Life Care Center of Estero

In the surveyor’s words

From the most serious findings on record at Life Care Center of Estero, in the surveyor’s own words.

• No harm, potential for more than minimal, widespreadF812Jan 29, 2026

  Based on observation, review of facility's policies and procedures and staff interviews, the facility failed to ensure the proper storage of refrigerated food in accordance with professional standards for food service safety.This has the potential to affect all 150 residents who consume an oral diet at the facility.The findings included: On 1/26/26 at 9:26 a.m., observation of the food in the walk-in refrigerator revealed:An undated bag of cantaloupe.A box of slices of bacon stored in an opened card box without appropriate covering or containment. The slices of bacon were exposed to air and were not stored in a sealed container. […]

• No harm, potential for more than minimal, patternF925Jul 9, 2024

  Based on observations, review of facility's policy and procedure, review of records, residents and staff interviews, the facility failed to maintain an effective pest control program for the kitchen and 7 (Residents #2, #3, #4, #7, #8, #9 and #10) of 7 sampled residents who said they observed pest in their rooms or throughout the facility. The findings included: Review of the facility's Pest Control policy reviewed and revised 6/4/24 revealed, The facility will maintain an effective pest control program that provides frequent treatment of the environment for pests so that the facility is free of pests and rodents . […]

• No harm, potential for more than minimal, patternF690Oct 19, 2023

  Based on observations, interviews, and record review, the facility failed to ensure infection control practices were followed for 2 (Residents #107 and #336) of 2 residents reviewed with urinary catheters. The findings included: Review of the facility's Indwelling Urinary Catheter Management Policy reviewed on 8/24/23 indicated the facility will ensure residents admitted with a urinary catheter or determined to need a urinary catheter for a medical indication, will have the following areas addressed: Ongoing care (will) adhere to professional standards of practice and infection prevention and control procedures . Do not rest the bag on the floor. 1. […]

• No harm, potential for more than minimal, patternF803Oct 19, 2023

  Based on observation, interview, and record review the facility failed to follow the menu prepared in advance for residents on oral diets. The facility policy titled Menus, Substitutions, and Alternatives, revised on 4/25/23 stated, Menus are planned in advance and followed as written in order to meet the nutritional needs of the residents in accordance with established national guidelines. Residents with known dislikes of food and beverage items, who express a refusal of the food served or requires a different meal choice are offered a substitute of similar nutritive value . The residents are informed of the alternates at each meal per facility guidelines. […]

• No harm, potential for more than minimal, patternF806Oct 19, 2023

  Based on observation, review of the policies and procedures, resident and staff interview, the facility failed to obtain food preferences and provide meals according to resident's choice for 4 residents, (#42, #51, #64, #111) of 4 residents who complained about not having food choices. The findings included: The facility policy titled Nutritional Assessment, revised 4/25/23 stated a representative from the Food and Nutrition Services department visits all residents upon admission and routinely thereafter. Food preferences are obtained, and a nutritional assessment to determine nutritional needs on admission. […]