NEW HORIZONS LIMESTONE
Within standard 12-15 month inspection cycle. Federal law requires annual inspections.
New Horizons Limestone in Gainesville, Georgia, has a Trust Grade of B, indicating it's a good choice and solid option for families considering care. It ranks #140 out of 353 facilities in Georgia, placing it in the top half, and #3 of 5 in Hall County, meaning there are only two better local options. However, the facility is experiencing a worsening trend, with the number of issues identified increasing from 2 in 2022 to 5 in 2025. Staffing is a strength, rated 4 out of 5 stars with a low turnover rate of 18%, which is well below the state average, suggesting a stable staff that knows the residents well. Notably, there have been no fines reported, but recent inspections revealed concerning incidents, including improper food storage that could lead to foodborne illness and a failure to properly assess a resident's ability to self-administer medication, which could risk their health. Overall, while there are strengths in staffing and compliance with fines, families should be aware of the recent issues highlighted in inspections.
- Trust Score
- B
- In Georgia
- #140/353
- Safety Record
- Low Risk
- Inspections
- Getting Worse
- Staff Stability ✓ Good
- 18% annual turnover. Excellent stability, 30 points below Georgia's 48% average. Staff who stay learn residents' needs.
- Penalties ✓ Good
- No fines on record. Clean compliance history, better than most Georgia facilities.
- Skilled Nurses ○ Average
- Each resident gets 36 minutes of Registered Nurse (RN) attention daily — about average for Georgia. RNs are the most trained staff who monitor for health changes.
- Violations ⚠ Watch
- 13 deficiencies on record. Higher than average. Multiple issues found across inspections.
The Good
-
4-Star Staffing Rating · Above-average nurse staffing levels
-
4-Star Quality Measures · Strong clinical quality outcomes
-
Low Staff Turnover (18%) · Staff stability means consistent care
-
Full Sprinkler Coverage · Fire safety systems throughout facility
-
No fines on record
-
Staff turnover is low (18%)
30 points below Georgia average of 48%
Facility shows strength in staffing levels, quality measures, staff retention, fire safety.
The Bad
Near Georgia average (2.6)
Meets federal standards, typical of most facilities
The Ugly 13 deficiencies on record
Feb 2025
5 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
Deficiency F0554
(Tag F0554)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observations, resident and staff interviews, record review, and review of the facility's policy titled Resident Self-Ad...
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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 F0625
(Tag F0625)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on staff interview, record review, review of the facility's document titled, [Name] Bed Hold Notice Facility B failed to p...
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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
Respiratory Care
(Tag F0695)
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, Facility B failed to ensure that one of 14 residents (R) (R150) recei...
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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 a review of the facility's policy titled Laboratory Services-12-1022-POC Glucose Te...
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CONCERN
(F)
📢 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
Food Safety
(Tag F0812)
Could have caused harm · This affected most or all residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observations, staff interviews, record review, and review of facility's policy titled, Nutrition Food and Supply Storag...
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Sept 2022
2 deficiencies
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
ADL Care
(Tag F0677)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observations, record review, and interviews, the facility failed to ensure that activities of daily living (ADL) care w...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0688
(Tag F0688)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observations, record review, and interviews, the facility failed to provide evidence that restorative nursing services ...
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May 2019
6 deficiencies
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**
2. Review of the medical record for R#140 revealed she was admitted with a diagnosis of dementia and Alzheimer's.
Review of R#...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
ADL Care
(Tag F0677)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, record review, and staff interview, the facility failed to ensure that oral care was provided for one of f...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Quality of Care
(Tag F0684)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, record review, resident and staff interview, the facility failed to identify and/or report an area of exco...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0685
(Tag F0685)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, record review, staff and resident interviews, the facility failed to ensure that one of one resident (R) (...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0761
(Tag F0761)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, record review, and staff interview, the facility failed to ensure that two opened multi-dose vials of PPD (Purified Protein Derivative) were labeled with an open date to be able ...
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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
2. On 5/8/19 at 4:00 p.m. The Charge Nurse (EE) was observed performing a glucometer check for one resident R#163. The nurse was observed cleaning the glucometer with Sani-wipes times three - thorough...
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Understanding Severity Codes (click to expand)
Questions to Ask on Your Visit
- "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.
- • 18% annual turnover. Excellent stability, 30 points below Georgia's 48% average. Staff who stay learn residents' needs.
- • 13 deficiencies on record. Higher than average. Multiple issues found across inspections.
About This Facility
What is New Horizons Limestone's CMS Rating?
CMS assigns NEW HORIZONS LIMESTONE 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 New Horizons Limestone Staffed?
CMS rates NEW HORIZONS LIMESTONE's staffing level at 4 out of 5 stars, which is above average compared to other nursing homes. Staff turnover is 18%, compared to the Georgia average of 46%. This relatively stable workforce can support continuity of care.
What Have Inspectors Found at New Horizons Limestone?
State health inspectors documented 13 deficiencies at NEW HORIZONS LIMESTONE during 2019 to 2025. These included: 13 with potential for harm.
Who Owns and Operates New Horizons Limestone?
NEW HORIZONS LIMESTONE is owned by a non-profit organization. Non-profit facilities reinvest revenue into operations rather than distributing to shareholders. The facility operates independently rather than as part of a larger chain. With 142 certified beds and approximately 183 residents (about 129% occupancy), it is a mid-sized facility located in GAINESVILLE, Georgia.
How Does New Horizons Limestone Compare to Other Georgia Nursing Homes?
Compared to the 100 nursing homes in Georgia, NEW HORIZONS LIMESTONE's overall rating (3 stars) is above the state average of 2.6, staff turnover (18%) is significantly lower than the state average of 46%, and health inspection rating (3 stars) is at the national benchmark.
What Should Families Ask When Visiting New Horizons Limestone?
Based on this facility's data, families visiting should ask: "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?"
Is New Horizons Limestone Safe?
Based on CMS inspection data, NEW HORIZONS LIMESTONE 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 New Horizons Limestone Stick Around?
Staff at NEW HORIZONS LIMESTONE tend to stick around. With a turnover rate of 18%, the facility is 27 percentage points below the Georgia average of 46%. Low turnover is a positive sign. It means caregivers have time to learn each resident's needs, medications, and personal preferences. Consistent staff also notice subtle changes in a resident's condition more quickly. Registered Nurse turnover is also low at 4%, meaning experienced RNs are available to handle complex medical needs.
Was New Horizons Limestone Ever Fined?
NEW HORIZONS LIMESTONE 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 New Horizons Limestone on Any Federal Watch List?
NEW HORIZONS LIMESTONE 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.