HARBORVIEW DECATUR
Inspected within the last 6 months. Data reflects current conditions.
Harborview Decatur has received a Trust Grade of C, which means it is average and falls in the middle of the pack among nursing homes. It ranks #129 out of 353 facilities in Georgia, placing it in the top half, and #6 out of 18 in DeKalb County, indicating only five local options are better. The facility's trend is worsening, as the number of reported issues increased from 3 in 2023 to 10 in 2025. Staffing is a concern, with a below-average rating of 2 out of 5 stars and a high turnover rate of 67%, significantly above the state average of 47%. While the $6,292 in fines is average, it suggests some compliance issues, and the facility does have good RN coverage, exceeding 95% of Georgia facilities, which helps catch potential problems. However, there are notable weaknesses. Recent inspections found that residents' rooms were not maintained well, with issues like broken blinds and peeling paint, which could affect their comfort and safety. Additionally, there were concerns about residents not being informed about the risks of their medications and not being included in their care planning, which raises issues about resident rights and safety. Overall, while there are some strengths, families should weigh these concerns carefully when considering Harborview Decatur for their loved ones.
- Trust Score
- C
- In Georgia
- #129/353
- Safety Record
- Low Risk
- Inspections
- Getting Worse
- Staff Stability ⚠ Watch
- 67% turnover. Above average. Higher turnover means staff may not know residents' routines.
- Penalties ✓ Good
- $6,292 in fines. Lower than most Georgia facilities. Relatively clean record.
- Skilled Nurses ✓ Good
- Each resident gets 52 minutes of Registered Nurse (RN) attention daily — more than average for Georgia. RNs are trained to catch health problems early.
- Violations ⚠ Watch
- 14 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
Near Georgia average (2.6)
Meets federal standards, typical of most facilities
21pts above Georgia avg (46%)
Frequent staff changes - ask about care continuity
Below median ($33,413)
Minor penalties assessed
Part of a multi-facility chain
Ask about local staffing decisions and management
19 points above Georgia average of 48%
The Ugly 14 deficiencies on record
May 2025
10 deficiencies
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0552
(Tag F0552)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on interview and record review, and review of the facility's policy titled, Comprehensive Care Plans, the facility failed to provide information on the risks and benefits of prescribed psychotro...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0553
(Tag F0553)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on interviews, record review, and review of the facility's policy titled, Comprehensive Care Plans, the facility failed to ensure one of 35 sampled Residents (R) (R165) reviewed for care plannin...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0628
(Tag F0628)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on record review, interview, and review of the facility policy titled, Transfer and Discharge (including AMA [Against Medi...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Assessment Accuracy
(Tag F0641)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interview, record review, and review of the RAI (Resident Assessment Instrument) Manual, the facility fail...
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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
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on interviews, record review, review of the facility's policy titled, Comprehensive Care Plans, and the Resident Assessmen...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0657
(Tag F0657)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on interviews, record review, and review of the facility's policy titled, Comprehensive Care Plans, the facility failed to...
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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
Pressure Ulcer Prevention
(Tag F0686)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observations, interviews, and review of facility's policies titled, Wound Treatment Management, and Skin Assessments, t...
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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 F0745
(Tag F0745)
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 medically related social services were provided to meet the ...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Medical Records
(Tag F0842)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on interviews and record review, the facility failed to maintain a complete medical record for three of 35 sampled Residen...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Infection Control
(Tag F0880)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observations, interviews, record review, and review of the facility's policy titled, Enhanced Barrier Precautions, the facility failed to ensure staff used proper personal protective equipmen...
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Jun 2023
3 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
Respiratory Care
(Tag F0695)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observations, resident and staff interviews, record review, and the facility's policy titled, Oxygen (O2) Administration, the facility failed to provide Medical Doctor's (MD) orders for O2, t...
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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 F0761
(Tag F0761)
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's policy titled, Storage of Medications, the facility failed...
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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
Safe Environment
(Tag F0921)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observations,staff interviews, and review of the facility's policy titled, 'Maintenance Inspection, the facility failed...
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Nov 2021
1 deficiency
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0800
(Tag F0800)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, resident and staff interviews, and record review, the facility failed to ensure one of four sampled reside...
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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.
- • 14 deficiencies on record. Higher than average. Multiple issues found across inspections.
- • Grade C (58/100). Below average facility with significant concerns.
- • 67% turnover. Above average. Higher turnover means staff may not know residents' routines.
About This Facility
What is Harborview Decatur's CMS Rating?
CMS assigns HARBORVIEW DECATUR an overall rating of 3 out of 5 stars, which is considered average nationally. Within Georgia, this rating places the facility higher than 99% 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 Harborview Decatur Staffed?
CMS rates HARBORVIEW DECATUR's staffing level at 2 out of 5 stars, which is below average compared to other nursing homes. Staff turnover is 67%, which is 21 percentage points above the Georgia average of 46%. High turnover can affect care consistency as new staff learn residents' individual needs. RN turnover specifically is 67%, which is notably high. RNs provide skilled clinical oversight, so turnover in this role can affect medical care quality.
What Have Inspectors Found at Harborview Decatur?
State health inspectors documented 14 deficiencies at HARBORVIEW DECATUR during 2021 to 2025. These included: 14 with potential for harm.
Who Owns and Operates Harborview Decatur?
HARBORVIEW DECATUR 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 HARBORVIEW HEALTH SYSTEMS, a chain that manages multiple nursing homes. With 73 certified beds and approximately 63 residents (about 86% occupancy), it is a smaller facility located in DECATUR, Georgia.
How Does Harborview Decatur Compare to Other Georgia Nursing Homes?
Compared to the 100 nursing homes in Georgia, HARBORVIEW DECATUR's overall rating (3 stars) is above 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 Harborview Decatur?
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 Harborview Decatur Safe?
Based on CMS inspection data, HARBORVIEW DECATUR 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 3-star overall rating and ranks #1 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 Harborview Decatur Stick Around?
Staff turnover at HARBORVIEW DECATUR is high. At 67%, the facility is 21 percentage points above the Georgia average of 46%. Registered Nurse turnover is particularly concerning at 67%. RNs handle complex medical decisions and coordinate care — frequent RN changes can directly impact care quality. 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 Harborview Decatur Ever Fined?
HARBORVIEW DECATUR has been fined $6,292 across 2 penalty actions. This is below the Georgia average of $33,142. While any fine indicates a compliance issue, fines under $50,000 are relatively common and typically reflect isolated problems that were subsequently corrected. Families should ask what specific issues led to these fines and confirm they've been resolved.
Is Harborview Decatur on Any Federal Watch List?
HARBORVIEW DECATUR 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.