Westwood Hills Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
Within standard 12-15 month inspection cycle. Federal law requires annual inspections.
Westwood Hills Nursing and Rehabilitation Center has a Trust Grade of D, indicating below-average quality with some concerning issues. In North Carolina, it ranks #214 out of 417 facilities, placing it in the bottom half, and #3 out of 4 in Wilkes County, meaning only one local option is better. The facility is currently improving, having reduced issues from 6 in 2023 to 3 in 2024. Staffing is rated at 3 out of 5 stars, with a turnover rate of 34%, which is a strength compared to the state average of 49%; this suggests staff stability. However, the facility has faced significant challenges, including a serious incident where a resident was improperly restrained during care, resulting in injuries, and a critical incident involving a resident with severe respiratory distress that required emergency transfer. Overall, while there are some strengths, families should be aware of the facility's concerning incidents and strive for further improvements.
- Trust Score
- D
- In North Carolina
- #214/417
- Safety Record
- High Risk
- Inspections
- Getting Better
- Staff Stability ○ Average
- 34% turnover. Near North Carolina's 48% average. Typical for the industry.
- Penalties ✓ Good
- $8,648 in fines. Lower than most North Carolina facilities. Relatively clean record.
- Skilled Nurses ○ Average
- Each resident gets 37 minutes of Registered Nurse (RN) attention daily — about average for North Carolina. RNs are the most trained staff who monitor for health changes.
- Violations ⚠ Watch
- 16 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
-
Staff turnover below average (34%)
14 points below North Carolina average of 48%
Facility shows strength in fire safety.
The Bad
Near North Carolina average (2.8)
Meets federal standards, typical of most facilities
12pts below North Carolina avg (46%)
Typical for the industry
Below median ($33,413)
Minor penalties assessed
Part of a multi-facility chain
Ask about local staffing decisions and management
The Ugly 16 deficiencies on record
Aug 2024
3 deficiencies
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0578
(Tag F0578)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on record review and staff interviews the facility failed to ensure a residents (Resident #92) code status election was ac...
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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
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on record review, family, staff, and Nurse Practitioner interviews the facility failed to prescribe an antibiotic that wou...
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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
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on record reviews, facility policy, Center for Disease Control guidance, Statewide Program for Infection Control and Epide...
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Jul 2023
6 deficiencies
2 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
Deficiency F0604
(Tag F0604)
A resident was harmed · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on record review and staff interviews, the facility failed to protect Resident #87 from physical restraint from Nurse Aide...
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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
Abuse Prevention Policies
(Tag F0607)
A resident was harmed · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observations, record reviews, staff and resident interviews the facility failed to remove Nurse Aide (NA) #1 from a res...
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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
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Resident #27 was admitted to the facility on [DATE] with diagnoses that included hemiplegia and hemiparesis following a stroke.
...
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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 observations, record review, and staff interviews the facility failed to remove expired medications from 2 of 5 medications carts reviewed for medication storage (Yellow Hall and Orange Hall)...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0837
(Tag F0837)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observations, record review, and staff interviews, the administration, and governing body failed to ensure the facility...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
QAPI Program
(Tag F0867)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observations, record reviews, and staff interviews, the facility's Quality Assessment and Assurance (QAA) committee failed to maintain implemented procedures and monitor interventions the com...
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Dec 2021
7 deficiencies
1 IJ
CRITICAL
(J)
Immediate Jeopardy (IJ) - the most serious Medicare violation
Tube Feeding
(Tag F0693)
Someone could have died · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on record review and staff and physician interviews the facility failed to follow a physician order to stop a tube feeding...
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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** Based on observations, record reviews and interviews the facility failed to provide a dignified dining experience by standing ov...
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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
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on record review and staff interview the facility failed to accurately code the Minimum Data Set in the area of dialysis f...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Comprehensive Care Plan
(Tag F0656)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observations, record reviews and staff and Resident interviews the facility failed to implement the care plan intervent...
