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LIFE CARE CENTER OF THE WILLOWS

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LIFE CARE CENTER OF THE WILLOWS is a government - county facility in VALPARAISO, IN with 92 certified beds and a 1-star overall CMS rating. The facility has 42 deficiency records on file. Total penalties: $15K.

1000 ELIZABETH DR, VALPARAISO, IN 46383

Phone: 2194644858

Overall Rating

1/5

Health Inspection

1/5

Staffing

4/5

Quality Measures

4/5

Long-Stay Quality

5/5

Facility Information

Provider Number
155158
Ownership
Government - County
Provider Type
Medicare and Medicaid
Beds
92
Residents
62
In Hospital
No
County
Porter
Last Inspection
Jan 27, 2026

Staffing Data

RN Hours
0.80 (nat'l avg: 0.68)
LPN Hours
0.75
CNA Hours
2.12
Total Nursing Hours
3.67 (nat'l avg: 3.89)
PT Hours
0.08
Nursing Turnover
45.6%
RN Turnover
40.0%

What the CMS Record Reveals About LIFE CARE CENTER OF THE WILLOWS

LIFE CARE CENTER OF THE WILLOWS operates 92 certified beds in VALPARAISO, IN with approximately 62 residents currently in care, and carries a CMS overall rating of 1 out of 5 stars. The overall score is a composite of three weighted sub-ratings published by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services: health inspection results (1★), staffing levels (4★), and quality measures (4★). Because CMS caps the overall score at the health-inspection tier and then adjusts up or down based on staffing and quality, the sub-scores often tell a sharper story than the headline star count alone — a 3-star facility with weak inspection history reads differently from one held back by thin staffing.

The inspection file contains 42 deficiency records from recent surveys, of which 2 reached the actual-harm or immediate-jeopardy threshold on the CMS scope-and-severity grid. On the enforcement side, CMS has assessed 2 penalties totaling $15K against this provider, a tangible indicator that regulators moved beyond citation into financial consequence. Staffing is reported at 3.67 total nursing hours per resident day (national average 3.89), with RN coverage at 0.80 per resident day — the single staffing metric most strongly tied to resident outcomes in peer-reviewed literature.

Classified as "Government - County" ownership and operating as a "Medicare and Medicaid" provider, LIFE CARE CENTER OF THE WILLOWS falls into a category where comparative context matters. National research consistently shows that ownership structure, staffing hours, and turnover are the three operational levers that correlate most strongly with resident outcomes — ratings and fines are lagging indicators of those upstream choices. Reported nursing turnover at this facility is 45.6%, within a range generally associated with stable care teams. For families evaluating this facility, the CMS record should be read alongside a site visit, direct conversation with current residents and their families, and review of the state health department's most recent inspection report — the star rating is a starting point, not a verdict. All data on this page is sourced from CMS Provider Data and the Nursing Home Compare program; always verify details directly with the facility or your state survey agency before making placement decisions.

Deficiency History (42 most recent)

D — Isolated - Minimal harm Dec 4, 2025 Tag: 0880

Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.

Category: Infection Control Deficiencies

Corrected: Dec 29, 2025

E — Pattern - Minimal harm Sep 29, 2025 Tag: 0921

Make sure that the nursing home area is safe, easy to use, clean and comfortable for residents, staff and the public.

Category: Environmental Deficiencies

Corrected: Oct 24, 2025

D — Isolated - Minimal harm Sep 29, 2025 Tag: 0842

Safeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.

Category: Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies

Corrected: Oct 24, 2025

D — Isolated - Minimal harm Nov 13, 2024 Tag: 0881

Implement a program that monitors antibiotic use.

Category: Infection Control Deficiencies

Corrected: Dec 6, 2024

D — Isolated - Minimal harm Nov 13, 2024 Tag: 0880

Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.

Category: Infection Control Deficiencies

Corrected: Dec 6, 2024

D — Isolated - Minimal harm Nov 13, 2024 Tag: 0692

Provide enough food/fluids to maintain a resident's health.

Category: Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

Corrected: Dec 6, 2024

D — Isolated - Minimal harm Nov 13, 2024 Tag: 0686

Provide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.

Category: Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

Corrected: Dec 6, 2024

D — Isolated - Minimal harm Nov 13, 2024 Tag: 0657

Develop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.

Category: Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies

Corrected: Dec 6, 2024

D — Isolated - Minimal harm Nov 13, 2024 Tag: 0583

Keep residents' personal and medical records private and confidential.

Category: Resident Rights Deficiencies

Corrected: Dec 6, 2024

D — Isolated - Minimal harm Mar 15, 2024 Tag: 0609

Timely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.

Category: Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies

Corrected: Apr 11, 2024

D — Isolated - Minimal harm Jan 3, 2024 Tag: 0689

Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.

Category: Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

Corrected: Feb 1, 2024

D — Isolated - Minimal harm Jan 3, 2024 Tag: 0677

Provide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.

Category: Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

Corrected: Feb 1, 2024

E — Pattern - Minimal harm Jan 3, 2024 Tag: 0921

Make sure that the nursing home area is safe, easy to use, clean and comfortable for residents, staff and the public.

