TOWNE HOUSE RETIREMENT COMMUNITY

2209 ST JOE CENTER RD, FORT WAYNE, IN 46825 (260) 483-3116
Non profit - Corporation 32 Beds BHI SENIOR LIVING Data: November 2025
Trust Grade
85/100
#104 of 505 in IN
Last Inspection: May 2024

Within standard 12-15 month inspection cycle. Federal law requires annual inspections.

Overview

Towne House Retirement Community in Fort Wayne, Indiana has a Trust Grade of B+, meaning it is above average and generally recommended. It ranks #104 out of 505 facilities in Indiana, placing it in the top half, and #14 out of 29 in Allen County, indicating there are only 13 local options that rank higher. However, the facility is facing a worsening trend, with the number of issues increasing from 2 in 2023 to 4 in 2024. Staffing is rated 4 out of 5, which is good, but the turnover rate is 56%, which is around the state average, suggesting some staff changes. Importantly, there have been no fines, which is a positive sign. However, recent inspections revealed some concerns, including a lack of a personalized care plan for a resident with a catheter and inadequate documentation for wound care management. Additionally, there was an incident where a resident fell while transferring with only one staff member present, leading to a skin tear and pain. While the facility has strengths, such as good RN coverage, families should be aware of these weaknesses as they consider care options.

Trust Score
B+
85/100
In Indiana
#104/505
Top 20%
Safety Record
Low Risk
No red flags
Inspections
Getting Worse
2 → 4 violations
Staff Stability
⚠ Watch
56% 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
✓ Good
Each resident gets 152 minutes of Registered Nurse (RN) attention daily — more than 97% of Indiana nursing homes. RNs are the most trained staff who catch health problems before they become serious.
Violations
○ Average
8 deficiencies on record. Average for a facility this size. Mostly minor or procedural issues.
★★★★★
5.0
Overall Rating
★★★★☆
4.0
Staff Levels
★★★★★
5.0
Care Quality
★★★★☆
4.0
Inspection Score
Stable
2023: 2 issues
2024: 4 issues

The Good

  • 4-Star Staffing Rating · Above-average nurse staffing levels
  • 5-Star Quality Measures · Strong clinical quality outcomes
  • Full Sprinkler Coverage · Fire safety systems throughout facility
  • No fines on record

Facility shows strength in staffing levels, quality measures, fire safety.

The Bad

Staff Turnover: 56%

Near Indiana avg (46%)

Frequent staff changes - ask about care continuity

Chain: BHI SENIOR LIVING

Part of a multi-facility chain

Ask about local staffing decisions and management

Staff turnover is elevated (56%)

8 points above Indiana average of 48%

The Ugly 8 deficiencies on record

May 2024 4 deficiencies
CONCERN (D)

Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed

Deficiency F0655 (Tag F0655)

Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident

Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to ensure a person-centered, individualized Baseline Care Plan was developed with instructions needed to provide effective care for 1 of 1 res...

