BRICKYARD HEALTHCARE - PORTAGE CARE CENTER
Within standard 12-15 month inspection cycle. Federal law requires annual inspections.
Brickyard Healthcare - Portage Care Center has a Trust Grade of C+, indicating it is slightly above average but not without issues. It ranks #126 out of 505 facilities in Indiana, placing it in the top half, and #2 out of 10 in Porter County, suggesting only one local option is better. The facility is improving, as the number of issues decreased from 15 in 2023 to 8 in 2024. Staffing is a weakness with a rating of only 2 out of 5 stars and a turnover rate of 47%, which matches the state average. However, it has had no fines, which is a positive sign, and it provides more RN coverage than many facilities, helping to catch potential problems early. Despite these strengths, there have been concerning incidents, including a serious case in which a resident was not transferred to the hospital in a timely manner after a change in condition, ultimately leading to their passing. Additionally, there were concerns about residents not being invited to care conferences and failure to complete prescribed treatments for skin integrity issues. Families should weigh these strengths and weaknesses carefully when considering this facility for their loved ones.
- Trust Score
- C+
- In Indiana
- #126/505
- Safety Record
- Moderate
- Inspections
- Getting Better
- Staff Stability ⚠ Watch
- 47% 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 36 minutes of Registered Nurse (RN) attention daily — about average for Indiana. RNs are the most trained staff who monitor for health changes.
- Violations ⚠ Watch
- 40 deficiencies on record. Higher than average. Multiple issues found across inspections.
The Good
-
5-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
Near Indiana avg (46%)
Higher turnover may affect care consistency
Part of a multi-facility chain
Ask about local staffing decisions and management
The Ugly 40 deficiencies on record
Aug 2024
6 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
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on record review and interview, the facility failed to ensure medical appointments were completed in a timely manner for 1...
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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 record review and interview, the facility failed to ensure residents with pressure ulcers received the necessary treatment and services to promote healing related to offloading heels when in ...
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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
Accident Prevention
(Tag F0689)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
2. During random observations on 8/19/24 at 3:00 p.m. and 3:45 p.m., and on 8/20/24 at 10:10 a.m., 3:07 p.m., and 3:55 p.m., Resident D was observed lying in bed. At those times, the resident's bed wa...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Incontinence Care
(Tag F0690)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, record review, and interview, the facility failed to ensure Foley catheter bags and tubing were kept off of the floor for 1 of 1 resident reviewed for catheters. (Resident D)
Fi...
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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, record review, and interview, the facility failed to ensure oxygen was set at the correct flow rate for 1 of 2 residents reviewed for respiratory care. (Resident 90)
Finding incl...
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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, record review, and interview, the facility failed to ensure infection control guidelines were in place and implemented related to not sanitizing and disinfecting multiple residen...
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Jan 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
Medical Records
(Tag F0842)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on record review and interview, the facility failed to ensure resident records were complete and accurate related to a lack of documentation regarding edema and laboratory testing for 1 of 3 res...
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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, record review, and interview, the facility failed to ensure infection control guidelines were in place and implemented, including those specific to properly prevent and/or contai...
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Sept 2023
8 deficiencies
CONCERN
(D)
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, record review, and interview, the facility failed to ensure a self-medication administration assessment was completed for a resident with medication at the bedside for 1 of 1 res...
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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 interview, the facility failed to ensure dependent residents received assistance with A...
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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 observation, record review, and interview, the facility failed to ensure palm protectors were in place as ordered for 1...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Incontinence Care
(Tag F0690)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** 2. On 9/18/23 at 10:25 a.m. Resident 83 was seated in his wheelchair in his room. His urinary catheter bag was inside a blue clo...
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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
2. On 9/18/23 at 10:25 a.m., Resident 83 was seated in his wheelchair in his room. He indicated he was sleepy because he hadn't slept well the night before. He was not sure about any fluid restriction...
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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** 3. On 9/20/23 at 2:22 p.m., QMA 1 was observed preparing to administer a medication through Resident 57's peg tube. QMA 1 washed...
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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, record review, and interview, the facility failed to provide proper respiratory care and services related to oxygen at the correct flow rate for 1 of 2 residents reviewed for oxy...
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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 and interview, the facility failed to maintain a sanitary and safe environment related to marred and gouged...
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Jul 2023
3 deficiencies
1 Harm
SERIOUS
(G)
📢 Someone Reported This
A family member, employee, or ombudsman was alarmed enough to file a formal complaint
Actual Harm - a resident was hurt due to facility failures
Free from Abuse/Neglect
(Tag F0600)
A resident was harmed · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, record review and interview failed to ensure a resident was free from neglect related to not being assesse...
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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 observation, record review, and interview, the facility failed to ensure a resident with a new onset of a rash was assessed and treatment orders were obtained for a random observation of one ...
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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
Incontinence Care
(Tag F0690)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, record review, and interview, the facility failed to ensure nursing staff provided suprapubic (urinary catheter inserted through a small incision or hole in the abdomen) catheter...
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Feb 2023
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
Deficiency F0676
(Tag F0676)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, record review, and interview, the facility failed to ensure residents received necessary care and services in a timely manner, related to activities of daily living (ADLs) of toi...
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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
Accident Prevention
(Tag F0689)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on record review and interview, the facility failed to ensure a resident's environment remained free of accident hazards, related to a wheelchair not secured in the facility transportation van 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 F0697
(Tag F0697)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observations, record review, and interview, the facility failed to ensure pain management was provided to a resident in a timely manner for 1 of 2 residents reviewed for pain management. (Res...
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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 record review and interview, the facility failed to ensure a medical record was complete related to a resident discharge for 1 of 8 residents whose medical records were reviewed. (Resident E)...
