Jacksonville, Onslow County — Jacksonville’s Premier Rehabilitation and Nursing Center is under investigation after serious complaints about unsanitary conditions. City officials are investigating the facility but have not yet released the results of their investigation.
Todd Motzinger, whose 86-year-old mother, Barbara Motzinger, lived at the facility until her death, described conditions there as “horrible.” Motzinger highlighted the serious issues behind the facility and expressed his concerns.
Motzinger claimed the facility’s entrance looked nice, but conditions were bad once inside. “Once you go through the yellow door, it gets worse the further inside,” he said. He took photos in September 2024 showing brown stains and black growths on the ceiling and walls of his mother’s room.
Barbara Motzinger was moved to 800 Hall in September because of flooding, but her son said the new situation was just as troubling. Photos taken by a former employee showed similar problems in 800 Hall, including weeds on the ceiling and dirty shower floors. Todd also noted that inadequate air conditioning caused temperatures in the room to rise to nearly 90 degrees Fahrenheit during his mother’s stay. “They have air conditioning ducts, but they don’t have air conditioning in the back,” he explained.
After Barbara spent five days in these conditions while suffering from a respiratory illness, staff moved her to another room but Todd said they responded coldly. “They said, ‘Oh, there’s nothing we can do,’ and just walked away,” she said.
Todd Motzinger’s concerns are not unique: He worries about the health of other residents at the facility.
Attempts to reach management at Premier Nursing and Rehabilitation Center were unsuccessful. Additional information will be shared once city officials provide an update on the results of their investigation.
This is a developing story.