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Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to ensure a person-centered, individualized Baseline Care Plan was developed with instructions needed to provide effective care for 1 of 1 resident reviewed with a catherter. (Resident 116) Findings include: Resident 116's record was reviewed on 5/28/24 at 2:35 PM. Diagnoses included an open reduction internal fixation (surgery to repair) of a fracture to the left femur, coronary artery disease, atrial fibrillation, (irregular heartbeat) anemia due to chronic blood loss, enlarged prostate gland and urinary retention. A physician order dated 5/20/24 indicated Resident 116 was to be administered acetaminophen (pain reliever) every 6 hours as needed for a pain rating of 1 to 5 on a 1 to 10 scale. A physician order dated 5/20/24 indicated Resident 116 was to be administered oxycodone (narcotic pain reliever) every 6 hours as needed for a pain rating of 6 to 10 on a 1 to 10 scale. A physician order dated 5/20/24 indicated Resident 116 was to be administered cyclobenzaprine (muscle relaxer) every 12 hours as needed for muscle spasms. A physician order dated 5/20/24 indicated Resident 116 was to be administered nitroglycerin every 5 minutes as needed for chest pain for a maximum of 3 doses. A physician order dated 5/20/24 indicated Resident 116 was to be administered apixaban (blood thinner) twice daily for atrial fibrillation. Resident 116's Baseline Care Plan dated 5/20/24 indicated Resident 116's Brief Interview for Mental Status (BIMS) score was 15 (cognitively intact), had an indwelling urinary catheter in place to drain urine, had been prescribed narcotic pain medications, anticoagulants, (blood thinner) and diuretics (water pill), and had post-surgical pain to their left hip. There was no documentation in the Baseline Care Plan section to evaluate pain on a 1 to 10 scale. The Baseline Care Plan did not indicate Resident 116 had skin issues. There was no documentation in the Baseline Care Plan's skin integrity section. A physician order dated 5/21/24 indicated Resident 116 was to have the indwelling urinary catheter removed. A physician order dated 5/21/24 indicated Resident 116 was to have a straight catheter procedure performed (urinary catheter inserted into the bladder and removed immediately after the release of urine) every 8 hours as needed for urinary retention. Resident 116's Care Plan focus dated 5/22/24 indicated the resident was at risk for infection. The target goal was to be free from signs and symptoms of infection through 8/18/24. Interventions included antibiotics, infection prevention education, standard precautions, encourage fluids and evaluation of wounds. The Care Plan was not individualized to Resident 116's infection risks related to their surgical incision or the straight catheter procedure. Resident 116's Care Plan focus dated 5/22/24 indicated the resident was on a regular diet and had a surgical skin impairment to the left hip. The target goal was to maintain adequate nutritional status through 8/18/24. Interventions included medications, observing for malnutrition, monitoring weight, serving diet as ordered, monitoring and recording intake at every meal. The Care Plan dated 5/22/24 did not include a focus, a target goal or interventions for the following care concerns: 1. unusual bleeding 2. chest pain 3. urinary retention 4. diuretic use 5. urinary drainage via straight catheter 6. infection risk from straight catheter 7. muscle spasms 8. surgical incision care 9. infection risk from surgical incision 10. pain assessment 11. effects of narcotic pain medication. In an interview on 5/29/24 at 3:02 PM, the Executive Director (ED) indicated the facility had completed Resident 116's Baseline Care Plan within 24 hours as required. The ED indicated the facility had 21 days after a resident's admission to complete an official Care Plan. The ED reviewed the Baseline Care Plan and the current Care Plan. The ED indicated neither the Baseline Care Plan, nor the current Care Plan were individualized to Resident 116. In an interview on 5/29/24 at 4:09 PM the Director of Nursing (DON) reviewed Resident 116's Baseline Care Plan and current Care Plan. The DON indicated neither the Baseline Care Plan, nor the current Care Plan were individualized to Resident 116. The DON indicated Resident 116's Baseline Care Plan did not include a pain scale rating or a surgical incision, straight catheter procedure or their specific infection risk. The DON indicated neither the Baseline nor current Care Plan included the minimum healthcare information necessary to provide individualized care to Resident 116. A current facility policy dated 4/06 and revised 10/19 provided by the DON on 5/30/24 at 12:20 PM indicated the care plan is a compilation of services to be furnished to each resident with the goal to reach or maintain the resident's highest possible physical, mental, and psychosocial well-being. The policy indicated an individualized plan of care would be initiated upon admission. The policy indicated the individualized care plan would identify each resident's needs related to health, disease, condition, impairments, physical function, mental status, nutrition, psychosocial health, safety, and discharge potential. The policy indicated modifications and additions to the care plan would be updated as the resident's needs changed. The policy indicated the resident's individualized care plan would be continual, reviewed quarterly or as needed.
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 interview and record review, the facility failed to ensure physician orders were current for the provision of wound car...

