Highlands Senior Care on Chulio Road received a troublingly low score during a recent health inspection, with findings that paint a picture of a facility failing to meet even the most basic standards of cleanliness, food safety, and resident care. The inspection, conducted by the Floyd County Health Department, documented more than a dozen violations , many of them fundamental requirements in any senior‑care environment.

The report suggests a pattern of disregard for essential health practices, leaving families questioning whether the facility is prioritizing the safety and dignity of the residents who depend on it.

Inspectors cited Highlands under 511‑6‑1.07(3)(a) for failing to provide soap and paper towels at a designated handwashing sink, a basic necessity in any care facility. The violation carried 4 points.

The inspector wrote that the sink had no soap and no paper towels, forcing staff to place a bottle of soap and loose paper towels beside the sink as a temporary fix.

For a facility serving seniors, the absence of handwashing materials raises serious concerns about infection control and staff attentiveness.

Dirty Food‑Contact Surfaces Show Neglect

Under 4‑2B, inspectors found multiple food‑contact surfaces in unacceptable condition:

  • Food debris inside a microwave from the night before
  • Dirty utensils stored in drawers
  • Measuring cups with residue
  • A can opener coated in a “sticky black substance”

Each violation carried 4 points, and inspectors noted no corrections were made on site.

Another violation was issued because the facility had no sanitizer available for its three‑compartment sink — a critical requirement for cleaning dishes. Staff claimed chemicals were on back order and resorted to using chlorine in a bucket as a temporary substitute.

Food Stored at Unsafe Temperatures

The most severe violation, worth 9 points, involved improper cold‑holding temperatures. Inspectors documented:

  • Milk at 54°F
  • Hotdogs and chili at 72°F
  • Deli meats and dressings between 44–45°F
  • Sliced ham at 44°F

Food meant to be kept cold was left at temperatures that can quickly grow harmful bacteria. Some items were discarded, and a work order was placed for walk‑in cooler repairs.

Expired Food and Missing Date Labels

Two violations were issued for improper date marking:

  • Ready‑to‑eat foods held overnight with no date labels
  • Opened deli meat kept past its expiration window (8/12–8/18)

The second violation was marked as a repeat offense, suggesting ongoing problems with basic food‑safety procedures.

Additional Violations Add to Concerns

Inspectors also cited Highlands Senior Care for:

  • Scoop handles stored touching food
  • A reach‑in cooler at 72°F and deemed non‑repairable
  • Missing sanitizer data plate on the dish machine
  • Black slime buildup under the garbage disposal and around dish‑area drains
  • Employee personal food stored improperly

A Facility Falling Short of Resident Care Standards

The inspection findings raise serious questions about whether Highlands Senior Care is providing the safe, sanitary environment its residents deserve. From missing handwashing supplies to unsafe food temperatures and dirty equipment, the violations suggest a lack of urgency, and a lack of care, in maintaining conditions essential to resident health.

Update:

After repeatedly attempting to reach Ramesh Ramchandran, CEO of Highlands Senior Living, and Keith Galas, Regional Sales Director, without receiving a response by phone or email, CVN finally received a statement from Erica McDaniels, Administrator.

McDaniels acknowledged that a recent inspection identified areas requiring attention at the facility.

“We do not dispute that the inspection identified areas that required attention,” McDaniels said. “We take every finding seriously and recognize that mistakes and deficiencies must be addressed promptly.”

McDaniels also said the facility is not attempting to dismiss or minimize the inspection findings.

“We are not suggesting that the findings should be ignored or dismissed,” she said. “We accept responsibility for addressing areas where improvements were needed.”

McDaniels added that the well-being of the facility’s residents remains the top priority.

“Our residents’ health, safety, dignity, and well-being remain our highest priorities,” she said.