For the first time, a North Carolina county is asking the state to take over an adult care home where patients have died.

The News & Observer of Raleigh reported Thursday that Cleveland County's social services department wants the state to take over the privately owned Unique Living facility in Fallston. The state has had authority to take over adult care homes for the past 15 years, but has never done so.

Investigators are looking into the 2006 death of a 59-year-old resident whose body was found behind the home. Two other residents have died - one scalded in a tub and another choked on a sandwich - leading to fines from the state.

The president of the Arizona company that manages the home said his firm has improved care at the center since it took the facility in May.