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**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to ensure physician orders were current for the provision of wound care to a surgical incision for 1 of 1 resident reviewed (Resident 116). Findings include: Resident 116's record was reviewed on 5/28/24 at 2:35 PM. Diagnoses included an open reduction internal fixation (surgery to repair) of a fracture to the left femur. Resident 116's Baseline Care Plan dated 5/20/24 indicated Resident 116's Brief Interview for Mental Status (BIMS) score was 15 (cognitively intact). Resident 116's Baseline Care Plan dated 5/20/24 did not indicate Resident 116 had skin issues. There was no documentation in the Baseline Care Plan skin integrity section. Resident 116's current, completed, and discontinued physician orders dated 5/20/24 through 5/29/24 did not include wound care instructions for the surgical incision of their left hip. Resident 116's current Care Plan dated 5/22/24 did not include a focus, a target goal, or interventions for wound care to the resident's left hip surgical incision. A hospital Discharge summary dated [DATE] at 11:19 AM indicated Resident 116's left hip surgical incision's dressing was to be reinforced or changed daily as needed. The surgical incision was to be assessed for complications daily. The staples were to be removed in 2 weeks. A Skin and Wound Evaluation dated 5/21/24 at 10:51 AM indicated Resident 116 had a surgical wound to the front of their left thigh. The wound was present on admission to the facility on 5/20/24. The wound was 1.7 centimeters (cm) long and 0.4 cm wide. The wound had 3 staples. The dressing was intact. A Skin and Wound Evaluation dated 5/21/24 at 10:52 AM indicated Resident 116 had a surgical wound to the left side of their left thigh. The wound was present on admission to the facility on 5/20/24. The wound was 2.7 cm long and 0.4 cm wide. The wound had 4 staples. The dressing was intact. A Skin and Wound Evaluation dated 5/21/24 at 10:54 AM indicated Resident 116 had a surgical wound to the front of their left hip. The wound was present on admission to the facility on 5/20/24. The wound was 3.8 cm long and 0.5 cm wide. The wound had 6 staples. The wound dressing was intact. A progress note dated 5/21/24 at 2:34 PM indicated Resident 116's surgical sites had been evaluated. The staples were intact and healing well. A progress note dated 5/21/24 at 5:25 PM indicated Resident 116 had experienced a fall in their room. A progress note dated 5/22/24 at 11:52 AM indicated Resident 116 had increased bruising and swelling around their surgical incision. The dressing had been saturated with bloody drainage. A Skin and Wound Evaluation dated 5/28/24 at 7:48 AM indicated Resident 116 had a surgical wound to the left side of their left thigh. The wound was present on admission to the facility on 5/20/24. The wound was 2.3 cm long and 0.3 cm wide. The wound had 4 staples. The staples were removed by the Nurse Practitioner. The wound did not have a dressing. A Skin and Wound Evaluation dated 5/28/24 at 7:49 AM indicated Resident 116 had a surgical wound to the front of their left thigh. The wound was present on admission to the facility on 5/20/24. The wound was 1.4 cm long and 0.2 cm wide. The wound had 3 staples. The staples were removed by the Nurse Practitioner. A Skin and Wound Evaluation dated 5/28/24 at 7:50 AM indicated Resident 116 had a surgical wound to the front of their left hip. The wound was present on admission to the facility on 5/20/24. The wound was 3.5 cm long and 0.4 cm wide. The wound had 6 staples. The dressing was intact. The wound was cleansed with soap and water. The staples were removed by the Nurse Practitioner. A Nurse Practitioner progress note dated 5/28/24 at 9:45 AM indicated Resident 116 had experienced a fall in their room on 5/21/24 that caused bleeding from their upper most hip incision. The staples were removed. Adhesive strips (steri-strips) were applied to the upper most incision and the middle incision. In an interview on 5/30/24 at 12:25 PM the Director of Nursing (DON) indicated hospital discharge surgical incision care instructions should have been included on Resident 116's physician orders upon admission to the facility. A current facility policy dated 2/06 and revised 3/24 provided by the DON on 5/30/24 at 12:53 PM indicated physician orders for dressing changes would be verified to ensure dressing changes followed state regulations, federal regulations, and national guidelines. 3.1-37
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 interview and record review the facility failed to ensure safe transfer assistance for 1 of 5 residents reviewed (Resid...

