Leadership of the Rowley Masonic Community in Perry has attempted to address concerns raised by the public, in light of recent events that have placed them on the Special Focus Facilities list through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

Executive Director Greg Greenwood said in a public statement, the elder care facility is aware of the long-term, historical challenges they face and how that has affected their ability to provide proper care for residents. He promised the issues outlined by the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals (DIA) are being addressed, though he emphasized the problems will take time to fix. Greenwood went on to say the owners and operators of the facility — the Herman L. Rowley Memorial Trust and Health Dimensions Group of Minnesota, respectively — have installed new leadership and begun to implement “new clinical systems, operational procedures, and staff training to ensure the care and safety of residents.”

Greenwood says they are working closely with officials from the State of Iowa, updating them frequently on their progress both clinically and financially. They have also submitted a plan of correction to the DIA and CMS, which has been accepted by both entities. Greenwood didn’t say exactly how the nonprofit elder care facility plans to dig out of the deep debt they find themselves in — which is the root for most of the allegations raised — though he said they’ll keep the state informed of their long-term financial health.

Rowley is faced with claims that they have been understaffed for years due to budget cuts. That has led to the allegations, which include a resident sexually assaulting another, slow response times when residents need assistance, and under trained or unqualified staff overseeing care. Raccoon Valley Radio will bring you more information as it becomes official.