Sarah Ann Hester Memorial Home
Within standard 12-15 month inspection cycle. Federal law requires annual inspections.
The Sarah Ann Hester Memorial Home has a Trust Grade of D, indicating below-average performance with some significant concerns. It ranks #165 out of 177 nursing homes in Nebraska, placing it in the bottom half of facilities in the state, but it is the only option available in Dundy County. The facility's trend is worsening, with compliance issues increasing from 3 in 2023 to 9 in 2025. Staffing is a relative strength, rated at 4 out of 5 stars with only a 35% turnover rate, which is lower than the state average. However, the nursing home has concerning RN coverage, being below 92% of facilities in Nebraska, which raises questions about the level of oversight for residents. Specific incidents noted during inspections included a failure to thoroughly clean food preparation surfaces after handling raw chicken, leading to potential food safety risks. Additionally, staff did not label and date opened packages of food, increasing the risk of foodborne illness. There was also a lapse in hand hygiene practices observed when a medication aide applied barrier cream before washing hands, which could contribute to infection risks. Overall, while there are strengths in staffing, the facility has significant weaknesses in food safety and hygiene practices that families should consider.
- Trust Score
- D
- In Nebraska
- #165/177
- Safety Record
- Low Risk
- Inspections
- Getting Worse
- Staff Stability ○ Average
- 35% turnover. Near Nebraska's 48% average. Typical for the industry.
- Penalties ✓ Good
- No fines on record. Clean compliance history, better than most Nebraska facilities.
- Skilled Nurses ⚠ Watch
- Each resident gets only 26 minutes of Registered Nurse (RN) attention daily — below average for Nebraska. Fewer RN minutes means fewer trained eyes watching for problems.
- Violations ⚠ Watch
- 20 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
-
Staff turnover below average (35%)
13 points below Nebraska average of 48%
Facility shows strength in staffing levels, fire safety.
The Bad
Below Nebraska average (2.9)
Significant quality concerns identified by CMS
11pts below Nebraska avg (46%)
Typical for the industry
The Ugly 20 deficiencies on record
Apr 2025
1 deficiency
CONCERN
(D)
📢 Someone Reported This
A family member, employee, or ombudsman was alarmed enough to file a formal complaint
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0657
(Tag F0657)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Licensure Reference Number 12-006-09(F)
Based on record reviews and interviews, the facility failed to ensure Comprehensive Care...
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Jan 2025
8 deficiencies
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0604
(Tag F0604)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Licensure Reference Number 175 NAC 12-006.05(G)
Based on record review and interview the facility failed to ensure that one (Resident 1) of 2 sampled resident's representative were notified of restrai...
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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
Licensure Reference 175 NAC 12-006.18
Based on observations, interviews, and record reviews; the facility staff failed to don Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for Enhanced Barrier Precautions (EBP)...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Comprehensive Care Plan
(Tag F0656)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Licensure Reference 175 NAC 12-006.09(E)
Based on record reviews and interviews, the facility failed to develop person-centered ...
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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 F0757
(Tag F0757)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** LICENSURE REFERENCE 175 NAC 12-006.09(H)
Based on record review and interview the facility failed to ensure that 3 (Residents 2...
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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
Medication Errors
(Tag F0758)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Licensure Reference 175 NAC 12-006.09(H)
Based on record reviews and interview, the facility failed to ensure the physician prov...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0947
(Tag F0947)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Licensure Reference 175 NAC 12-006.04(B)(ii)(1)
Based on record reviews and interviews, the facility failed to ensure 3 of 5 sampled employees had completed at least 12 hours of ongoing training as re...
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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
Licensure Reference Number 175 NAC 12-006.11(E)
Based on observation and interviews the facility failed to thoroughly clean and sanitize food surfaces after preparation of raw chicken. This affected a...
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MINOR
(C)
Minor Issue - procedural, no safety impact
Deficiency F0729
(Tag F0729)
Minor procedural issue · This affected most or all residents
Licensure Reference 175 NAC 12-006.04(A)(iii)(2)
Based on record reviews and interview, the facility failed to complete a nurse aide registry check for 1 of 3 sampled employees prior to the staff hav...
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Nov 2023
3 deficiencies
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** B. Record review of Resident 23's Face Sheet revealed Resident 23 was admitted to the facility on [DATE] with diagnoses of: weak...
