CARMEL HEALTH & LIVING COMMUNITY
Within standard 12-15 month inspection cycle. Federal law requires annual inspections.
Carmel Health & Living Community has received a Trust Grade of D, indicating below-average performance with some concerns about care quality. They rank #334 out of 505 facilities in Indiana, placing them in the bottom half, and #15 out of 17 in Hamilton County, meaning there are only two local options that perform better. The facility is showing improvement, with issues decreasing from 13 in 2024 to just 1 in 2025, but staffing remains a concern with a turnover rate of 65%, significantly higher than the state average of 47%. Although there have been no fines reported, which is a positive sign, inspector findings revealed issues, such as a failure to communicate a resident's medication needs after a UTI diagnosis and problems with medication storage practices. Overall, while there are strengths in the facility's recent trend and absence of fines, families should be aware of the staffing challenges and specific incidents that raise concerns about care quality.
- Trust Score
- D
- In Indiana
- #334/505
- Safety Record
- Low Risk
- Inspections
- Getting Better
- Staff Stability ⚠ Watch
- 65% turnover. Above average. Higher turnover means staff may not know residents' routines.
- Penalties ✓ Good
- No fines on record. Clean compliance history, better than most Indiana facilities.
- Skilled Nurses ○ Average
- Each resident gets 33 minutes of Registered Nurse (RN) attention daily — about average for Indiana. RNs are the most trained staff who monitor for health changes.
- Violations ⚠ Watch
- 32 deficiencies on record. Higher than average. Multiple issues found across inspections.
The Good
-
4-Star Quality Measures · Strong clinical quality outcomes
-
Full Sprinkler Coverage · Fire safety systems throughout facility
-
No fines on record
Facility shows strength in quality measures, fire safety.
The Bad
Below Indiana average (3.1)
Below average - review inspection findings carefully
19pts above Indiana avg (46%)
Frequent staff changes - ask about care continuity
Part of a multi-facility chain
Ask about local staffing decisions and management
17 points above Indiana average of 48%
The Ugly 32 deficiencies on record
Jan 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
Pharmacy Services
(Tag F0755)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to ensure a staff member followed the policy and procedure when administering narcotics for 2 of 2 residents reviewed for pharmaceutical servi...
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Nov 2024
11 deficiencies
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0576
(Tag F0576)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to ensure mail was delivered unopened for 1 of 1 resident reviewed for resident rights. (Resident 135)
Finding includes:
During a resident co...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
PASARR Coordination
(Tag F0644)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
2. The clinical record for Resident D was reviewed on 10/29/24 at 3:29 p.m. The diagnoses included, but were not limited to, major depressive disorder, anxiety, and bipolar disorder.
Resident D was ad...
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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
Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to ensure a comprehensive person-centered care plan was developed for a resident diagnosed and treated for insomnia for 1 of 31 residents revi...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Accident Prevention
(Tag F0689)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, interview and record review, the facility failed to ensure a resident did not have smoking articles in their room for 1 of 7 residents reviewed for accident hazards. (Resident 24...
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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 observation, interview and record review, the facility failed to ensure the correct amount of oxygen was administered as ordered by the physician for 2 of 3 residents reviewed for respiratory...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Pharmacy Services
(Tag F0755)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, interview and record review, the facility failed to ensure the on-coming and off-going staff signed the narcotic count books each shift for 2 of 3 medication carts reviewed for d...
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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
4. During an observation, on 10/28/24 at 10:23 a.m., Resident 80 had Diclofenac Sodium topical gel 1% (typically used for arthritis pain relief) on his bedside table.
During an observation, on 10/29/...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Dental Services
(Tag F0791)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, interview and record review, the facility failed to ensure a resident received dental services to repair or replace partial dentures for 1 of 1 resident reviewed for dental servi...
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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 F0804
(Tag F0804)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, interview and record review, the facility failed to ensure food was served at a safe and appetizing temperature for 1 of 1 room tray tested for food temperatures. (200 hall)
Fin...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Safe Environment
(Tag F0921)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interview and record review, the facility failed to ensure a safe, functional, sanitary, and comfortable e...
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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
Quality of Care
(Tag F0684)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** 2. The clinical record for Resident H was reviewed on 10/29/24 at 3:25 p.m. The diagnoses included, but were not limited to, his...
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Mar 2024
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
Deficiency F0554
(Tag F0554)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, interview and record review, the facility failed to ensure the interdisciplinary team determined a resident was clinically appropriate to self-administer medications for 1 of 1 r...
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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
Infection Control
(Tag F0880)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, interview and record review, the facility failed to ensure infection control practices were maintained when a staff member failed to remove medication from the packaging in a san...
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Oct 2023
7 deficiencies
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0578
(Tag F0578)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on interview and record review the facility failed to ensure code status was clearly indicated for 1 of 26 residents reviewed. (Resident 81).
Findings include:
Resident 81's record was reviewed ...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0583
(Tag F0583)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interview, and record review the facility failed to ensure privacy was maintained for 3 of 11 residents re...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Grievances
(Tag F0585)
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 the right to file a grievance without interference was mainta...
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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
Based on observation, interview, and record review the facility failed to follow physician orders for 2 of 6 residents reviewed. (Resident 4 and Resident 98)
Findings include:
1)During an observation ...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0692
(Tag F0692)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on record review, and interview, the facility failed to ensure weights weekly as ordered were obtained for 1 of 3 residents reviewed. (Resident 40).
