
Kansas City Nursing Home Neglect & Abuse Trial Lawyers: A 2025 Guide to Protecting Your Loved Ones
Choosing the right nursing home is not just a healthcare decision, it is a matter of trust. Families in Kansas City expect long-term care facilities to protect their loved ones with compassion, safety, and dignity. Unfortunately, far too many facilities fall short.
Recent 2025 federal data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) paints a troubling picture. More than one-third of nursing homes within twenty-five miles of downtown Kansas City received the lowest possible rating: one star. Many were also cited for abuse or neglect.
At Kendall Law Group, our Kansas City Nursing Home Neglect & Abuse Trial Lawyers fight for families when care facilities violate that trust. This updated guide will help you identify red flags, understand your legal options, and protect the rights of your loved ones.
Understanding Nursing Home Neglect and Abuse in Kansas City
Neglect and abuse in long-term care settings are far more common than most families realize. These violations can take many forms, but they all share one thing in common: they cause preventable harm to some of the most vulnerable members of our community.
What Constitutes Nursing Home Neglect and Abuse?
- Neglect happens when a facility fails to meet basic standards of care. This includes poor hygiene, untreated medical conditions, malnutrition, and failure to prevent falls.
- Abuse involves intentional harm. It can be physical, emotional, sexual, or financial. CMS defines it as “willful infliction of injury, unreasonable confinement, intimidation, or punishment resulting in physical harm, pain, or mental anguish.”
Both are considered violations of federal and state laws and may warrant civil or criminal action.
Common Types of Nursing Home Abuse
Families should stay alert for these warning signs:
- Physical abuse – Bruising, burns, or injuries from restraints
- Emotional abuse – Yelling, threats, or humiliation
- Sexual abuse – Inappropriate touching or unexplained infections
- Financial exploitation – Missing funds, forged checks, or unauthorized account access
- Neglect – Bedsores, dehydration, medication errors, and poor hygiene
Even subtle changes—like withdrawal, anxiety, or sudden weight loss—can signal something more serious.
2025 CMS Nursing Home Ratings: What Families Need to Know
The CMS five-star rating system evaluates over 15,000 nursing homes across the U.S., including nearly 100 in the Kansas City area. Ratings are based on:
- Health inspection reports
- Staffing levels
- Quality measures (e.g., fall prevention, pressure ulcers)
- Complaint history
What Does a One-Star Rating Mean?
A one-star facility performs well below average in multiple categories. These homes often:
- Operate with chronic understaffing
- Receive repeated citations from state inspectors
- Generate frequent complaints about care and safety
Many of these facilities are also linked to serious incidents, including verified cases of abuse.
Kansas City Nursing Homes Cited for Abuse in 2025
As of February 26, 2025, CMS flagged the following facilities for confirmed abuse:
- Clara Manor Nursing Home – Kansas City, MO
- Parkway Health Care Center – Kansas City, MO
- Edgewood Manor Health Care Center – Raytown, MO
- The Rehabilitation Center of Independence – Independence, MO
- Jefferson Health Care – Lee’s Summit, MO
- Carnegie Village Rehabilitation & Health Care Center – Belton, MO
- Sunrise Nursing and Memory Care – Raymore, MO
- Riverbend Post Acute Rehabilitation – Kansas City, KS
- Prairie Ridge Health and Rehabilitation – Overland Park, KS
- Excel Healthcare and Rehab – Overland Park, KS
- The Healthcare Resort of Olathe – Olathe, KS
- Bonner Springs Nursing & Rehab Center – Bonner Springs, KS
Additional One-Star Facilities 2025
- Myers Nursing and Convalescent Center in Kansas City
- The Summit in Kansas City
- The Hilltop at Blue River in Kansas City
- Ignite Medical Resort Carondelet in Kansas City
- Tiffany Springs Rehabilitation and Health Care Center in Kansas City
- Baptist Homes of Independence
- Carmel Hills Wellness & Rehabilitation in Independence
- Rosewood Rehab and Healthcare Center in Independence
- Jackson Creek Post Acute in Independence
- Alpine Breeze Health and Wellness
- Lee’s Summit Place
- Blue Springs Wellness & Rehabilitation in Blue Springs
- Avalon View Health and Wellness in Liberty
- Aspire Senior Living Platte City
- Ignite Medical Resort Rainbow Boulevard in Kansas City, Kansas
- Medicalodges Post Acute Care Center in Kansas City, Kansas
- Merriam Gardens Healthcare & Rehabilitation in Merriam
- Kaw River Care and Rehab in Edwardsville
- Shawnee Gardens Healthcare and Rehab Center in Shawnee
- Village Shalom in Overland Park
- Delmar Gardens of Overland Park
- Good Samaritan Society – Olathe
- Medicalodges in Leavenworth
These one-star facilities represent some of the most dangerous environments for long-term care. If your loved one lives in one of these homes, do not wait to act.