Category: Environmental Deficiencies

Corrected: Feb 1, 2024

D — Isolated - Minimal harm Jan 3, 2024 Tag: 0881

Implement a program that monitors antibiotic use.

Category: Infection Control Deficiencies

Corrected: Feb 1, 2024

D — Isolated - Minimal harm Jan 3, 2024 Tag: 0770

Provide timely, quality laboratory services/tests to meet the needs of residents.

Category: Administration Deficiencies

Corrected: Feb 1, 2024

D — Isolated - Minimal harm Jan 3, 2024 Tag: 0758

Implement gradual dose reductions(GDR) and non-pharmacological interventions, unless contraindicated, prior to initiating or instead of continuing psychotropic medication; and PRN orders for psychotropic medications are only used when the medication is necessary and PRN use is limited.

Category: Pharmacy Service Deficiencies

Corrected: Feb 1, 2024

D — Isolated - Minimal harm Jan 3, 2024 Tag: 0757

Ensure each resident’s drug regimen must be free from unnecessary drugs.

Category: Pharmacy Service Deficiencies

Corrected: Feb 1, 2024

D — Isolated - Minimal harm Jan 3, 2024 Tag: 0692

Provide enough food/fluids to maintain a resident's health.

Category: Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

Corrected: Feb 1, 2024

D — Isolated - Minimal harm Jan 3, 2024 Tag: 0688

Provide appropriate care for a resident to maintain and/or improve range of motion (ROM), limited ROM and/or mobility, unless a decline is for a medical reason.

Category: Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

Corrected: Feb 1, 2024

D — Isolated - Minimal harm Jan 3, 2024 Tag: 0684

Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.

Category: Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

Corrected: Feb 1, 2024

D — Isolated - Minimal harm Jan 3, 2024 Tag: 0656

Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.

Category: Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies

Corrected: Feb 1, 2024

D — Isolated - Minimal harm Jan 3, 2024 Tag: 0655

Create and put into place a plan for meeting the resident's most immediate needs within 48 hours of being admitted

Category: Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies

Corrected: Feb 1, 2024

D — Isolated - Minimal harm Jan 3, 2024 Tag: 0561

Honor the resident's right to and the facility must promote and facilitate resident self-determination through support of resident choice.

Category: Resident Rights Deficiencies

Corrected: Feb 1, 2024

D — Isolated - Minimal harm May 18, 2023 Tag: 0609

Timely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.

Category: Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies

Corrected: May 19, 2023

D — Isolated - Minimal harm Apr 21, 2023 Tag: 0740

Ensure each resident must receive and the facility must provide necessary behavioral health care and services.

Category: Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

Corrected: May 11, 2023

G — Isolated - Actual harm Apr 21, 2023 Tag: 0692

Provide enough food/fluids to maintain a resident's health.

Category: Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

Corrected: May 11, 2023

G — Isolated - Actual harm Apr 21, 2023 Tag: 0684

Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.

Category: Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

Corrected: May 11, 2023

D — Isolated - Minimal harm Apr 21, 2023 Tag: 0656

Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.

Category: Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies

Corrected: May 11, 2023

E — Pattern - Minimal harm Jan 3, 2023 Tag: 0921

Make sure that the nursing home area is safe, easy to use, clean and comfortable for residents, staff and the public.

Category: Environmental Deficiencies

Corrected: Jan 26, 2023

D — Isolated - Minimal harm Jan 3, 2023 Tag: 0888

Ensure staff are vaccinated for COVID-19

Category: Infection Control Deficiencies

Corrected: Jan 26, 2023

D — Isolated - Minimal harm Jan 3, 2023 Tag: 0880

Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.

Category: Infection Control Deficiencies

Corrected: Jan 26, 2023

D — Isolated - Minimal harm Jan 3, 2023 Tag: 0757

Ensure each resident’s drug regimen must be free from unnecessary drugs.

Category: Pharmacy Service Deficiencies

Corrected: Jan 26, 2023

D — Isolated - Minimal harm Jan 3, 2023 Tag: 0700

Try different approaches before using a bed rail. If a bed rail is needed, the facility must (1) assess a resident for safety risk; (2) review these risks and benefits with the resident/representative; (3) get informed consent; and (4) Correctly install and maintain the bed rail.

Category: Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

Corrected: Jan 26, 2023

D — Isolated - Minimal harm Jan 3, 2023 Tag: 0693

Ensure that feeding tubes are not used unless there is a medical reason and the resident agrees; and provide appropriate care for a resident with a feeding tube.

Category: Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

Corrected: Jan 26, 2023

D — Isolated - Minimal harm Jan 3, 2023 Tag: 0692

Provide enough food/fluids to maintain a resident's health.

Category: Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

Corrected: Jan 26, 2023

D — Isolated - Minimal harm Jan 3, 2023 Tag: 0690

Provide appropriate care for residents who are continent or incontinent of bowel/bladder, appropriate catheter care, and appropriate care to prevent urinary tract infections.

Category: Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

Corrected: Jan 26, 2023

D — Isolated - Minimal harm Jan 3, 2023 Tag: 0686

Provide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.

