Aurora Nursing Facility Cited Over Patient Injury
State officials cited Highland Park Rehabilitation and Care Center after a resident suffered fractures during an improper transfer.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Nursing Jobs
In June 2026, a resident at the Highland Park Rehabilitation and Care Center in Aurora sustained a broken shoulder and other fractures. The incident occurred when a staff member moved the patient without using the required lift or additional assistance.
Why it matters
The citation underscores ongoing concerns regarding supervision and safety protocols at the facility, which has faced a rising volume of state-reported violations. Improving adherence to care plans remains critical to ensuring patient safety within the rehabilitation system.
Highland Park Rehabilitation and Care Center received 27 state citations in 2026, an increase from 10 citations in 2025. The facility currently carries $1 million in insurance coverage.
The players
Highland Park Rehabilitation and Care Center
This is an Aurora-based healthcare facility currently owned by Sweetwater Care Resources LLC.
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
This state agency is responsible for regulating healthcare facilities and monitoring adherence to safety standards.
Sweetwater Care Resources LLC
This is the corporate parent company that operates the facility and previously settled a lawsuit regarding staffing standards in California.
The details
A certified nursing assistant was fired after moving the resident, a double-amputee, without the lift required by her care plan. Colorado's Department of Public Health and Environment issued a citation to the facility for failing to properly monitor devices and maintain necessary supervision.
Timeline
The patient sustained injuries at the facility in June 2026.
The center received 10 state citations throughout 2025.
The center received 27 state citations throughout 2026.
Market Landscape
This citation highlights the challenges Sweetwater Care Resources LLC faces regarding operational standards across its portfolio. The development follows a $15 million settlement the company reached with the California attorney general concerning mandatory staffing levels.
Residents and their families should review the facility's state compliance history before making care decisions. These citations serve as a critical indicator of the potential quality of care and supervision levels provided at the nursing center.
The takeaway
Families with loved ones in rehabilitation centers should verify that staff consistently follow individualized care plans for patient transfers. Maintaining open communication with facility administrators about safety protocols is essential for protecting residents from preventable injury.
Further reading
Learn more about local standards in the Aurora Nursing Jobs section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by CBS News.
