BUCHANAN HEALTHCARE CENTER
Within standard 12-15 month inspection cycle. Federal law requires annual inspections.
Buchanan Healthcare Center has a Trust Grade of D, indicating below-average performance with some concerning issues. It ranks #252 out of 353 nursing homes in Georgia, placing it in the bottom half of facilities statewide, but it is the top-ranked option among three facilities in Haralson County. The facility is showing improvement, with the number of identified issues decreasing from 12 in 2024 to 3 in 2025. However, staffing is a significant weakness, receiving a poor rating of 1 out of 5 stars, with a concerning turnover rate of 67%, which is well above the state average. While the center has not incurred any fines, it has less RN coverage than 87% of other facilities in Georgia, which raises concerns about the quality of care. Specific incidents highlight some ongoing issues: there have been failures to ensure adequate nursing staff for the residents, affecting care quality, and the meals served have been described as unappetizing and poorly prepared, with bland flavors and safety concerns in food handling practices. Overall, while there are some promising trends in improvement, families should weigh these strengths and weaknesses carefully when considering Buchanan Healthcare Center.
- Trust Score
- D
- In Georgia
- #252/353
- Safety Record
- Low Risk
- Inspections
- Getting Better
- Staff Stability ⚠ Watch
- 67% turnover. Above average. Higher turnover means staff may not know residents' routines.
- Penalties ✓ Good
- No fines on record. Clean compliance history, better than most Georgia facilities.
- Skilled Nurses ⚠ Watch
- Each resident gets only 14 minutes of Registered Nurse (RN) attention daily — below average for Georgia. Fewer RN minutes means fewer trained eyes watching for problems.
- Violations ⚠ Watch
- 15 deficiencies on record. Higher than average. Multiple issues found across inspections.
The Good
-
Full Sprinkler Coverage · Fire safety systems throughout facility
-
No fines on record
Facility shows strength in fire safety.
The Bad
Below Georgia average (2.6)
Significant quality concerns identified by CMS
20pts above Georgia avg (46%)
Frequent staff changes - ask about care continuity
Part of a multi-facility chain
Ask about local staffing decisions and management
19 points above Georgia average of 48%
The Ugly 15 deficiencies on record
Mar 2025
3 deficiencies
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Safe Environment
(Tag F0584)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observations, staff interviews, and review of the facility policy titled, Wheelchair Cleaning and Maintenance Policy, t...
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0637
(Tag F0637)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on record review and staff interview, the facility failed to complete a Significant Change Assessment for two of eight res...
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Tube Feeding
(Tag F0693)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observations, staff interviews, record review, and review of the facility policies titled, Administering Medications through an Enteral Tube and 'facility name' Healthcare Policy, the facilit...
Read full inspector narrative →
Apr 2024
12 deficiencies
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
PASARR Coordination
(Tag F0644)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on record review and staff interviews, the facility failed to ensure level II (two) Preadmission Screening and Resident Re...
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Comprehensive Care Plan
(Tag F0656)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on record review and staff interviews, the facility failed to develop a care plan for one of 18 sampled residents (R) (R43) related to wound care and failed to follow a care plan for one of 18 s...
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Pressure Ulcer Prevention
(Tag F0686)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observations, staff interviews, record review, and review of the facility policy titled, Wound Treatment Management, the facility failed to follow the doctor's order for one of 18 sampled res...
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Respiratory Care
(Tag F0695)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observations, staff interviews, record review, and a review of the facility policy titled, Physicians/Practitioner Orders, the facility failed to provide necessary respiratory care consistent...
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0700
(Tag F0700)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observations, staff interviews, and record review, the facility failed to ensure accurate assessment for the use of bed...
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Safe Environment
(Tag F0584)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** 3. Observation on 4/2/2024 at 9:22 am in room [ROOM NUMBER] revealed that the bottom of the door frame was damaged and had a rus...
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(E)
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** 3. Observation on 4/2/2024 at 9:22 am of R249's room/bathroom, it was noticed that the bottom of the door frame leading to the s...
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(F)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0725
(Tag F0725)
Could have caused harm · This affected most or all residents
Based on staff and family interviews, and review of facility documents titled, Facility Assessment Tool 2024 and the PBJ (payroll-based journal) Staffing Data Report Quarter 1 2024 (October 1, 2023, t...
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(F)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0804
(Tag F0804)
Could have caused harm · This affected most or all residents
Based on observations and resident and staff interviews, the facility failed to serve meals that were palatable and attractive for one of 48 residents (R) (R248) who receive a regular diet from the ki...
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(F)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Food Safety
(Tag F0812)
Could have caused harm · This affected most or all residents
Based on observations, staff interviews, record review, and review of the facility policy titled, Safe Food Handling, the facility failed to store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance wit...
