Inspection Report Summary
The most recent inspection on May 21, 2025, found no deficiencies related to the complaint investigated. Earlier inspections showed a pattern of deficiencies primarily involving failure to prevent and timely report incidents of resident-to-resident sexual abuse and issues with medication management and resident dignity. Substantiated complaints included delayed reporting of abuse incidents and failure to protect residents, with corrective actions such as staff training and removal of involved individuals. No fines, immediate jeopardy findings, or license actions were listed in the available reports. The facility’s recent clean inspection suggests some improvement following prior issues.
Deficiencies (last 3 years)
Deficiencies (over 3 years)
2.3 deficiencies/year
Deficiencies are regulatory violations found during state inspections.
45% better than Indiana average
Indiana average: 4.2 deficiencies/yearDeficiencies per year
4
3
2
1
0
Census
Latest occupancy rate
57 residents
Based on a May 2025 inspection.
This facility has shown a steady increase in demand based on occupancy rates.
Census over time
Inspection Report
Complaint Investigation
Census: 57
Deficiencies: 0
Date: May 21, 2025
Visit Reason
This visit was conducted for the investigation of Complaint IN00458929.
Complaint Details
Complaint IN00458929 was investigated and found to have no deficiencies related to the allegations.
Findings
No deficiencies related to the allegations were cited. The facility was found to be in compliance with 410 IAC 16.2-5 regarding the complaint investigation.
Inspection Report
Complaint Investigation
Census: 57
Deficiencies: 1
Date: Dec 19, 2024
Visit Reason
This visit was conducted for the investigation of Complaint IN00449432 regarding allegations of abuse at the facility.
Complaint Details
Complaint IN00449432 was substantiated with a state deficiency cited at R0090 related to the allegations of sexual abuse. The incident involved Residents B and C, with Resident B alleging sexual assault and being taken to the hospital. The facility delayed reporting and investigation of the incident.
Findings
The facility failed to ensure an unusual occurrence of a sexual nature was reported and investigated in a timely manner for 2 residents reviewed. Resident C was found in Resident B's room with his pants down, and the incident was not reported immediately to the Executive Director. Resident B was taken to the hospital after alleging sexual assault. The police and facility investigations were ongoing at the time of the survey.
Deficiencies (1)
Failed to ensure an unusual occurrence of sexual nature was reported and investigated in a timely manner for 2 residents.
Report Facts
Residential Census: 57
Employees mentioned
| Name | Title | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Meriam Hillis | Executive Director | Named in relation to awareness and reporting of the sexual abuse incident |
| LPN 1 | Reported the incident from midnight CNA and notified Resident C's wife and physician |
Inspection Report
Complaint Investigation
Census: 53
Deficiencies: 0
Date: Nov 26, 2024
Visit Reason
This visit was conducted for the investigation of complaints IN00445555 and IN00445577 and included a Residential COVID-19 Quality Assurance Walk Through.
Complaint Details
Complaint IN00445555 and IN00445577 were investigated with no deficiencies cited related to the allegations.
Findings
No deficiencies related to the allegations in complaints IN00445555 and IN00445577 were cited. The facility was found to be in compliance with relevant regulations regarding the complaints and the COVID-19 Quality Assurance Walk Through.
Report Facts
Residential Census: 53
Inspection Report
Complaint Investigation
Census: 54
Deficiencies: 0
Date: Jul 8, 2024
Visit Reason
This visit was conducted for the investigation of complaints IN00437086 and IN00437341.
Complaint Details
Complaint IN00437086 - No deficiencies related to the allegations are cited. Complaint IN00437341 - No deficiencies related to the allegations are cited.
Findings
No deficiencies related to the allegations in complaints IN00437086 and IN00437341 were cited. The facility was found to be in compliance with 410 IAC 16.2-5 regarding these complaints.
Inspection Report
Renewal
Census: 48
Deficiencies: 3
Date: Mar 13, 2024
Visit Reason
This visit was for a State Residential Licensure Survey conducted on March 12 and 13, 2024, to assess compliance with state regulations for residential care facilities.
Findings
The facility was found deficient in maintaining resident dignity related to uncovered urinary catheter bags, failure to ensure PRN medications were authorized by a licensed nurse prior to administration, and inaccurate medication labeling on prescription bottles.
Deficiencies (3)
Failed to ensure a resident's dignity was maintained by not placing a dignity bag over a foley catheter drainage bag for 1 of 2 residents reviewed.
Failed to ensure PRN medications were authorized by a licensed nurse prior to administration with documentation noting the time of contact for 1 of 4 residents reviewed.
Failed to ensure a medication was accurately labeled for 1 of 5 residents observed during medication pass.
