WIBAUX COUNTY NURSING HOME
Within standard 12-15 month inspection cycle. Federal law requires annual inspections.
Wibaux County Nursing Home has a Trust Grade of F, indicating significant concerns about its operations and care quality. It ranks #58 out of 59 facilities in Montana, placing it in the bottom half, which is quite alarming for families considering options. The facility is worsening, having increased from 7 issues in 2024 to 14 in 2025, which raises serious red flags. Staffing is a relative strength with a rating of 4 out of 5 stars and a turnover rate below the state average, suggesting that staff members typically stay longer and are familiar with resident needs. However, inspector findings reveal critical incidents, including a resident who fell and sustained severe injuries during a transfer due to improper assistance, and another resident developed serious pressure ulcers due to inadequate care. While there are some positives, such as no fines and better RN coverage than most facilities, the overall picture remains concerning.
- Trust Score
- F
- In Montana
- #58/59
- Safety Record
- High Risk
- Inspections
- Getting Worse
- Staff Stability ⚠ Watch
- 50% turnover. Above average. Higher turnover means staff may not know residents' routines.
- Penalties ✓ Good
- No fines on record. Clean compliance history, better than most Montana facilities.
- Skilled Nurses ✓ Good
- Each resident gets 51 minutes of Registered Nurse (RN) attention daily — more than average for Montana. RNs are trained to catch health problems early.
- Violations ⚠ Watch
- 26 deficiencies on record. Higher than average. Multiple issues found across inspections.
The Good
-
4-Star Staffing Rating · Above-average nurse staffing levels
-
Full Sprinkler Coverage · Fire safety systems throughout facility
-
No fines on record
Facility shows strength in staffing levels, fire safety.
The Bad
Below Montana average (2.9)
Significant quality concerns identified by CMS
Near Montana avg (46%)
Higher turnover may affect care consistency
The Ugly 26 deficiencies on record
Sept 2025
5 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
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on interviews and record reviews, a facility staff member failed to transfer a resident properly while using a mechanical ...
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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 interviews and record review, the facility staff failed to protect 1 (#1) of 8 residents sampled for neglect of care by...
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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 F0658
(Tag F0658)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on interviews and record review the facility failed to ensure services were provided according to professional standards related to safe use of mechanical lifts for 1 (#1) of 8 sampled residents...
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CONCERN
(F)
📢 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 F0726
(Tag F0726)
Could have caused harm · This affected most or all residents
Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to ensure licensed nurses and certified nurse assistants received training on the procedure and safety requirements for using mechanical lifts...
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CONCERN
(F)
📢 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
Administration
(Tag F0835)
Could have caused harm · This affected most or all residents
Based on interviews and record review the facility failed to ensure the facility was administered in a manner that allowed resident #1 to be provide individualized care related to mechanical lifts and...
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Mar 2025
9 deficiencies
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
PASARR Coordination
(Tag F0644)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to refer a resident with a newly evident or possible serious mental disorder or related condition for a Level II review, for 1 (#3) of 16 samp...
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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 F0655
(Tag F0655)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interview, and record review, the facility failed to ensure a baseline care plan was developed and impleme...
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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
Comprehensive Care Plan
(Tag F0656)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, interview, and record review, the facility failed to develop and implement individualized comprehensive care plans for 2 (#s 12 and 24) of 16 sampled residents. Findings include:...
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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 F0660
(Tag F0660)
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 implement an effective discharge planning process for 1 (#26) of 1 ...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0679
(Tag F0679)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, interview, and record review, the facility failed to provide meaningful activities, designed to meet the individual resident preferences and interests, for 2 (#s 20 and 23) of 16...
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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 F0700
(Tag F0700)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, interview, and record review, the facility failed to review the risks and benefits of using grab/assist bars attached to the bed, for 2 residents (#s 4 and 12) of 16 sampled resi...
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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
Accident Prevention
(Tag F0689)
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 timely identify elopement risks, and implement suffic...
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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
Medical Records
(Tag F0842)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to maintain medical records which were accurately documented, dated, labeled, and completed in their entirety, for 5 (#s 4, 14, 18, 20 and 23)...
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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
Based on observation, interview, and record review, the facility failed to ensure the dietary manager completed a certification program approved by a national certifying body or had higher education i...
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Aug 2024
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
Notification of Changes
(Tag F0580)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to notify a resident's provider and family member of the events surrounding an elopement, so they may have made the necessary medical decision...
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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
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 complete a comprehensive physical assessment to ensure the patient's physical and sexual health remained intact after an elop...
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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
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observations, interviews, and record review, the facility failed to secure the memory unit and monitor a cognitively im...