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**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on interview and record review the facility failed to ensure safe transfer assistance for 1 of 5 residents reviewed (Resident 115). Findings include: During an interview on 5/28/24, a family member of Resident 115 indicated he was concerned Resident 115 had a fall while transferring in the middle of the night the previous weekend, resulting in a skin tear to her arm, bruising and pain. He indicated her pain resulted in a setback in her progress in therapy. He indicated only one staff member was assisting her at the time of the fall. During an interview on 5/30/24 at 1:40 PM, Resident 115 indicated she was transferring from her bed to her wheelchair when one of her feet caught on the other causing her to lose her balance and fall backward to her buttocks, tearing the skin on her elbow on the table as she fell. She indicated only one staff member was in the room at the time of the transfer. Resident 115's record was reviewed on 5/28/24 at 12:28 PM. Diagnoses included displaced intertrochanteric fracture of the left femur, subsequent encounter for closed fracture with routine healing, muscle weakness, generalized, and unsteadiness on feet. Resident 115's current admission Minimum Data Set (MDS), dated [DATE], indicated her Basic Interview for Mental Status (BIMS) score was 14 (cognitively intact). The MDS indicated the resident was dependent for transfers from a bed to a chair. Progress notes dated 5/25/24 at 4:42 AM indicated a staff member was assisting Resident 115 to transfer from her bed to a wheelchair when her leg gave out. Resident 115 sustained a skin tear on her left elbow from the table as she tried to stop the fall. Resident 115's current care plan regarding limited physical mobility, dated 5/17/24, indicated the resident had a problem of limited mobility related to weakness, recent left femur surgery and pain with a goal date of 8/4/24. Interventions included referring to the green therapy binder for current assistance needs. An instructional document in the green therapy binder dated 5/17/24 and last updated 5/24/24, provided by Licensed Practical Nurse 10 indicated Resident 115 required maximum assistance of two staff for transfers. In an interview on 5/30/24 at 12:37 PM, the Director of Nursing (DON) indicated one staff member was assisting Resident 115 at the time of her fall on 5/25/24. She indicated two staff should have been assisting with the transfer. In an interview on 5/30/24 at 12:46 PM, Physical Therapist 11 and Physical Therapy Assistant 12 indicated Resident 115 had not been cleared at any time to transfer with one assist since her admission to the facility. A current policy titled General Policy- Falls Policy, last revised 7/22 provided by the DON indicated the facility should implement appropriate measures to ensure safety. 3.1-45(a)(2)
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 observation, interview, and record review the facility failed to ensure kitchen sanitation was maintained, opened food items were labeled and dated in the kitchen. 12 of 12 residents residing...

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Based on observation, interview, and record review the facility failed to ensure kitchen sanitation was maintained, opened food items were labeled and dated in the kitchen. 12 of 12 residents residing in the facility consumed food prepared in the kitchen. Findings include: 1. During an observation and interview in the main kitchen on 5/28/24 at 9:20 AM, a package of cheese slices and two packets of cheese cubes were observed with no label or date visible on the package on a shelf in the walk-in cooler. The Dietary Manager (DM indicated the packages should have been labeled and dated when opened. A container of ground beef with an expiration date of 5/23 and a container of diced tomatoes with an expiration date of 5/20 were observed on the shelf in the walk-in cooler. The DM indicated the ground beef was expired and should have been discarded. Multicolored specks of debris, too many to count, a dry piece of pepperoni, and several dime-sized red, dried spots near the container labeled marinara sauce were observed on the work surface area on the front of the pizza station. A container of cut up peppers was not covered with a lid or label. The DM indicated the pizza station had not been used yet that day and should have been cleaned after each use. In the reach in cooler, a bag of cut up lettuce, undated, had yellowish liquid visible at the bottom of the package. The DM indicated it should be discarded. The reach in cooler also had a tray of cups of salsa, ketchup, sour cream, poppy seed dressing, and horseradish dated 5/17 and 5/20. The DM indicated the cups should be discarded. In an observation and interview on 5/28/24 at 9:44 AM, the Executive Chef used a test strip to test a bucket of sanitizer water being used to clean work surfaces in the kitchen. He indicated the solution tested at about 150 parts per million (ppm) of QUAT solution. He indicated the solution should test between 200 and 400 ppm to be considered effective for sanitation purposes. He emptied the bucket, prepared a new supply of sanitizer water and conducted another test. He indicated the test also resulted in about 150 ppm and he intended to call a service person in to adjust the calibration of the sanitizer dispenser. 2. In an observation and interview in the Health Center kitchen on 5/28/24 at 9:53 AM, the Executive Chef indicated he could not locate the test strips for sanitizer solution. A current policy title Production, Purchasing, Storage, last revised 1/22 provided by the DM on 5/28/24 at 11:05 AM indicated all unused portions and open packages should be covered, labeled, and dated and food past the expiration date should be discarded. The policy indicated sanitizer test strips should be readily available wherever sanitizer is dispensed. 3.1-21(i)(2) 3.1-21(i)(3)
Apr 2023 2 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

2) A record review on 4/18/23 at 11:27 AM indicated Resident 8 had diagnoses of unspecified cirrhosis of the liver, inflammatory polyarthropathy, retention of urine, essential hypertension, unsteadine...

