DOUGLAS JACOBSON STATE VETERANS NURSING HOME
Within standard 12-15 month inspection cycle. Federal law requires annual inspections.
Douglas Jacobson State Veterans Nursing Home has received a Trust Grade of F, indicating significant concerns about its operations and care quality. It ranks #343 out of 690 facilities in Florida, placing it in the top half, and #3 out of 8 in Charlotte County, which suggests it has limited local competition. Although the facility is improving, with a drop in reported issues from 9 in 2024 to 5 in 2025, it still faces serious challenges. Staffing is a strong point, with a 5/5 rating, indicating low turnover, but it has concerning fines totaling $135,938, which are higher than 91% of Florida facilities. Recent inspector findings revealed serious issues, including a resident suffering a second-degree burn from hot chocolate served at an unsafe temperature and failures in protecting residents from neglect and ensuring their rights. Families should weigh these strengths and weaknesses carefully when considering this facility.
- Trust Score
- F
- In Florida
- #343/690
- Safety Record
- High Risk
- Inspections
- Getting Better
- Staff Stability ○ Average
- 44% turnover. Near Florida's 48% average. Typical for the industry.
- Penalties ⚠ Watch
- $135,938 in fines. Higher than 87% of Florida facilities, suggesting repeated compliance issues.
- Skilled Nurses ✓ Good
- Each resident gets 55 minutes of Registered Nurse (RN) attention daily — more than average for Florida. RNs are trained to catch health problems early.
- Violations ⚠ Watch
- 20 deficiencies on record. Higher than average. Multiple issues found across inspections.
The Good
-
5-Star Staffing Rating · Excellent nurse staffing levels
-
4-Star Quality Measures · Strong clinical quality outcomes
-
Full Sprinkler Coverage · Fire safety systems throughout facility
-
No fines on record
-
Staff turnover below average (44%)
4 points below Florida average of 48%
Facility shows strength in staffing levels, quality measures, fire safety.
The Bad
Near Florida average (3.2)
Meets federal standards, typical of most facilities
Near Florida avg (46%)
Typical for the industry
Well above median ($33,413)
Significant penalties indicating serious issues
Part of a multi-facility chain
Ask about local staffing decisions and management
The Ugly 20 deficiencies on record
Aug 2025
1 deficiency
CONCERN
(D)
📢 Someone Reported This
A family member, employee, or ombudsman was alarmed enough to file a formal complaint
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0557
(Tag F0557)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on record review and staff and resident interviews, the facility failed to treat 1(Resident #1) of 3 residents reviewed with dignity by denying the resident access and assistance to the bathroom...
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Jul 2025
1 deficiency
CONCERN
(D)
📢 Someone Reported This
A family member, employee, or ombudsman was alarmed enough to file a formal complaint
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Free from Abuse/Neglect
(Tag F0600)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on review of facility policy and procedures, record review and staff and resident interviews, the facility failed to protect the resident's right to be free from physical abuse by failing to use...
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Jun 2025
2 deficiencies
CONCERN
(D)
📢 Someone Reported This
A family member, employee, or ombudsman was alarmed enough to file a formal complaint
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Free from Abuse/Neglect
(Tag F0600)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observations, records review and interviews, the facility failed to protect the resident's right to be free from neglec...
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CONCERN
(E)
📢 Someone Reported This
A family member, employee, or ombudsman was alarmed enough to file a formal complaint
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0602
(Tag F0602)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on record review and interview, the facility failed to protect the residents' right to be free from misappropriation of resident's property by failing to have effective processes in place to pre...
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Feb 2025
1 deficiency
1 Harm
SERIOUS
(G)
📢 Someone Reported This
A family member, employee, or ombudsman was alarmed enough to file a formal complaint
Actual Harm - a resident was hurt due to facility failures
Free from Abuse/Neglect
(Tag F0600)
A resident was harmed · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on interview and record review the facility failed to protect the resident's right to be free from physical abuse for 1 (R...