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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
Licensure Reference Number 175 NAC 12-006.11E
Based on observation, interview, and record review; the facility kitchen staff failed to label and date opened packages of food and drink in the refrigera...
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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
C. An observation on 11/29/2023 at 6:35 AM with Medication Aide (MA)-B and NA-C who completed morning cares for Resident 1 revealed MA-B performed peri-care and applied barrier cream to the resident's...
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Nov 2022
8 deficiencies
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0552
(Tag F0552)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
LICENSURE REFERENCE NUMBER 175 NAC 12-006.05(3)
Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to ensure Resident 2 and/or their personal representative was informed of the risks and altern...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Transfer Notice
(Tag F0623)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** LICENSURE REFERENCE NUMBER 175 NAC 12-006.05 (5)
Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to provide written no...
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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** Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to issue notice of bed hold to Resident 21 or their PR (Personal Repre...
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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** LICENSURE REFERENCE NUMBER 175 NAC 12-006.09C1a
Based on record review and interview, the facility failed to ensure a written su...
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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
Licensure Reference Number 175NAC 12-006.09D2b
Based on record reviews and interviews, the facility failed to document weekly assessments of pressure ulcers (a localized wound of the skin and/or under...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Drug Regimen Review
(Tag F0756)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** D.
Record review of the undated Face Sheet (a document that gives a resident's information at a quick glance) for Resident 18 re...
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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
Licensure Reference Number 175NAC 12-006.17D
Based on observation, record review, and interview; the facility failed to ensure that staff performed hand hygiene (hand washing using soap and water or a...
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CONCERN
(F)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0886
(Tag F0886)
Could have caused harm · This affected most or all residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on record review and interview, the facility failed to ensure that staff testing for Covid-19 was documented to prevent th...
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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 Nebraska facilities.
- • 35% turnover. Below Nebraska's 48% average. Good staff retention means consistent care.
- • 20 deficiencies on record. Higher than average. Multiple issues found across inspections.
- • Grade D (45/100). Below average facility with significant concerns.
About This Facility
What is Sarah Ann Hester Memorial Home's CMS Rating?
CMS assigns Sarah Ann Hester Memorial Home an overall rating of 1 out of 5 stars, which is considered much below average nationally. Within Nebraska, 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 Sarah Ann Hester Memorial Home Staffed?
CMS rates Sarah Ann Hester Memorial Home's staffing level at 4 out of 5 stars, which is above average compared to other nursing homes. Staff turnover is 35%, compared to the Nebraska average of 46%. This relatively stable workforce can support continuity of care. RN turnover specifically is 60%, which is notably high. RNs provide skilled clinical oversight, so turnover in this role can affect medical care quality.
What Have Inspectors Found at Sarah Ann Hester Memorial Home?
State health inspectors documented 20 deficiencies at Sarah Ann Hester Memorial Home during 2022 to 2025. These included: 19 with potential for harm and 1 minor or isolated issues.
Who Owns and Operates Sarah Ann Hester Memorial Home?
Sarah Ann Hester Memorial 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 56 certified beds and approximately 30 residents (about 54% occupancy), it is a smaller facility located in Benkelman, Nebraska.
How Does Sarah Ann Hester Memorial Home Compare to Other Nebraska Nursing Homes?
Compared to the 100 nursing homes in Nebraska, Sarah Ann Hester Memorial Home's overall rating (1 stars) is below the state average of 2.9, staff turnover (35%) is significantly lower than the state average of 46%, and health inspection rating (2 stars) is below the national benchmark.
What Should Families Ask When Visiting Sarah Ann Hester Memorial Home?
Based on this facility's data, families visiting should ask: "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?"
Is Sarah Ann Hester Memorial Home Safe?
Based on CMS inspection data, Sarah Ann Hester Memorial Home 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 1-star overall rating and ranks #100 of 100 nursing homes in Nebraska. While no facility is perfect, families should still ask about staff-to-resident ratios and recent inspection results during their visit.
Do Nurses at Sarah Ann Hester Memorial Home Stick Around?
Sarah Ann Hester Memorial Home has a staff turnover rate of 35%, which is about average for Nebraska 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 Sarah Ann Hester Memorial Home Ever Fined?
Sarah Ann Hester Memorial 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 Sarah Ann Hester Memorial Home on Any Federal Watch List?
Sarah Ann Hester Memorial 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.