St. Joseph's Rehabilitation and Care Center
Within standard 12-15 month inspection cycle. Federal law requires annual inspections.
St. Joseph's Rehabilitation and Care Center in Norfolk, Nebraska has a Trust Grade of D, indicating below-average quality and some concerns regarding care. It ranks #167 out of 177 facilities in Nebraska and is last out of 5 in Madison County, placing it in the bottom tier of local options. The facility is showing an improving trend, having reduced issues from 9 in 2023 to 8 in 2024. Staffing is a strength, with a 0% turnover rate, suggesting staff members are stable and familiar with the residents. While the center has not incurred any fines, which is positive, there are serious concerns: recent inspections revealed failures in proper hand hygiene during meal service and issues with food safety, including unlabeled and outdated food items, which could pose health risks to residents. Overall, families should weigh the strengths of stable staffing and lack of fines against the serious cleanliness and safety concerns.
- Trust Score
- D
- In Nebraska
- #167/177
- Safety Record
- Low Risk
- Inspections
- Getting Better
- Staff Stability ○ Average
- Turnover data not reported for this facility.
- Penalties ✓ Good
- No fines on record. Clean compliance history, better than most Nebraska facilities.
- Skilled Nurses ○ Average
- Each resident gets 32 minutes of Registered Nurse (RN) attention daily — about average for Nebraska. RNs are the most trained staff who monitor for health changes.
- Violations ⚠ Watch
- 22 deficiencies on record. Higher than average. Multiple issues found across inspections.
The Good
-
Full Sprinkler Coverage · Fire safety systems throughout facility
-
No fines on record
Facility shows strength in fire safety.
The Bad
Below Nebraska average (2.9)
Significant quality concerns identified by CMS
Part of a multi-facility chain
Ask about local staffing decisions and management
The Ugly 22 deficiencies on record
Dec 2024
8 deficiencies
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
Licensure Reference Number 175 NAC 12-006.04(F)(i)5
Based on interview and record review; the facility failed to notify the Primary Care Physician (PCP) when Resident 17 did not receive an ordered med...
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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** Licensure Reference Number: 175 NAC 12-006.09
Based on interview and record review; the facility failed to follow practitioner's...
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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** Licensure Reference Number 175 NAC 12-006.09(H)
Based on record review and interview; the facility failed to ensure Residents 16...
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CONCERN
(E)
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** D. Review of Resident 7's Minimum Data Set (MDS-federally mandated comprehensive assessment used to develop resident care plans)...
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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
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** D. During an observation of the provision of care for Resident 11 on 12/12/24 at 7:25 AM, NA-C provided toileting and incontinen...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0883
(Tag F0883)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** License Reference Number: 175 NAC 12-006.18(A)
Based on record review and interviews; the facility failed to ensure 3 (Residents...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0887
(Tag F0887)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** License Reference Number: 175 NAC 12-006.18(A)
Based on record review and interviews; the facility failed to provide evidence 3 ...
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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 staff failed to wash hands and to change gloves to prevent the potential for cross contami...
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Nov 2023
9 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
Report Alleged Abuse
(Tag F0609)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** C. Review of Resident 19's MDS dated [DATE], revealed the following:
-the resident had severe cognitive impairment,
-had diagno...
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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
Licensure Reference Number 175 NAC 12-006.05
Based on record review and interview; the facility failed to notify the Ombudsman of discharges to the hospital (a state appointed advocate for residents o...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
PASARR Coordination
(Tag F0644)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** D. Review of Resident 39's admission MDS dated [DATE] and a Quarterly MDS dated [DATE] revealed the following:
-the resident had...
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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
Based on record review, observations, and interview; the facility failed to revise 1 resident's (Resident 19) Care Plan to reflect current fall interventions. The facility census was 46 and the sample...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0661
(Tag F0661)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Licensure Reference Number 175 NAC 12-006.09C3
Based on record review and interview; the facility failed to complete a discharge...
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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** Licensure Reference Number 175 NAC 12-006.09D2b
Based on observation, record review and interview; the facility failed to implem...
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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
Resident Rights
(Tag F0550)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Licensure Reference Number 175 NAC 12-006.05(21)
Based on observation, interview, and record review; the facility failed to promote resident dignity as staff: 1.) failed to serve each resident seated ...
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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 175 NAC 12-006.17B
Based on observation, interview, and record review; facility staff failed to perform hand hygiene at appropriate intervals between resident contacts when ...
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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: 175 NAC 12-006.11E
Based on observation, interview, and record review; the facility failed to ensure floors, vents, and equipment were maintained in a clean manner and in good rep...
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Oct 2022
5 deficiencies
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0582
(Tag F0582)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Licensure Reference Number 175NAC 12-006.05(1)
Based on record review and interview, the facility failed to issue a written Advanced Beneficiary Notice of Non-coverage (ABN) and the Notice of Medicare...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Investigate Abuse
(Tag F0610)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
LICENSURE REFERENCE NUMBER 175 NAC 12-00602(8)
Based on interview and record review; the facility failed to implement policies and procedures for the investigation and the reporting of a reasonable su...
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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** LICENSURE REFERENCE NUMBER 175 NAC 12-006.09
Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to complete neurological ...
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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** LICENSURE REFERENCE NUMBER 175 NAC 12-006.09D7(a) (b)
Based on observations, interview and record review; the facility failed to...
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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 observations, record review and interview; the facility staff failed to wash hands and to change gloves at intervals to prevent potential foodbor...
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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.
- • 22 deficiencies on record. Higher than average. Multiple issues found across inspections.
- • Grade D (40/100). Below average facility with significant concerns.
About This Facility
What is St. Joseph'S Rehabilitation And Care Center's CMS Rating?
CMS assigns St. Joseph's Rehabilitation and Care Center 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 St. Joseph'S Rehabilitation And Care Center Staffed?
CMS rates St. Joseph's Rehabilitation and Care Center's staffing level at 1 out of 5 stars, which is much below average compared to other nursing homes.
What Have Inspectors Found at St. Joseph'S Rehabilitation And Care Center?
State health inspectors documented 22 deficiencies at St. Joseph's Rehabilitation and Care Center during 2022 to 2024. These included: 22 with potential for harm.
Who Owns and Operates St. Joseph'S Rehabilitation And Care Center?
St. Joseph's Rehabilitation and 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 THE ENSIGN GROUP, a chain that manages multiple nursing homes. With 83 certified beds and approximately 47 residents (about 57% occupancy), it is a smaller facility located in Norfolk, Nebraska.
How Does St. Joseph'S Rehabilitation And Care Center Compare to Other Nebraska Nursing Homes?
Compared to the 100 nursing homes in Nebraska, St. Joseph's Rehabilitation and Care Center's overall rating (1 stars) is below the state average of 2.9 and health inspection rating (2 stars) is below the national benchmark.
What Should Families Ask When Visiting St. Joseph'S Rehabilitation And Care 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 St. Joseph'S Rehabilitation And Care Center Safe?
Based on CMS inspection data, St. Joseph's Rehabilitation and 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 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 St. Joseph'S Rehabilitation And Care Center Stick Around?
St. Joseph's Rehabilitation and Care Center has not reported staff turnover data to CMS. Staff turnover matters because consistent caregivers learn residents' individual needs, medications, and preferences. When staff frequently change, this institutional knowledge is lost. Families should ask the facility directly about their staff retention rates and average employee tenure.
Was St. Joseph'S Rehabilitation And Care Center Ever Fined?
St. Joseph's Rehabilitation and 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 St. Joseph'S Rehabilitation And Care Center on Any Federal Watch List?
St. Joseph's Rehabilitation and 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.