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Oct 2024
2 deficiencies
2 Harm
SERIOUS
(G)
📢 Someone Reported This
A family member, employee, or ombudsman was alarmed enough to file a formal complaint
Actual Harm - a resident was hurt due to facility failures
Free from Abuse/Neglect
(Tag F0600)
A resident was harmed · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, record review, resident and staff interviews the facility failed to protect the residents' rights to be fr...
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SERIOUS
(G)
📢 Someone Reported This
A family member, employee, or ombudsman was alarmed enough to file a formal complaint
Actual Harm - a resident was hurt due to facility failures
Accident Prevention
(Tag F0689)
A resident was harmed · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, record review, review of facility's policy and procedure, the facility failed to serve hot beverages at a ...
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Sept 2024
7 deficiencies
1 Harm
SERIOUS
(G)
📢 Someone Reported This
A family member, employee, or ombudsman was alarmed enough to file a formal complaint
Actual Harm - a resident was hurt due to facility failures
Notification of Changes
(Tag F0580)
A resident was harmed · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on interview and record review The facility failed to ensure staff notified the physician of a change in condition for one...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0582
(Tag F0582)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on record review, and staff interview, the facility failed to ensure 2 Residents (#48, and #220) of 3 sampled residents reviewed received the Skilled Nursing Advanced Beneficiary of Non-coverage...
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CONCERN
(D)
📢 Someone Reported This
A family member, employee, or ombudsman was alarmed enough to file a formal complaint
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0726
(Tag F0726)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on interview and record review The facility failed to ensure nursing staff were competent in completing Neurological (Neur...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0657
(Tag F0657)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, record review, and staff interviews, the facility failed to review and revise the comprehensive person-cen...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0679
(Tag F0679)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, staff interview, review of facility policy and procedure, and record review the facility failed to ensure ...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0680
(Tag F0680)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on review of the facility Position Description for the Activity Directory and staff interviews, the facility failed to ensure the activities program was directed by a qualified professional who ...
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CONCERN
(E)
📢 Someone Reported This
A family member, employee, or ombudsman was alarmed enough to file a formal complaint
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Accident Prevention
(Tag F0689)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, record review, review of facility policies and procedures, and staff interviews, the facility failed to pr...
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Jun 2023
4 deficiencies
1 Harm
SERIOUS
(G)
📢 Someone Reported This
A family member, employee, or ombudsman was alarmed enough to file a formal complaint
Actual Harm - a resident was hurt due to facility failures
Accident Prevention
(Tag F0689)
A resident was harmed · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on record review, review of the policies and procedures, and resident and staff interviews, the facility failed to provide...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0565
(Tag F0565)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on Review of facility policy and procedures, record review, staff and resident interviews, the facility failed to have documentation of prompt efforts to resolve grievances expressed during resi...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0725
(Tag F0725)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, resident and staff interview and record review, the facility failed to provide sufficient and consistent nursing staff to meet the needs of 5 residents (Resident #13, #22, #34, #...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0740
(Tag F0740)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, review of clinical records, review of facility policy and procedures and resident and staff interviews, th...
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Oct 2021
2 deficiencies
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0700
(Tag F0700)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, record review, and staff and resident interviews, the facility failed to ensure 1(Resident #69) of 1 resident reviewed for accidents was assessed for alternative interventions pr...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0744
(Tag F0744)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on staff interview and record review, the facility failed to provide the necessary behavioral health care and services to ...
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Understanding Severity Codes (click to expand)
Questions to Ask on Your Visit
- "What safeguards are in place to prevent abuse and neglect?"
- "Can I speak with families of current residents?"
- "What's your RN coverage like on weekends and overnight?"
Our Honest Assessment
- • 44% turnover. Below Florida's 48% average. Good staff retention means consistent care.
- • Multiple safety concerns identified: Federal abuse finding, 5 harm violation(s), $135,938 in fines, Payment denial on record. Review inspection reports carefully.
- • 20 deficiencies on record, including 5 serious (caused harm) violations. Ask about corrective actions taken.
- • $135,938 in fines. Extremely high, among the most fined facilities in Florida. Major compliance failures.
- • Grade F (10/100). Below average facility with significant concerns.