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Jul 2022
17 deficiencies
CONCERN
(D)
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** 3. On 7/5/22 at 2:31 p.m., hydrocortisone cream 2.5%, an unlabeled bottle of antacid tablets, and a package of Benadryl capsules...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0655
(Tag F0655)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on record review and interview, the facility failed to develop an initial plan of care within 48 hours of admission for 1 ...
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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
3. During an interview on 7/6/22 at 10:35 a.m., Resident 103 indicated she had asked for her nails to be cleaned and cut for the last two weeks, but the staff had not helped her. The resident's nails ...
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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
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, record review, and interview, the facility failed to ensure a resident with pressure ulcers received the n...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Incontinence Care
(Tag F0690)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, record review, and interview, the facility failed to ensure residents with suprapubic foley catheters had ...
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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 observation, record review, and interview, the facility failed to ensure supplements were provided as ordered for 1 of 4 residents reviewed for nutrition. (Resident 49)
Finding includes:
On 7...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0698
(Tag F0698)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
2. Resident 72's record was reviewed on 7/8/22 at 11:04 a.m. Diagnoses, included but were not limited to, high blood pressure, renal failure, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, anxiety disorder, and d...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0740
(Tag F0740)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on record review and interview, the facility failed to follow up with a resident's family regarding the continuation of behavioral health services for a resident with behaviors. (Resident 29)
Fi...
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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
2. Resident 72's record was reviewed on 7/8/22 at 11:04 a.m. Diagnoses, included but were not limited to, high blood pressure, renal failure, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, anxiety disorder, and d...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0760
(Tag F0760)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, record review, and interview, the facility failed to ensure a resident was free from significant medication errors related to the incorrect administration of insulin for 2 of 6 r...
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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 random observations, record review, and interview, the facility failed to ensure infection control guidelines were in place and implemented, including those to prevent and/or contain COVID-19...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0657
(Tag F0657)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** 7. During an interview on 7/5/22 at 11:35 a.m., Resident 16 indicated she had not been invited to care conferences.
Resident 16...
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CONCERN
(E)
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** 3. Resident 263's record was reviewed on 7/6/22 at 1:20 p.m. Diagnoses included, but were not limited to, heart failure, high bl...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0804
(Tag F0804)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on observation and interview, the facility failed to ensure food was served at a palatable temperature for 4 of 6 residents reviewed for food. (Residents 10, 39, 44, and 90)
Finding includes:
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 and interview, the facility failed to serve, store, and prepare food under sanitary conditions related to food not dated when opened in the freezer, dirty ice machine lid, bowls s...
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CONCERN
(E)
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 observation and interview, the facility failed to ensure the residents' environment was clean and in good repair relate...
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MINOR
(B)
Minor Issue - procedural, no safety impact
Transfer Notice
(Tag F0623)
Minor procedural issue · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** 4. Resident 97's record was reviewed on 7/7/22 at 3:31 p.m. Diagnoses included, but were not limited to, paraplegia, heart failu...
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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 fines on record. Clean compliance history, better than most Indiana facilities.
- • 40 deficiencies on record, including 1 serious (caused harm) violation. Ask about corrective actions taken.
About This Facility
What is Brickyard Healthcare - Portage's CMS Rating?
CMS assigns BRICKYARD HEALTHCARE - PORTAGE CARE CENTER an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which is considered 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 Brickyard Healthcare - Portage Staffed?
CMS rates BRICKYARD HEALTHCARE - PORTAGE CARE CENTER's staffing level at 2 out of 5 stars, which is below average compared to other nursing homes. Staff turnover is 47%, compared to the Indiana average of 46%.
What Have Inspectors Found at Brickyard Healthcare - Portage?
State health inspectors documented 40 deficiencies at BRICKYARD HEALTHCARE - PORTAGE CARE CENTER during 2022 to 2024. These included: 1 that caused actual resident harm, 38 with potential for harm, and 1 minor or isolated issues. Deficiencies causing actual harm indicate documented cases where residents experienced negative health consequences.
Who Owns and Operates Brickyard Healthcare - Portage?
BRICKYARD HEALTHCARE - PORTAGE CARE CENTER 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 BRICKYARD HEALTHCARE, a chain that manages multiple nursing homes. With 186 certified beds and approximately 143 residents (about 77% occupancy), it is a mid-sized facility located in PORTAGE, Indiana.
How Does Brickyard Healthcare - Portage Compare to Other Indiana Nursing Homes?
Compared to the 100 nursing homes in Indiana, BRICKYARD HEALTHCARE - PORTAGE CARE CENTER's overall rating (4 stars) is above the state average of 3.1, staff turnover (47%) is near the state average of 46%, and health inspection rating (3 stars) is at the national benchmark.
What Should Families Ask When Visiting Brickyard Healthcare - Portage?
Based on this facility's data, families visiting should ask: "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?" "Can I speak with family members of current residents about their experience?" These questions are particularly relevant given the below-average staffing rating.
Is Brickyard Healthcare - Portage Safe?
Based on CMS inspection data, BRICKYARD HEALTHCARE - PORTAGE CARE CENTER 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 4-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 Brickyard Healthcare - Portage Stick Around?
BRICKYARD HEALTHCARE - PORTAGE CARE CENTER has a staff turnover rate of 47%, which is about average for Indiana nursing homes (state average: 46%). Moderate turnover is common in nursing homes, but families should still ask about staff tenure and how the facility maintains care continuity when employees leave.
Was Brickyard Healthcare - Portage Ever Fined?
BRICKYARD HEALTHCARE - PORTAGE CARE CENTER 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 Brickyard Healthcare - Portage on Any Federal Watch List?
BRICKYARD HEALTHCARE - PORTAGE CARE CENTER 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.