Findings include:
Resident 40's record was re...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0694
(Tag F0694)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on Observation, interview, and record review the facility failed to ensure consistent midline intravenous (IV) care for 1 of 1 resident reviewed with parenteral fluids. (Resident 40).
Findings i...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0697
(Tag F0697)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, interview, and record review the facility failed to ensure pain interventions were initiated consistently for 2 of 6 residents reviewed. (Resident 238 and Resident 4)
Findings in...
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May 2023
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
Accident Prevention
(Tag F0689)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to ensure a staff member followed the Hoyer lift policy and procedure while transferring a resident from her bed into her wheelchair for 1 of ...
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Apr 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
Pharmacy Services
(Tag F0755)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, interview and record review, the facility failed to ensure residents' scheduled medications were available to meet the needs of 2 of 5 residents reviewed for medication availabil...
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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
Unnecessary Medications
(Tag F0759)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, interview and record review, the facility failed to keep the medication error rate less than 5% when three (3) errors were observed during 31 opportunities for errors for 3 of 5 ...
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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
Medical Records
(Tag F0842)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, interview and record review, the facility failed to ensure a resident's medications were completely and accurately documented on the EMAR (Electronic Medication Administration Re...
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Aug 2022
7 deficiencies
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0558
(Tag F0558)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, interview and record review, the facility failed to keep the call light within the resident's reach for 2 of 2 residents randomly observed for accommodation of needs. (Resident 6...
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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 observation, interview and record review, the facility failed to identify and provide needed care in a timely manner for 1 of 2 residents reviewed for pressure ulcers. (Resident 16)
Finding i...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Accident Prevention
(Tag F0689)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, interview and record review, the facility failed to ensure medications were not left at the bed side without an order to self-administer medications for 1 of 1 resident randomly ...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Tube Feeding
(Tag F0693)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interview and record review, the facility failed to label the enteral feeding bag with the feeding type an...
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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. The record for Resident 69 was reviewed on 08/03/22 at 11:50 a.m. Diagnoses included, but were not limited to, malignant neoplasm of the cervix, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, anxiety disor...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0761
(Tag F0761)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on observation, interview and record review, the facility failed to label medications with open dates, failed to ensure mediations were stored in their original containers, failed to ensure an i...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Food Safety
(Tag F0812)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on observation, interview and record review, the facility failed to ensure pans were thoroughly dried before being stored on a shelf unit, failed to ensure food items were labeled/dated with ope...
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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.
- • No fines on record. Clean compliance history, better than most Indiana facilities.
- • 32 deficiencies on record. Higher than average. Multiple issues found across inspections.
- • Grade D (45/100). Below average facility with significant concerns.
- • 65% turnover. Above average. Higher turnover means staff may not know residents' routines.
About This Facility
What is Carmel Health & Living Community's CMS Rating?
CMS assigns CARMEL HEALTH & LIVING COMMUNITY an overall rating of 2 out of 5 stars, which is considered below average nationally. Within Indiana, 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 Carmel Health & Living Community Staffed?
CMS rates CARMEL HEALTH & LIVING COMMUNITY's staffing level at 3 out of 5 stars, which is average compared to other nursing homes. Staff turnover is 65%, which is 19 percentage points above the Indiana average of 46%. High turnover can affect care consistency as new staff learn residents' individual needs.
What Have Inspectors Found at Carmel Health & Living Community?
State health inspectors documented 32 deficiencies at CARMEL HEALTH & LIVING COMMUNITY during 2022 to 2025. These included: 32 with potential for harm.
Who Owns and Operates Carmel Health & Living Community?
CARMEL HEALTH & LIVING COMMUNITY is owned by a government entity. Government-operated facilities are typically run by state, county, or municipal agencies. The facility is operated by CARDON & ASSOCIATES, a chain that manages multiple nursing homes. With 188 certified beds and approximately 130 residents (about 69% occupancy), it is a mid-sized facility located in CARMEL, Indiana.
How Does Carmel Health & Living Community Compare to Other Indiana Nursing Homes?
Compared to the 100 nursing homes in Indiana, CARMEL HEALTH & LIVING COMMUNITY's overall rating (2 stars) is below the state average of 3.1, staff turnover (65%) is significantly higher than the state average of 46%, and health inspection rating (2 stars) is below the national benchmark.
What Should Families Ask When Visiting Carmel Health & Living Community?
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 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 facility's high staff turnover rate.
Is Carmel Health & Living Community Safe?
Based on CMS inspection data, CARMEL HEALTH & LIVING COMMUNITY 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 2-star overall rating and ranks #100 of 100 nursing homes in Indiana. While no facility is perfect, families should still ask about staff-to-resident ratios and recent inspection results during their visit.
Do Nurses at Carmel Health & Living Community Stick Around?
Staff turnover at CARMEL HEALTH & LIVING COMMUNITY is high. At 65%, the facility is 19 percentage points above the Indiana 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 Carmel Health & Living Community Ever Fined?
CARMEL HEALTH & LIVING COMMUNITY 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 Carmel Health & Living Community on Any Federal Watch List?
CARMEL HEALTH & LIVING COMMUNITY 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.