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Feb 2024
4 deficiencies
1 Harm
SERIOUS
(G)
Actual Harm - a resident was hurt due to facility failures
Pressure Ulcer Prevention
(Tag F0686)
A resident was harmed · 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 implement appropriate measures to prevent skin breakd...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Safe Environment
(Tag F0584)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on observation and interview, the facility failed to provide a clean resident room for 1 (#17) of 16 sampled residents, and failed to provide a clean environment, including the hallways and tele...
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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
Based on observations and interviews, the facility failed to ensure dietary staff were qualified to perform the duties necessary to manage the dining services department which increased the risk of a ...
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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
Based on observation, interview, and record review, the facility failed to store, prepare, and distribute food in accordance with professional standards for food service safety. This deficient practic...
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Mar 2023
5 deficiencies
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0657
(Tag F0657)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, interview, and record review, the facility failed to revise a care plan to include interventions to prevent behaviors which caused disturbances and physical aggression toward oth...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0744
(Tag F0744)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, interview, and record review, the facility failed to ensure 1 (#9) of 15 sampled residents received care to attain or maintain their highest level of functioning. Resident #9 req...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0761
(Tag F0761)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation and interview, the facility failed to ensure medications and supplies were removed and disposed of prior to the expiration dates. This had the potential to affect any resident usi...
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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 F0741
(Tag F0741)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
7. During an observation and interview on 2/28/23 at 8:30 a.m., staff member F was by herself in the dining room feeding residents on the secure unit. Staff member F stated she was usually the only CN...
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MINOR
(B)
Minor Issue - procedural, no safety impact
MDS Data Transmission
(Tag F0640)
Minor procedural issue · This affected multiple residents
Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to transmit data within 14 days of the completion of the MDS for 6 (#s 3, 8, 13, 27, 129, and 130) of 15 sampled residents. Findings include:
...
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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?"
- "What safeguards are in place to prevent abuse and neglect?"
- "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 Montana facilities.
- • Multiple safety concerns identified: Federal abuse finding, 1 life-threatening violation(s), 2 harm violation(s). Review inspection reports carefully.
- • 26 deficiencies on record, including 1 critical (life-threatening) violation. These warrant careful review before choosing this facility.
- • Grade F (3/100). Below average facility with significant concerns.
About This Facility
What is Wibaux County's CMS Rating?
CMS assigns WIBAUX COUNTY NURSING HOME an overall rating of 1 out of 5 stars, which is considered much below average nationally. Within Montana, 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 Wibaux County Staffed?
CMS rates WIBAUX COUNTY NURSING HOME's staffing level at 4 out of 5 stars, which is above average compared to other nursing homes. Staff turnover is 50%, compared to the Montana average of 46%.
What Have Inspectors Found at Wibaux County?
State health inspectors documented 26 deficiencies at WIBAUX COUNTY NURSING HOME during 2023 to 2025. These included: 1 Immediate Jeopardy (the most serious level, indicating potential for serious harm or death), 2 that caused actual resident harm, 22 with potential for harm, and 1 minor or isolated issues. Immediate Jeopardy findings are rare and represent the most serious regulatory concerns. They require immediate corrective action.
Who Owns and Operates Wibaux County?
WIBAUX COUNTY NURSING HOME 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 40 certified beds and approximately 27 residents (about 68% occupancy), it is a smaller facility located in WIBAUX, Montana.
How Does Wibaux County Compare to Other Montana Nursing Homes?
Compared to the 100 nursing homes in Montana, WIBAUX COUNTY NURSING HOME's overall rating (1 stars) is below the state average of 2.9, staff turnover (50%) is near the state average of 46%, and health inspection rating (1 stars) is much below the national benchmark.
What Should Families Ask When Visiting Wibaux County?
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?" "What safeguards and monitoring systems are in place to protect residents from abuse or neglect?" "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?" These questions are particularly relevant given the facility's Immediate Jeopardy citations and the substantiated abuse finding on record.
Is Wibaux County Safe?
Based on CMS inspection data, WIBAUX COUNTY NURSING HOME has documented safety concerns. The facility has 1 substantiated abuse finding (meaning confirmed case of resident harm by staff or other residents). Inspectors have issued 1 Immediate Jeopardy citation (the most serious violation level indicating risk of serious injury or death). The facility has a 1-star overall rating and ranks #100 of 100 nursing homes in Montana. Families considering this facility should ask detailed questions about what corrective actions have been taken since these incidents.
Do Nurses at Wibaux County Stick Around?
WIBAUX COUNTY NURSING HOME has a staff turnover rate of 50%, which is about average for Montana 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 Wibaux County Ever Fined?
WIBAUX COUNTY NURSING HOME 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 Wibaux County on Any Federal Watch List?
WIBAUX COUNTY NURSING HOME 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.