GOLDEN YEARS HOMESTEAD
Within standard 12-15 month inspection cycle. Federal law requires annual inspections.
Golden Years Homestead has a Trust Grade of D, indicating below-average performance with some concerning issues. In Indiana, it ranks #348 out of 505 facilities, placing it in the bottom half, and #24 out of 29 in Allen County, meaning only a few local options are worse. While the facility is improving, reducing issues from 8 in 2024 to 4 in 2025, it still has significant concerns, including $15,646 in fines, which is higher than 86% of Indiana facilities. Staffing is a relative strength with a 4/5 star rating and low turnover at 22%, but RN coverage is below average, with less than 96% of Indiana facilities. Notable incidents include a critical finding where a resident fell from a wheelchair during transport, sustaining a spinal injury, and concerns about improper medication handling, such as failing to date medications when opened. Overall, while there are some strengths, the facility has serious weaknesses that families should carefully consider.
- Trust Score
- D
- In Indiana
- #348/505
- Safety Record
- High Risk
- Inspections
- Getting Better
- Staff Stability ✓ Good
- 22% annual turnover. Excellent stability, 26 points below Indiana's 48% average. Staff who stay learn residents' needs.
- Penalties ⚠ Watch
- $15,646 in fines. Higher than 81% of Indiana facilities, suggesting repeated compliance issues.
- Skilled Nurses ⚠ Watch
- Each resident gets only 22 minutes of Registered Nurse (RN) attention daily — below average for Indiana. Fewer RN minutes means fewer trained eyes watching for problems.
- Violations ⚠ Watch
- 25 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 (22%) · Staff stability means consistent care
-
Full Sprinkler Coverage · Fire safety systems throughout facility
-
No fines on record
-
Staff turnover is low (22%)
26 points below Indiana average of 48%
Facility shows strength in staffing levels, quality measures, staff retention, fire safety.
The Bad
Below Indiana average (3.1)
Below average - review inspection findings carefully
Below median ($33,413)
Minor penalties assessed
The Ugly 25 deficiencies on record
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
Report Alleged Abuse
(Tag F0609)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to ensure allegations of verbal abuse and mistreatment were reported to the Administrator and state agency within required timeframes for 3 of...
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May 2025
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
Quality of Care
(Tag F0684)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to ensure a resident was administered medication as ordered by the physician for 1 of 3 residents reviewed (Resident Q).
Findings include:
On ...
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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 F0740
(Tag F0740)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to ensure a resident's inappropriate touching behavior was identified, prevention interventions implemented and the behavior trended for 2 of ...
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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 interview and record review, the facility failed to maintain complete and accurate medical records for 2 of 3 residents reviewed (Resident D and Resident E).
Findings include:
Reports, dated ...
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Sept 2024
4 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
Based on observation, interview, and record review the facility failed to ensure 1 of 5 residents reviewed were free of abuse. (Resident 26).
Findings include.
Resident 26's record was reviewed 9/17/2...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0699
(Tag F0699)
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 interventions were implemented to prevent feeli...
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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 observation, interview and record review the facility failed to ensure infection control measures were maintained for oxygen tank tubing for 2 of 3 residents reviewed. (Resident 16 and Reside...
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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
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interview and record review, the facility failed to ensure medications were dated when opened, and destroy...
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Apr 2024
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
Report Alleged Abuse
(Tag F0609)
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 enure an injury of unknown origin was reported for 1 of 3 residents...
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Mar 2024
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
Notification of Changes
(Tag F0580)
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 notify the physician and family timely of a significant change in c...
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Jan 2024
2 deficiencies
1 IJ
CRITICAL
(J)
📢 Someone Reported This
A family member, employee, or ombudsman was alarmed enough to file a formal complaint
Immediate Jeopardy (IJ) - the most serious Medicare violation
Accident Prevention
(Tag F0689)
Someone could have died · This affected 1 resident
Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to ensure a resident was effectively secured in the wheelchair following manufacturer recommendations during a van transport. This deficient p...
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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 F0865
(Tag F0865)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on observation, interview and record review, the facility failed to implement a comprehensive QAPI program to ensure residents were provided with safe transportation provided by the facility. 43...
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Sept 2023
7 deficiencies
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0561
(Tag F0561)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to ensure preferences and options for showers and meals were offered and observed for 1 of 2 residents reviewed. (Resident 40)
Findings inclu...
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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
Quality of Care
(Tag F0684)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on interview and record review the facility failed to ensure physician orders were followed for 2 of 2 residents reviewed. (Resident 9 and Resident 198)
Findings include:
1 In an interview on 9/...
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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
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interview, and record review the facility failed to ensure safety for 1 of 5 people reviewed. (Resident 9)...
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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 provide adequate pain management for 1 of 3 residents reviewed. (Resident 13).
