An undercover ABC15 investigation has found filthy living conditions, bed bugs and allegations of resident neglect at a Valley assisted living facility that gets thousands of taxpayer dollars a month.
The Lodge at 14th Street houses more than 30 residents who have mental illness, physical disabilities, or both. Many of the residents are on Medicaid.
The ABC15 Investigators went undercover and also obtained photos from people inside the facility. The photos and video show evidence of past and current bug issues, filthy mattresses with stains of dead bed bugs and blood, and residents in tattered and dirty clothing.
Click on the photo tab above to see undercover photos
Ive never seen anything like this, said Mike Wright, an attorney with the firm Udall Shumway, whos handled hundreds of abuse and neglect cases involving assisted living and nursing homes.
This is highly unusual. Its heartbreaking, he said.
Insider Speaks Out
ABC15 interviewed a staff member who worked directly with the residents. When asked how The Lodge compares to other facilities, the staff member said, This is the worst Ive ever seen, ever, by far.
The Lodge at 14th Street is licensed as a directed care facility. The Arizona Department of Health Services states that type of facility provides programs and services, including personal care services, provided to persons who are incapable of recognizing danger, summoning assistance, expressing need or making basic care decisions.
Some of the The Lodges residents need help with things taking medications, using the bathroom and feeding.
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ABC15 Undercover: Filth, bed bugs at care home