A Baton Rouge family says their loved one died following neglect at White Oak Post Acute Care, a nursing facility federally identified as one of the most problematic in the nation. The allegation, made publicly after a recent local report, underscores concerns about staffing and oversight at the facility.
Family describes severe neglect, nurse turnover
Sky Wheeler told investigators and reporters that her sister, Lisa Smith, who had been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and became bedridden, died at White Oak in March. Family members said they repeatedly raised concerns about Smith’s care with facility administrators, holding at least eight separate meetings during her stay, but that staff turnover and other issues prevented consistent improvements.
“They were so deep that you could see the bones. You could see the bones in her back. And it was so infected. The puss was oozing out,”
The family says Smith developed extensive bedsores that required hospitalization. Hospital staff summoned family members to document the wounds, and Wheeler described wounds so severe they exposed bone.
Federal designation, inspection findings and penalties
White Oak Post Acute Care is listed by federal regulators as a Special Focus Facility — a designation reserved for nursing homes with persistent, serious problems that place them under increased federal scrutiny. It is the only facility in Louisiana carrying that label.
| Measure | White Oak Post Acute Care | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Nurse turnover rate | ~70% | About 20 percentage points higher than Louisiana’s average |
| Deficiencies found since Aug. 2023 | 81 | Inspection-confirmed violations |
| Monetary fines since Aug. 2023 | $568,000 | Penalties imposed by regulators |
Records cited by the family and federal inspection reports show numerous deficiencies and fines dating back to August 2023. The facility’s turnover rates for nursing staff — nearly 70 percent, according to available records — are substantially higher than the state average, a factor that family members and advocates say can hamper continuity of care.
Broader concerns and a previously reported injury
The family’s allegations come on the heels of earlier reporting about another resident, Lionel Singleton, who suffered a severe injury at the same facility. According to those reports, an incident involving a resident’s scooter injured Singleton’s foot; his attorney has said delayed care after the injury resulted in an amputation above the knee. That case, together with the Smith family’s account, paints a picture of systemic problems that regulators have repeatedly cited.
Advocates and family members say high staff turnover, delayed responses to medical needs and inconsistent management practices contribute to poor outcomes for residents. Federal Special Focus status is intended to trigger closer monitoring and corrective action, but families say change has been slow.
Local implications and next steps
White Oak’s designation and the family’s account raise questions for Baton Rouge families who have loved ones in long-term care, as well as for local and state officials charged with oversight. Residents and family members should be aware of inspection findings and their rights to report suspected neglect.
- Families should review federal and state inspection reports before choosing a facility.
- High staff turnover can be a warning sign for inconsistent care; ask facilities about staffing stability and turnover rates.
- Report suspected neglect promptly to facility administration and state regulators to trigger inspections and possible corrective action.
State and federal authorities are responsible for enforcement actions, including fines and corrective plans. White Oak’s Special Focus status means the facility remains under enhanced federal oversight, but the experiences described by families illustrate the real-world consequences for residents when problems persist.
WE NEWS will continue reporting on regulatory responses and any developments stemming from the family’s allegations and federal inspection records.