Findings include:
During an observation and int...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0699
(Tag F0699)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on interview and record review the facility failed to ensure residents receive culturally competent, trauma-informed care for 1 of 1 residents reviewed (Resident 49).
Findings include:
Resident...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Food Safety
(Tag F0812)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on interview, observation, and record review the facility failed to ensure to maintain a sanitary kitchen for 3 of 3 observations.
Findings include:
1. In an interview on 9/6/23 at 9:47 AM, th...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Garbage Disposal
(Tag F0814)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation and interview the facility failed to ensure garbage and refuse were contained inside the dumpster for 2 of 3 observations.
Findings include:
During an observation on 9/6/23 at 9...
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Oct 2022
6 deficiencies
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0645
(Tag F0645)
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 assessment for appropriate placement was completed for 1 of 5...
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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 coordinate care with hospice for 1 of 4 residents reviewed. (Resident 92)
Findings include:
During an observation and family 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 implement resident specific fall interventions for 1 of 4 residents reviewed. (Resident 69)
Findings include:
During an observ...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0757
(Tag F0757)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on interview and record review the facility failed to ensure adverse medication side effects were monitored for 2 of 3 residents reviewed. (Resident 63, and Resident 25)
Findings include:
1. A r...
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CONCERN
(D)
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 ensure medication administration errors were under 5%. With 25 opportunities and 14 errors the error rate was 56% were for 2 o...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Medication Errors
(Tag F0758)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
3. Resident 82's record was reviewed on 10/18/22 at 1:28 PM. Diagnoses included generalized anxiety disorder, anxiety disorder, unspecified, unspecified dementia, unspecified severity with behavioral ...
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Understanding Severity Codes (click to expand)
Questions to Ask on Your Visit
- "What changes have you made since the serious inspection findings?"
- "Can I speak with families of current residents?"
- "What's your RN coverage like on weekends and overnight?"
Our Honest Assessment
- • 22% annual turnover. Excellent stability, 26 points below Indiana's 48% average. Staff who stay learn residents' needs.
- • Multiple safety concerns identified: 1 life-threatening violation(s). Review inspection reports carefully.
- • 25 deficiencies on record, including 1 critical (life-threatening) violation. These warrant careful review before choosing this facility.
- • $15,646 in fines. Above average for Indiana. Some compliance problems on record.
- • Grade D (41/100). Below average facility with significant concerns.
About This Facility
What is Golden Years Homestead's CMS Rating?
CMS assigns GOLDEN YEARS HOMESTEAD 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 Golden Years Homestead Staffed?
CMS rates GOLDEN YEARS HOMESTEAD's staffing level at 4 out of 5 stars, which is above average compared to other nursing homes. Staff turnover is 22%, compared to the Indiana average of 46%. This relatively stable workforce can support continuity of care.
What Have Inspectors Found at Golden Years Homestead?
State health inspectors documented 25 deficiencies at GOLDEN YEARS HOMESTEAD during 2022 to 2025. These included: 1 Immediate Jeopardy (the most serious level, indicating potential for serious harm or death) and 24 with potential for harm. Immediate Jeopardy findings are rare and represent the most serious regulatory concerns. They require immediate corrective action.
Who Owns and Operates Golden Years Homestead?
GOLDEN YEARS HOMESTEAD 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 111 certified beds and approximately 85 residents (about 77% occupancy), it is a mid-sized facility located in FORT WAYNE, Indiana.
How Does Golden Years Homestead Compare to Other Indiana Nursing Homes?
Compared to the 100 nursing homes in Indiana, GOLDEN YEARS HOMESTEAD's overall rating (2 stars) is below the state average of 3.1, staff turnover (22%) is significantly lower than the state average of 46%, and health inspection rating (2 stars) is below the national benchmark.
What Should Families Ask When Visiting Golden Years Homestead?
Based on this facility's data, families visiting should ask: "What changes have been made since the serious inspection findings, and how are you preventing similar issues?" "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 Immediate Jeopardy citations.
Is Golden Years Homestead Safe?
Based on CMS inspection data, GOLDEN YEARS HOMESTEAD has documented safety concerns. Inspectors have issued 1 Immediate Jeopardy citation (the most serious violation level indicating risk of serious injury or death). The facility has a 2-star overall rating and ranks #100 of 100 nursing homes in Indiana. Families considering this facility should ask detailed questions about what corrective actions have been taken since these incidents.
Do Nurses at Golden Years Homestead Stick Around?
Staff at GOLDEN YEARS HOMESTEAD tend to stick around. With a turnover rate of 22%, the facility is 24 percentage points below the Indiana 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 29%, meaning experienced RNs are available to handle complex medical needs.
Was Golden Years Homestead Ever Fined?
GOLDEN YEARS HOMESTEAD has been fined $15,646 across 1 penalty action. This is below the Indiana average of $33,235. 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 Golden Years Homestead on Any Federal Watch List?
GOLDEN YEARS HOMESTEAD 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.