Report Facts
Residents reviewed for urinary catheters: 2
Residents reviewed for PRN medications: 4
Residents observed during medication pass: 5
Residential Census: 48
Employees mentioned
| Name | Title | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Director of Nursing | Interviewed regarding catheter bag dignity and PRN medication authorization | |
| LPN 1 | Observed preparing and administering medication with incorrect labeling |
Inspection Report
Follow-Up
Census: 38
Deficiencies: 0
Date: Aug 25, 2023
Visit Reason
This visit was a Post Survey Revisit (PSR) to the Investigation of Complaints IN00404744 and IN00410968 completed on July 10, 2023.
Complaint Details
Complaint IN00404744 - Corrected; Complaint IN00410968 - Corrected
Findings
The facility was found to be in compliance with 410 IAC 16.2-5 regarding the PSR to the Investigation of Complaints IN00404744 and IN00410968. Both complaints were corrected.
Inspection Report
Complaint Investigation
Census: 40
Deficiencies: 1
Date: Jul 10, 2023
Visit Reason
This visit was conducted for the investigation of complaints IN00404744 and IN00410968 related to allegations of resident-to-resident sexual abuse.
Complaint Details
The investigation was triggered by complaints IN00404744 and IN00410968. The findings substantiated that Resident E sexually abused Resident C. Resident C reported the abuse was not consensual and involved digital penetration causing injury. Resident E was removed from the facility and sent to psych services.
Findings
The facility failed to prevent resident-to-resident sexual abuse involving 2 of 4 residents reviewed (Residents C and E). Resident E was removed from the facility and Resident C was sent to the hospital for evaluation and treatment. Multiple interviews and observations confirmed the incident and the facility implemented corrective actions including staff training and increased monitoring.
Deficiencies (1)
Failed to prevent resident-to-resident sexual abuse for 2 of 4 residents reviewed (Residents C and E).
Report Facts
Residential Census: 40
Date of Incident: Jun 15, 2023
Completion Date for Plan of Correction: Aug 10, 2023
Employees mentioned
| Name | Title | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Meriam Hillis | Executive Director | Signed the report and involved in administrative oversight |
Inspection Report
Follow-Up
Census: 38
Deficiencies: 0
Date: Feb 2, 2023
Visit Reason
This visit was a Post Survey Revisit (PSR) to the Investigation of Complaint IN00389731 completed on 2023-01-05.
Complaint Details
Complaint IN00389731 was investigated and found to be corrected.
Findings
Journey Senior Living of Merrillville, LLC was found to be in compliance with 410 IAC 16.2-5 in regard to the PSR to Investigation of Complaint IN00389731.
Inspection Report
Complaint Investigation
Census: 38
Deficiencies: 2
Date: Jan 5, 2023
Visit Reason
This visit was for the investigation of complaints IN00388063, IN00389731, and IN00393727. The investigation focused on allegations of abuse and improper conduct by an employee.
Complaint Details
Complaint IN00388063 was substantiated with no deficiencies cited. Complaint IN00389731 was substantiated with a state deficiency cited at R0090. Complaint IN00393727 was substantiated with no deficiencies cited. The substantiated complaint involved an employee using a video call during resident care and alleged drug use. The employee was terminated. The facility delayed reporting the incident to the Indiana Department of Health.
Findings
The facility was found to have substantiated abuse allegations related to an employee using a video call while providing personal care and alleged drug use (marijuana) while on duty. The employee was terminated. The facility failed to immediately report the abuse allegation to the Administrator and the Indiana Department of Health in a timely manner, and failed to protect residents from further abuse.
Deficiencies (2)
Failed to ensure residents were free from abuse related to an employee using a video call while providing personal care and alleged drug use while caring for residents.
Failed to follow the facility's abuse policy by not immediately reporting an abuse allegation to the Administrator, not protecting residents from further abuse, and not timely reporting the abuse incident to the Indiana Department of Health.
Report Facts
Residential Census: 38
Incident dates: Sep 2, 2022
Incident dates: Sep 4, 2022
Incident dates: Sep 6, 2022
Plan of Correction Completion Date: Jan 31, 2023
Employees mentioned
| Name | Title | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Terminated Employee 1 | Employee involved in abuse allegations including video calling during resident care and drug use; terminated after investigation. | |
| Meriam Hillis | Executive Director | Administrator who signed the report and was involved in the investigation. |
| Employee 2 | Witnessed the employee on a video call while assisting residents. | |
| Employee 3 | Received information about the abuse concern and placed statements under the Director of Nursing's office door or in a drawer. | |
| Employee 4 | Witnessed the employee on a video call during resident care and reported the allegation. | |
| Hospice Employee 5 | Reported the employee was on a video call while providing care. | |
| Employee 6 | Reported the employee had been in the bathroom for 45 minutes and the room smelled like marijuana. |
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