visit Reason
The inspection was conducted following complaints and allegations of resident-to-resident abuse and failure to provide appropriate restorative care and infection control measures.

Complaint Details
The complaint investigation was triggered by allegations of resident-to-resident abuse involving residents #46, #30, #36, and #31. The investigation substantiated abuse between residents #46 and #30 and between residents #36 and #31. Additional complaints involved failure to provide restorative care and infection control deficiencies.
Findings
The facility failed to prevent resident-to-resident abuse resulting in actual harm to residents, failed to provide adequate restorative care to maintain residents' range of motion and mobility, and failed to maintain proper infection prevention and control practices including PPE use and hand hygiene.

Deficiencies (3)
Failed to protect residents from abuse including resident-to-resident physical and verbal altercations causing psychosocial and physical harm.
Failed to provide appropriate restorative nursing care to residents to maintain or improve range of motion and mobility according to care plans.
Failed to maintain an infection prevention and control program including improper use of PPE in COVID-19 positive resident rooms and failure to offer or assist residents with hand hygiene before meals.
Report Facts
Residents reviewed for abuse incidents: 8 Residents affected by abuse: 4 Minutes spent on restorative care sessions: 6 Minutes spent on restorative care sessions: 20 Residents assisted with hand hygiene before meals: 7 Residents not assisted with hand hygiene before meals: 5 COVID-19 positive residents: 2 Presumptive positive COVID-19 residents: 2

Employees mentioned
NameTitleContext
LPN #3Licensed Practical NurseFailed to wear gown, gloves, and eye protection when administering medication in a COVID-19 positive resident room.
RN #2Registered NurseInterviewed regarding resident-to-resident altercation and hand hygiene practices.
CNA #6Certified Nurse AideObserved not using hand sanitizer between meal tray deliveries and did not offer hand hygiene to COVID-19 positive resident before meal.
CNA #8Certified Nurse AideInterviewed about hand hygiene expectations during meal delivery.
ADONAssistant Director of NursesProvided restorative progress notes and interviewed about restorative care staffing and practices.
DONDirector of NursesInterviewed about infection control deficiencies, restorative care action plan, and COVID-19 status.

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