State takes immediate operation of Westview Manor

Operation of Westview Manor in Peabody was taken over Wednesday by Kansas Aging and Disability Services after the state agency petitioned the court for an emergency order naming the agency “receiver.”

KDADS also filed a petition seeking to be appointed permanent receiver until all issues are resolved. State law requires that petition to be heard within seven to 17 days.

Court documents list numerous incidents of exploitation, fiduciary abuse, misappropriation of resident property, failure to maintain a safe and home-like environment, and more than $240,755 owed in unpaid vendor bills more than 120 days past due.

Angela DeRocha, KDADS director of communication, said the state has stepped in to stabilize the facility to ensure the staff continues to be paid and the residents get the care they need.

Eventually, the facility will be turned over to someone who will operate it in a stable manner, DeRocha said. That can take two weeks to a year.

More details available soon on MarionRecord.com.