About This Facility
What is Douglas Jacobson State Veterans's CMS Rating?
CMS assigns DOUGLAS JACOBSON STATE VETERANS NURSING HOME an overall rating of 3 out of 5 stars, which is considered average nationally. Within Florida, this rating places the facility higher than 0% of the state's 100 nursing homes. This mid-range rating indicates the facility meets federal standards but may have areas for improvement.
How is Douglas Jacobson State Veterans Staffed?
CMS rates DOUGLAS JACOBSON STATE VETERANS NURSING HOME's staffing level at 5 out of 5 stars, which is much above average compared to other nursing homes. Staff turnover is 44%, compared to the Florida average of 46%. This relatively stable workforce can support continuity of care.
What Have Inspectors Found at Douglas Jacobson State Veterans?
State health inspectors documented 20 deficiencies at DOUGLAS JACOBSON STATE VETERANS NURSING HOME during 2021 to 2025. These included: 5 that caused actual resident harm and 15 with potential for harm. Deficiencies causing actual harm indicate documented cases where residents experienced negative health consequences.
Who Owns and Operates Douglas Jacobson State Veterans?
DOUGLAS JACOBSON STATE VETERANS NURSING HOME is owned by a government entity. Government-operated facilities are typically run by state, county, or municipal agencies. The facility is operated by FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS' AFFAIRS, a chain that manages multiple nursing homes. With 120 certified beds and approximately 110 residents (about 92% occupancy), it is a mid-sized facility located in PORT CHARLOTTE, Florida.
How Does Douglas Jacobson State Veterans Compare to Other Florida Nursing Homes?
Compared to the 100 nursing homes in Florida, DOUGLAS JACOBSON STATE VETERANS NURSING HOME's overall rating (3 stars) is below the state average of 3.2, staff turnover (44%) is near the state average of 46%, and health inspection rating (2 stars) is below the national benchmark.
What Should Families Ask When Visiting Douglas Jacobson State Veterans?
Based on this facility's data, families visiting should ask: "What safeguards and monitoring systems are in place to protect residents from abuse or neglect?" "Can I visit during a mealtime to observe dining assistance and food quality?" "How do you handle medical emergencies, and what is your hospital transfer rate?" "Can I speak with family members of current residents about their experience?" These questions are particularly relevant given the substantiated abuse finding on record.
Is Douglas Jacobson State Veterans Safe?
Based on CMS inspection data, DOUGLAS JACOBSON STATE VETERANS NURSING HOME has documented safety concerns. The facility has 1 substantiated abuse finding (meaning confirmed case of resident harm by staff or other residents). The facility has a 3-star overall rating and ranks #100 of 100 nursing homes in Florida. Families considering this facility should ask detailed questions about what corrective actions have been taken since these incidents.
Do Nurses at Douglas Jacobson State Veterans Stick Around?
DOUGLAS JACOBSON STATE VETERANS NURSING HOME has a staff turnover rate of 44%, which is about average for Florida nursing homes (state average: 46%). Moderate turnover is common in nursing homes, but families should still ask about staff tenure and how the facility maintains care continuity when employees leave.
Was Douglas Jacobson State Veterans Ever Fined?
DOUGLAS JACOBSON STATE VETERANS NURSING HOME has been fined $135,938 across 8 penalty actions. This is 3.9x the Florida average of $34,438. Fines at this level are uncommon and typically indicate a pattern of serious deficiencies, repeated violations, or failure to correct problems promptly. CMS reserves penalties of this magnitude for facilities that pose significant, documented risk to resident health or safety. Families should request specific documentation of what issues led to these fines and what systemic changes have been implemented.
Is Douglas Jacobson State Veterans on Any Federal Watch List?
DOUGLAS JACOBSON STATE VETERANS NURSING HOME is not on any federal watch list. The most significant is the Special Focus Facility (SFF) program, which identifies the bottom 1% of nursing homes nationally based on persistent, serious quality problems. Not being on this list means the facility has avoided the pattern of deficiencies that triggers enhanced federal oversight. This is a positive indicator, though families should still review the facility's inspection history directly.