WATHENA HEALTHCARE & REHABILITATION CENTER
Within standard 12-15 month inspection cycle. Federal law requires annual inspections.
Wathena Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center has a Trust Grade of C+, indicating it is decent and slightly above average compared to other facilities. It ranks #170 out of 295 in Kansas, placing it in the bottom half, but it is the only nursing home in Doniphan County, ranking #1 locally. The facility is showing improvement, with issues decreasing from 13 in 2023 to 6 in 2024, although there are still some concerns about staffing, rated at 2 out of 5 stars, which is below average. Notably, there have been no fines, which is a positive sign, and the facility has average RN coverage, suggesting that registered nurses are available to catch potential issues. However, there are some significant concerns, such as the dietary manager lacking certification, which could put residents at risk for unmet nutritional needs, and failures in food safety management that could expose residents to food-borne illnesses. Additionally, the facility has not conducted a thorough assessment of staffing needs for emergencies, which could compromise care during critical times.
- Trust Score
- C+
- In Kansas
- #170/295
- Safety Record
- Low Risk
- Inspections
- Getting Better
- Staff Stability ⚠ Watch
- 51% turnover. Above average. Higher turnover means staff may not know residents' routines.
- Penalties ✓ Good
- No fines on record. Clean compliance history, better than most Kansas facilities.
- Skilled Nurses ○ Average
- Each resident gets 37 minutes of Registered Nurse (RN) attention daily — about average for Kansas. RNs are the most trained staff who monitor for health changes.
- Violations ⚠ Watch
- 26 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
Near Kansas average (2.9)
Meets federal standards, typical of most facilities
Near Kansas avg (46%)
Higher turnover may affect care consistency
Part of a multi-facility chain
Ask about local staffing decisions and management
The Ugly 26 deficiencies on record
Sept 2024
6 deficiencies
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0625
(Tag F0625)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** The facility identified a census of 39 residents. The sample included 12 residents with three residents reviewed for hospitaliza...
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CONCERN
(F)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0801
(Tag F0801)
Could have caused harm · This affected most or all residents
The facility identified a census of 39 residents. The facility had one main kitchen and one dining area. Based on record review and interview, the facility failed to ensure the director of food and nu...
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CONCERN
(F)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Food Safety
(Tag F0812)
Could have caused harm · This affected most or all residents
The facility identified a census of 39 residents. The facility had one main kitchen. Based on observations, record review, and interviews, the facility failed to ensure the big cooler maintained an ap...
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CONCERN
(F)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0838
(Tag F0838)
Could have caused harm · This affected most or all residents
The facility identified a census of 39 residents. The sample included 12 residents. Based on interviews and record review, the facility failed to conduct a thorough facility-wide assessment to determi...
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CONCERN
(F)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Infection Control
(Tag F0880)
Could have caused harm · This affected most or all residents
The facility identified a census of 39 residents. Based on observations, record review, and interviews, the facility failed to ensure staff followed Enhanced barrier precautions (EBP), and failed to e...
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CONCERN
(F)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0945
(Tag F0945)
Could have caused harm · This affected most or all residents
The facility identified a census of 39 residents. Based on record review and interviews, the facility failed to ensure agency direct care staff had received the required infection control training. Th...
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Apr 2023
13 deficiencies
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Resident Rights
(Tag F0550)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** The facility identified a census of 41 residents. The sample included 13 residents with two residents reviewed for dignity. Base...
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CONCERN
(D)
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** The facility identified a census of 41 residents. The sample included 13 residents. Based on observation, record review, and int...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0582
(Tag F0582)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
The facility identified a census of 41 residents with 13 residents included in the sample. The facility identified two residents who discharged from Medicare Part A services. Based on interview and re...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0657
(Tag F0657)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** The facility identified a census of 41 residents. The sample included 13 residents. Based on observation, record review, and int...
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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
The facility identified a census of 41 residents. The sample included 13 residents. Based on observation, record review, and interviews, the facility failed to ensure staff implemented appropriate inf...
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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** - The Diagnoses tab of R35's Electronic Medical Record (EMR) documented diagnoses of dementia (progressive mental disorder chara...
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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** - R35 admitted to the facility on [DATE].
The Diagnoses tab of R35's Electronic Medical Record (EMR) documented a diagnosis of v...
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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
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** - R35 admitted to the facility on [DATE].
The Diagnoses tab of R35's Electronic Medical Record (EMR) documented a diagnosis of v...
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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
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** The facility identified a census of 41 residents. The sample included 13 residents with two reviewed for respiratory care. Based...