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2) A record review on 4/18/23 at 11:27 AM indicated Resident 8 had diagnoses of unspecified cirrhosis of the liver, inflammatory polyarthropathy, retention of urine, essential hypertension, unsteadiness on feet, muscle weakness and history of falling. A physician order dated 4/7/23 indicated the resident's advance directive status was Do Not Resuscitate (DNR). A care plan focus dated 4/6/23 indicated the resident's advance directive status was a Full Code. During an interview on 4/19/23 at 2:50 PM, the Administrator she indicated the advance directive status should have been updated on the resident's care plan. During an interview on 4/21/23 at 9:14 AM, the Director of Nursing (DON) indicated Resident 11 and Resident 8 had a physician orders to indicate their advance directive was DNR, but their care plan indicated their advance directive as full code. The DON indicated Resident 11 and Resident 8's advance directive care plan was incorrect and should indicate an advance directive of DNR. A current policy titled Advanced Directives, revised 7/2017, provided by the Administrator on 4/19/23 at 3:35 PM, indicated copies of all Advance Directives will be kept with the resident's medical record. No further policies were provided at time of exit of survey. 3.1-4(l)(5) Based on interview and record review the facility failed to ensure the code status was clearly indicated for 2 of 6 residents. (Resident 8 and Resident 11). Findings include: 1) A record review on 4/18/23 at 11:27 AM indicated Resident 11 had diagnoses of breast cancer, anxiety, and cancer related chronic pain to her right hip. A physician order dated 4/13/23 indicated the resident's advance directive status was Do Not Resuscitate (DNR). A care plan focus dated 4/6/23 indicated the resident's advance directive status was a Full Code.
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, record review and interview, the facility failed to ensure oxygen tubing and oxygen humidifier bottle were routinely changed 1 of 1 resident reviewed. (Resident 4). Findings inc...

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Based on observation, record review and interview, the facility failed to ensure oxygen tubing and oxygen humidifier bottle were routinely changed 1 of 1 resident reviewed. (Resident 4). Findings include: During an observation on 4/18/23 at 11:24 AM, Resident 4's nasal cannula (NC) oxygen tubing (a lightweight tube split into two prongs on one end and placed in the nostrils used to deliver supplemental oxygen) and oxygen humidifier bottle (aids in preventing a patients airways from becoming dry when filled with distilled or filtered water) attached to his oxygen condenser (a medical device that gives you extra oxygen). The resident's oxygen tubing and oxygen humidifier bottle were not labeled. On 4/19/23 at 9:05 AM, Resident 4's record was reviewed. Diagnoses included pleural effusion, malignant neoplasm of the esophagus, secondary malignant neoplasm of the lung, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lymphedema, hypoxia, and shortness of breath. Resident 4's quarterly Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessment, dated 1/2/23, indicated the resident's Brief Interview for Mental Status (BIMS) score was 15, he was alert, orient and interviewable. The MDS indicated he received oxygen while a resident at the facility. A review of the resident's order, dated 1/6/23, indicated he received oxygen via NC at 2 liters for hypoxia. A review of Resident 4's care plan, last revised 4/17/23, indicated the resident was on oxygen therapy related to ineffective gas exchange, respiratory illness, and hypoxia with a goal for the resident to have no sign or symptoms of poor oxygen absorption. During an observation on 4/19/23 at 3:35 PM, the Director of Nursing (DON) indicated Resident 4's oxygen tubing and oxygen humidifier bottle were not labeled when last changed. On 4/19/23 at 2:50 PM, a current policy entitled Oxygen Concentrator, revised 1/2020, provided by the Administrator, indicated the humidifiers, tubing, and cannula were disposable and should be changed on a weekly schedule. The policy indicated the old humidifier bottle was to be throw away weekly and a new one attached. 3.1-47(a)(4)(5)(6)
May 2022 2 deficiencies
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, record review and interview the facility failed to provide supervision to 1 of 1 residents reviewed while smoking. (Resident 170.) Findings include: On May 23, 2022, at 9:35 a.m....

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Based on observation, record review and interview the facility failed to provide supervision to 1 of 1 residents reviewed while smoking. (Resident 170.) Findings include: On May 23, 2022, at 9:35 a.m. Resident 170 was observed outside smoking alone. On May 23, 2022, at 9:55 a.m. during an interview with Resident 170, she indicated there were no scheduled smoking times and she went outside to smoke at will. An open pack of cigarettes and a lighter were observed on the resident's bedside table. On May 23, 2022, at 11:07 a.m. during an interview with the Director of Nursing, she indicated residents were to be supervised when smoking. She indicated cigarettes, lighters, and vaping devices were not to be kept in resident rooms. On May 24, 2022, at 11:39 a.m. during an observation, LPN 6 took medications to Resident 170's room but the room was vacant. LPN 6 went outside where Resident 170 was smoking and administered medications. There were no staff members present in smoking area. LPN 6 indicated Resident 170 usually made staff aware when she was going outside to smoke. LPN 6 also indicated that there were no designated smoking times, and the residents were not to keep lighters and cigarettes in their rooms. On May 23, 2022, at 1:55 p.m. a current policy titled Smoking Policy indicated all residents would be supervised while smoking for the duration of the smoking period. The policy also indicated residents were not to possess cigarettes or lighters on his/her person or in their room at any time. 3.1-45(a)
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, record review and interview the facility failed to ensure garbage and refuse were contained inside the dumpster for 1 of 2 observations. Findings include: An observation was mad...