Category: Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

Corrected: Jan 26, 2023

D — Isolated - Minimal harm Jan 3, 2023 Tag: 0685

Assist a resident in gaining access to vision and hearing services.

Category: Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

Corrected: Jan 26, 2023

D — Isolated - Minimal harm Jan 3, 2023 Tag: 0684

Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.

Category: Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

Corrected: Jan 26, 2023

D — Isolated - Minimal harm Jan 3, 2023 Tag: 0656

Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.

Category: Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies

Corrected: Jan 26, 2023

D — Isolated - Minimal harm Jan 3, 2023 Tag: 0604

Ensure that each resident is free from the use of physical restraints, unless needed for medical treatment.

Category: Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies

Corrected: Jan 26, 2023

D — Isolated - Minimal harm Jan 3, 2023 Tag: 0558

Reasonably accommodate the needs and preferences of each resident.

Category: Resident Rights Deficiencies

Corrected: Jan 26, 2023

Quality Measures

Measure Type Score Used in Rating
Percentage of long-stay residents whose need for help with daily activities has increased Long Stay 2.6% Yes
Percentage of long-stay residents who lose too much weight Long Stay 4.6% No
Percentage of long-stay residents with a catheter inserted and left in their bladder Long Stay 0.0% Yes
Percentage of long-stay residents with a urinary tract infection Long Stay 0.0% Yes
Percentage of long-stay residents who have depressive symptoms Long Stay 2.0% No
Percentage of long-stay residents who were physically restrained Long Stay 0.4% No
Percentage of long-stay residents experiencing one or more falls with major injury Long Stay 4.8% Yes
Percentage of long-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the pneumococcal vaccine Long Stay 98.7% No
Percentage of short-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the pneumococcal vaccine Short Stay 79.9% No
Percentage of short-stay residents who newly received an antipsychotic medication Short Stay 0.0% Yes
Percentage of long-stay residents whose ability to walk independently worsened Long Stay 5.1% Yes
Percentage of long-stay residents who received an antianxiety or hypnotic medication Long Stay 20.0% No
Percentage of long-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the seasonal influenza vaccine Long Stay 93.7% No
Percentage of short-stay residents who were assessed and appropriately given the seasonal influenza vaccine Short Stay 65.6% No
Percentage of long-stay residents with pressure ulcers Long Stay 5.2% Yes
Percentage of long-stay residents with new or worsened bowel or bladder incontinence Long Stay 28.2% No
Percentage of long-stay residents who received an antipsychotic medication Long Stay 11.9% Yes

Penalty History 2 penalties totaling $15K

Date Type Amount
Apr 21, 2023 Fine $7K
Apr 21, 2023 Fine $7K

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the overall CMS rating for LIFE CARE CENTER OF THE WILLOWS?
LIFE CARE CENTER OF THE WILLOWS has an overall CMS rating of 1 out of 5 stars. This rating combines health inspection results (1★), staffing levels (4★), and quality measures (4★).
What are the staffing levels at LIFE CARE CENTER OF THE WILLOWS?
LIFE CARE CENTER OF THE WILLOWS reports 3.67 total nursing hours per resident day (national average: 3.89). RN hours are 0.80 per resident day (national average: 0.68). Nursing staff turnover is 45.6%.
How many beds does LIFE CARE CENTER OF THE WILLOWS have?
LIFE CARE CENTER OF THE WILLOWS has 92 certified beds with approximately 62 residents. The facility is located at 1000 ELIZABETH DR, VALPARAISO, IN 46383.
Does LIFE CARE CENTER OF THE WILLOWS have any deficiencies on record?
Yes, LIFE CARE CENTER OF THE WILLOWS has 42 deficiencies on record from recent inspections. Of these, 2 are classified as causing actual harm or jeopardy.
Has LIFE CARE CENTER OF THE WILLOWS received any fines or penalties?
Yes, LIFE CARE CENTER OF THE WILLOWS has received 2 penalties totaling $15K.
Who owns LIFE CARE CENTER OF THE WILLOWS?
LIFE CARE CENTER OF THE WILLOWS is classified as "Government - County" ownership. The facility type is "Medicare and Medicaid".
When was LIFE CARE CENTER OF THE WILLOWS last inspected?
The most recent health inspection for LIFE CARE CENTER OF THE WILLOWS was on Jan 27, 2026. The facility received a health inspection rating of 1 out of 5 stars.
What quality measures are tracked for LIFE CARE CENTER OF THE WILLOWS?
LIFE CARE CENTER OF THE WILLOWS is evaluated on 17 quality measures, of which 8 are used in the CMS star rating calculation. These include measures for both long-stay and short-stay residents covering areas like infections, falls, pressure ulcers, and medication use.

Data Sources

Data source: CMS Nursing Home Compare. Ratings, staffing, deficiency, quality measure, and penalty data are from CMS Provider Data. For informational purposes only. Always verify information directly with the facility or your state health department.

Related

Data sourced from official U.S. government datasets. See our methodology for details. Retrieved and formatted by PlainNursing Editorial