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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
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** The facility identified a census of 41 residents. The sample included 13 residents with five residents reviewed for unnecessary ...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0679
(Tag F0679)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
The facility identified a census of 41 residents. The sample include 13 residents. Based on observation, record review, and interviews, the facility failed to provide activities for the residents duri...
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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
The facility reported a census of 41 resident. Based on observations, record review, and interviews, the facility failed to ensure safe/secure storage for one of the two medication carts in the facili...
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MINOR
(C)
Minor Issue - procedural, no safety impact
Deficiency F0576
(Tag F0576)
Minor procedural issue · This affected most or all residents
The facility identified a census of 41 residents. The sample include 13 residents. Based on observation, record review, and interviews, the facility failed to provide mail services on Saturdays.
Find...
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Oct 2021
7 deficiencies
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Transfer Notice
(Tag F0623)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
The facility identified a census of 34 residents. The sample included 12 residents; one resident sampled for hospitalization. Based on observations, record reviews, and interviews, the facility failed...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Assessment Accuracy
(Tag F0641)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
The facility identified a census of 41 residents. The sample included 12 residents. Based on observations, record reviews, and interviews, the facility failed to ensure accurate assessment and documen...
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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
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** The facility identified a census of 34 residents. The sample included 12 residents. Based on record reviews and interviews, the ...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Drug Regimen Review
(Tag F0756)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** The facility identified a census of 34 residents. The sample included 12 residents; five residents sampled for unnecessary medic...
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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
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** The facility identified a census of 34 residents. The sample included 12 residents; five residents sampled for unnecessary medic...
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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
The facility identified a census of 34 residents. The facility had one main kitchen. Based on observations, record reviews, and interviews, the facility failed to ensure that food items were properly ...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Infection Control
(Tag F0880)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
The facility identified a census of 34 residents. The sample included 12 residents; three residents on 14-day isolation (transmission-based precautions [infection control precautions in health care] t...
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Understanding Severity Codes (click to expand)
Questions to Ask on Your Visit
- "Can I speak with families of current residents?"
- "What's your RN coverage like on weekends and overnight?"
Our Honest Assessment
- • No major safety red flags. No abuse findings, life-threatening violations, or SFF status.
- • No fines on record. Clean compliance history, better than most Kansas facilities.
- • 26 deficiencies on record. Higher than average. Multiple issues found across inspections.
About This Facility
What is Wathena Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center's CMS Rating?
CMS assigns WATHENA HEALTHCARE & REHABILITATION CENTER an overall rating of 3 out of 5 stars, which is considered average nationally. Within Kansas, this rating places the facility higher than 99% of the state's 100 nursing homes. This mid-range rating indicates the facility meets federal standards but may have areas for improvement.
How is Wathena Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center Staffed?
CMS rates WATHENA HEALTHCARE & REHABILITATION CENTER's staffing level at 2 out of 5 stars, which is below average compared to other nursing homes. Staff turnover is 51%, compared to the Kansas average of 46%. RN turnover specifically is 57%, which is notably high. RNs provide skilled clinical oversight, so turnover in this role can affect medical care quality.
What Have Inspectors Found at Wathena Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center?
State health inspectors documented 26 deficiencies at WATHENA HEALTHCARE & REHABILITATION CENTER during 2021 to 2024. These included: 25 with potential for harm and 1 minor or isolated issues.
Who Owns and Operates Wathena Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center?
WATHENA HEALTHCARE & REHABILITATION 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 RECOVER-CARE HEALTHCARE, a chain that manages multiple nursing homes. With 60 certified beds and approximately 39 residents (about 65% occupancy), it is a smaller facility located in WATHENA, Kansas.
How Does Wathena Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center Compare to Other Kansas Nursing Homes?
Compared to the 100 nursing homes in Kansas, WATHENA HEALTHCARE & REHABILITATION CENTER's overall rating (3 stars) is above the state average of 2.9, staff turnover (51%) is near the state average of 46%, and health inspection rating (3 stars) is at the national benchmark.
What Should Families Ask When Visiting Wathena Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center?
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 Wathena Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center Safe?
Based on CMS inspection data, WATHENA HEALTHCARE & REHABILITATION 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 3-star overall rating and ranks #1 of 100 nursing homes in Kansas. While no facility is perfect, families should still ask about staff-to-resident ratios and recent inspection results during their visit.
Do Nurses at Wathena Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center Stick Around?
WATHENA HEALTHCARE & REHABILITATION CENTER has a staff turnover rate of 51%, which is 5 percentage points above the Kansas average of 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 Wathena Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center Ever Fined?
WATHENA HEALTHCARE & REHABILITATION 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 Wathena Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center on Any Federal Watch List?
WATHENA HEALTHCARE & REHABILITATION 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.