Kansas City’s Broader Nursing Home Problem
The recent CMS data revealed that over thirty nursing homes in our area received a one-star rating. That is nearly 35% of all local facilities. Staffing shortages remain a common issue—and with fewer caregivers, residents are more likely to suffer preventable injuries, missed medications, or emotional isolation.
Systemic Issues in Low-Rated Facilities
- High employee turnover
- Inconsistent training
- Poor infection control
- Delayed emergency response
- Weak family communication
These problems can lead to avoidable injuries, psychological trauma, and even wrongful death.
Safer Alternatives: Kansas City Nursing Homes with Five-Star Ratings
There are still facilities in the region providing high-quality care. CMS awarded five-star ratings to these top-performing nursing homes:
- Jeanne Jugan Center – Kansas City, MO
- Linden Woods Village – Gladstone, MO
- Lakeview Village – Lenexa, KS
- Sharon Lane Health and Rehabilitation – Shawnee, KS
- Villa St. Francis Catholic Care Center – Olathe, KS
- Nottingham Health and Rehabilitation – Olathe, KS
These homes met or exceeded federal standards in staffing, safety, and patient care.
Questions to Ask When Visiting a Nursing Home
Before moving your loved one into any facility, ask:
- What is your current CMS star rating?
- Has your facility ever been cited for abuse or neglect?
- How many caregivers are on shift during weekends and nights?
- What is your plan for addressing family concerns or complaints?
- Are residents allowed to participate in care decisions?
You deserve transparency. If administrators cannot answer these questions directly, that is a red flag.
Your Loved One Has Rights—And So Do You
Federal Protections: Nursing Home Reform Act
The Nursing Home Reform Act of 1987 guarantees all residents the right to:
- Live free from abuse and neglect
- Participate in care planning
- Voice complaints without retaliation
- Maintain personal privacy and dignity
State Oversight in Missouri and Kansas
- Missouri: The Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) investigates reports and enforces penalties.
- Kansas: The Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) regulates nursing homes and accepts formal complaints.
Both agencies can fine, revoke licenses, or shut down facilities that fail to meet standards.
When to Call a Kansas City Nursing Home Neglect & Abuse Trial Lawyer
At Kendall Law Group, we pursue justice for families affected by:
- Physical injuries from abuse or improper restraints
- Bedsores and infections due to neglect
- Medication errors
- Wrongful death caused by unsafe care
- Emotional or psychological abuse
How We Build Your Case
We gather evidence quickly and aggressively. Our attorneys work with medical professionals, investigators, and family members to discover:
- Facility inspection reports
- Medical records and injury photos
- Witness statements
- Documentation of prior violations
Then, we hold facilities accountable in court.
Damages We Pursue
- Medical bills
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
- Funeral costs
- Punitive damages in cases of intentional harm
Our firm does not back down. We prepare every case for trial and fight to maximize your recovery.
Act Today—Protect Your Loved One
What To Do If You Suspect Neglect or Abuse
- Document the situation – Take photos, write detailed notes, and record your conversations.
- Report to the facility – Speak with the nursing director or administrator.
- File a formal complaint
- Missouri: Call 800-392-0210 or visit dhss.mo.gov
- Kansas: Call 800-842-0078 or visit kdads.ks.gov
- Contact our trial lawyers – We will help you investigate and take legal action.
Let Kendall Law Group Fight for Your Family
We believe nursing homes should care—not cause harm. If your loved one suffered abuse or neglect in a Kansas City facility, our team is ready to help.
📞 Call (816) 531-3100 for a free consultation today. Let us stand with your family and pursue the justice you deserve.
Additional Resources
NURSING HOME NEGLECT practice page
What You Need to Know About Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect – free pamphlet
Navigating Long-Term Care in Kansas City
Caring for Aging Parents and Loved Ones