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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
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on record review, staff, and Medical Doctor interview the facility failed to obtain a physician order for a resident to re...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Medical Records
(Tag F0842)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on record review and facility staff interviews, the facility failed to maintain an accurate recording of a tube feeding on...
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MINOR
(B)
Minor Issue - procedural, no safety impact
Safe Environment
(Tag F0584)
Minor procedural issue · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observations and resident and staff interviews, the facility failed to repair an exterior window screen that obstructed...
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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?"
- "Can I speak with families of current residents?"
- "What's your RN coverage like on weekends and overnight?"
Our Honest Assessment
- • 34% turnover. Below North Carolina's 48% average. Good staff retention means consistent care.
- • Multiple safety concerns identified: 1 life-threatening violation(s), 2 harm violation(s). Review inspection reports carefully.
- • 16 deficiencies on record, including 1 critical (life-threatening) violation. These warrant careful review before choosing this facility.
- • Grade D (41/100). Below average facility with significant concerns.
About This Facility
What is Westwood Hills Nursing And Rehabilitation Center's CMS Rating?
CMS assigns Westwood Hills Nursing and Rehabilitation Center an overall rating of 3 out of 5 stars, which is considered average nationally. Within North Carolina, 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 Westwood Hills Nursing And Rehabilitation Center Staffed?
CMS rates Westwood Hills Nursing and Rehabilitation Center's staffing level at 3 out of 5 stars, which is average compared to other nursing homes. Staff turnover is 34%, compared to the North Carolina average of 46%. This relatively stable workforce can support continuity of care.
What Have Inspectors Found at Westwood Hills Nursing And Rehabilitation Center?
State health inspectors documented 16 deficiencies at Westwood Hills Nursing and Rehabilitation Center during 2021 to 2024. These included: 1 Immediate Jeopardy (the most serious level, indicating potential for serious harm or death), 2 that caused actual resident harm, 12 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 Westwood Hills Nursing And Rehabilitation Center?
Westwood Hills Nursing and 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 PRINCIPLE LONG TERM CARE, a chain that manages multiple nursing homes. With 176 certified beds and approximately 113 residents (about 64% occupancy), it is a mid-sized facility located in Wilkesboro, North Carolina.
How Does Westwood Hills Nursing And Rehabilitation Center Compare to Other North Carolina Nursing Homes?
Compared to the 100 nursing homes in North Carolina, Westwood Hills Nursing and Rehabilitation Center's overall rating (3 stars) is above the state average of 2.8, staff turnover (34%) is significantly lower than the state average of 46%, and health inspection rating (3 stars) is at the national benchmark.
What Should Families Ask When Visiting Westwood Hills Nursing And Rehabilitation Center?
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?" "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 facility's Immediate Jeopardy citations.
Is Westwood Hills Nursing And Rehabilitation Center Safe?
Based on CMS inspection data, Westwood Hills Nursing and Rehabilitation Center has documented safety concerns. Inspectors have issued 1 Immediate Jeopardy citation (the most serious violation level indicating risk of serious injury or death). The facility has a 3-star overall rating and ranks #1 of 100 nursing homes in North Carolina. Families considering this facility should ask detailed questions about what corrective actions have been taken since these incidents.
Do Nurses at Westwood Hills Nursing And Rehabilitation Center Stick Around?
Westwood Hills Nursing and Rehabilitation Center has a staff turnover rate of 34%, which is about average for North Carolina 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 Westwood Hills Nursing And Rehabilitation Center Ever Fined?
Westwood Hills Nursing and Rehabilitation Center has been fined $8,648 across 1 penalty action. This is below the North Carolina average of $33,165. While any fine indicates a compliance issue, fines under $50,000 are relatively common and typically reflect isolated problems that were subsequently corrected. Families should ask what specific issues led to these fines and confirm they've been resolved.
Is Westwood Hills Nursing And Rehabilitation Center on Any Federal Watch List?
Westwood Hills Nursing and 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.