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(F)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Garbage Disposal
(Tag F0814)
Could have caused harm · This affected most or all residents
Based on observations and staff interviews, the facility failed to ensure the dumpster area was properly maintained and free from debris. The deficient practice had the potential to attract pests and ...
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(F)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0925
(Tag F0925)
Could have caused harm · This affected most or all residents
Based on observations, staff interviews, and record review, the facility failed to maintain effective pest control in the kitchen and in one of two food pantries. The deficient practice had the potent...
Read full inspector narrative →
Understanding Severity Codes (click to expand)
Questions to Ask on Your Visit
- "Why is there high staff turnover? How do you retain staff?"
- "Can I speak with families of current residents?"
- "What's your RN coverage like on weekends and overnight?"
Our Honest Assessment
- • No major safety red flags. No abuse findings, life-threatening violations, or SFF status.
- • No fines on record. Clean compliance history, better than most Georgia facilities.
- • 15 deficiencies on record. Higher than average. Multiple issues found across inspections.
- • Grade D (40/100). Below average facility with significant concerns.
- • 67% turnover. Above average. Higher turnover means staff may not know residents' routines.
About This Facility
What is Buchanan Healthcare Center's CMS Rating?
CMS assigns BUCHANAN HEALTHCARE CENTER an overall rating of 1 out of 5 stars, which is considered much below average nationally. Within Georgia, this rating places the facility higher than 0% of the state's 100 nursing homes. A rating at this level reflects concerns identified through health inspections, staffing assessments, or quality measures that families should carefully consider.
How is Buchanan Healthcare Center Staffed?
CMS rates BUCHANAN HEALTHCARE CENTER's staffing level at 1 out of 5 stars, which is much below average compared to other nursing homes. Staff turnover is 67%, which is 20 percentage points above the Georgia average of 46%. High turnover can affect care consistency as new staff learn residents' individual needs.
What Have Inspectors Found at Buchanan Healthcare Center?
State health inspectors documented 15 deficiencies at BUCHANAN HEALTHCARE CENTER during 2024 to 2025. These included: 15 with potential for harm.
Who Owns and Operates Buchanan Healthcare Center?
BUCHANAN HEALTHCARE CENTER is owned by a for-profit company. For-profit facilities operate as businesses with obligations to shareholders or private owners. The facility is operated by BLUE RIDGE HEALTHCARE, a chain that manages multiple nursing homes. With 60 certified beds and approximately 44 residents (about 73% occupancy), it is a smaller facility located in BUCHANAN, Georgia.
How Does Buchanan Healthcare Center Compare to Other Georgia Nursing Homes?
Compared to the 100 nursing homes in Georgia, BUCHANAN HEALTHCARE CENTER's overall rating (1 stars) is below the state average of 2.6, staff turnover (67%) is significantly higher than the state average of 46%, and health inspection rating (3 stars) is at the national benchmark.
What Should Families Ask When Visiting Buchanan Healthcare Center?
Based on this facility's data, families visiting should ask: "How do you ensure continuity of care given staff turnover, and what is your staff retention strategy?" "Can you walk me through typical staffing levels on day, evening, and night shifts?" "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?" These questions are particularly relevant given the facility's high staff turnover rate and the below-average staffing rating.
Is Buchanan Healthcare Center Safe?
Based on CMS inspection data, BUCHANAN HEALTHCARE CENTER has a clean safety record: no substantiated abuse findings (meaning no confirmed cases of resident harm), no Immediate Jeopardy citations (the most serious violation level indicating risk of serious injury or death), and is not on the Special Focus Facility watch list (a federal program monitoring the lowest-performing 1% of nursing homes). The facility has a 1-star overall rating and ranks #100 of 100 nursing homes in Georgia. While no facility is perfect, families should still ask about staff-to-resident ratios and recent inspection results during their visit.
Do Nurses at Buchanan Healthcare Center Stick Around?
Staff turnover at BUCHANAN HEALTHCARE CENTER is high. At 67%, the facility is 20 percentage points above the Georgia average of 46%. High turnover means new staff may not know residents' individual needs, medications, or preferences. It can also be disorienting for residents, especially those with dementia who rely on familiar faces. Families should ask: What is causing the turnover? What retention programs are in place? How do you ensure care continuity during staff transitions?
Was Buchanan Healthcare Center Ever Fined?
BUCHANAN HEALTHCARE CENTER has no federal fines on record. CMS issues fines when nursing homes fail to meet care standards or don't correct problems found during inspections. The absence of fines suggests the facility has either maintained compliance or corrected any issues before penalties were assessed. This is a positive indicator, though families should still review recent inspection reports for the full picture.
Is Buchanan Healthcare Center on Any Federal Watch List?
BUCHANAN HEALTHCARE CENTER 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.