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Based on observation, record review and interview the facility failed to ensure garbage and refuse were contained inside the dumpster for 1 of 2 observations. Findings include: An observation was made of the dumpster with Chef 3 on 5/23/22 at 9:50 AM. There were 4 bags of trash, piles of plastic, plastic silverware and bowls lying on the ground around the dumpster. Chef 3 was interviewed on 5/23/22 at 9:50 AM. Chef 3 indicated all departments maintained the dumpster. Chef 3 also indicated there should not be trash lying on the ground around the dumpster. The Executive Directive (ED) was interviewed on 5/23/22 at 12:55 PM. The ED indicated there should not have been anything on the ground around the dumpster. A policy, revised 4/13/06, titled Waster Disposal/Recycling, was provided by the ED on 5/23/22 at 1:52 PM. The policy indicated the Environmental Services Department will assure that the facility buildings and grounds will be kept free from the accumulation of rubbish and trash. The policy also indicated there will be sufficiently large containers to hold all the garbage and refuse. 3.1-21(i)(5)
Understanding Severity Codes (click to expand)
Life-Threatening (Immediate Jeopardy)
J - Isolated K - Pattern L - Widespread
Actual Harm
G - Isolated H - Pattern I - Widespread
Potential for Harm
D - Isolated E - Pattern F - Widespread
No Harm (Minor)
A - Isolated B - Pattern C - Widespread

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

Strengths
  • • Grade B+ (85/100). Above average facility, better than most options in Indiana.
  • • 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.
Concerns
  • • 56% turnover. Above average. Higher turnover means staff may not know residents' routines.
Bottom line: Generally positive indicators. Standard due diligence and a personal visit recommended.

About This Facility

What is Towne House Retirement Community's CMS Rating?

CMS assigns TOWNE HOUSE RETIREMENT COMMUNITY an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars, which is considered much above average nationally. Within Indiana, this rating places the facility higher than 99% of the state's 100 nursing homes. This rating reflects solid performance across the metrics CMS uses to evaluate nursing home quality.

How is Towne House Retirement Community Staffed?

CMS rates TOWNE HOUSE RETIREMENT COMMUNITY's staffing level at 4 out of 5 stars, which is above average compared to other nursing homes. Staff turnover is 56%, which is 10 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 Towne House Retirement Community?

State health inspectors documented 8 deficiencies at TOWNE HOUSE RETIREMENT COMMUNITY during 2022 to 2024. These included: 8 with potential for harm.

Who Owns and Operates Towne House Retirement Community?

TOWNE HOUSE RETIREMENT COMMUNITY is owned by a non-profit organization. Non-profit facilities reinvest revenue into operations rather than distributing to shareholders. The facility is operated by BHI SENIOR LIVING, a chain that manages multiple nursing homes. With 32 certified beds and approximately 11 residents (about 34% occupancy), it is a smaller facility located in FORT WAYNE, Indiana.

How Does Towne House Retirement Community Compare to Other Indiana Nursing Homes?

Compared to the 100 nursing homes in Indiana, TOWNE HOUSE RETIREMENT COMMUNITY's overall rating (5 stars) is above the state average of 3.1, staff turnover (56%) is near the state average of 46%, and health inspection rating (4 stars) is above the national benchmark.

What Should Families Ask When Visiting Towne House Retirement 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 Towne House Retirement Community Safe?

Based on CMS inspection data, TOWNE HOUSE RETIREMENT 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 5-star overall rating and ranks #1 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 Towne House Retirement Community Stick Around?

Staff turnover at TOWNE HOUSE RETIREMENT COMMUNITY is high. At 56%, the facility is 10 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 Towne House Retirement Community Ever Fined?

TOWNE HOUSE RETIREMENT 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 Towne House Retirement Community on Any Federal Watch List?

TOWNE HOUSE RETIREMENT 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.