BUFFALO VALLEY LUTHERAN VILLAG
Inspected within the last 6 months. Data reflects current conditions.
Buffalo Valley Lutheran Village has a Trust Grade of D, which means it is below average and raises some concerns about the quality of care provided. In Pennsylvania, it ranks #392 out of 653 facilities, placing it in the bottom half, and it is the third-ranked facility in Union County, with only two other options available locally. The facility is worsening, having increased from 10 issues in 2024 to 15 in 2025, which indicates a decline in operational quality. Staffing is a concern as well, with a turnover rate of 93%, significantly higher than the state average of 46%, although it has a 3/5 staffing rating overall. While there are no fines recorded, which is a positive aspect, the facility has been found to have issues such as unsanitary food preparation conditions in the kitchen and insufficient staff competencies in critical care areas, which raises serious safety concerns for residents.
- Trust Score
- D
- In Pennsylvania
- #392/653
- Safety Record
- Low Risk
- Inspections
- Getting Worse
- Staff Stability ⚠ Watch
- 93% turnover. Very high, 45 points above average. Constant new faces learning your loved one's needs.
- Penalties ✓ Good
- No fines on record. Clean compliance history, better than most Pennsylvania facilities.
- Skilled Nurses ⚠ Watch
- Each resident gets only 25 minutes of Registered Nurse (RN) attention daily — below average for Pennsylvania. Fewer RN minutes means fewer trained eyes watching for problems.
- Violations ⚠ Watch
- 38 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 Pennsylvania average (3.0)
Below average - review inspection findings carefully
46pts above Pennsylvania avg (46%)
Frequent staff changes - ask about care continuity
45 points above Pennsylvania average of 48%
The Ugly 38 deficiencies on record
Sept 2025
13 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
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on clinical record review and staff interview, it was determined that the facility failed to provide timely notification t...
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0583
(Tag F0583)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on review of select facility policy and procedures, observations, and staff interview, it was determined that the facility failed to ensure a resident's rights to secure and confidential persona...
Read full inspector narrative →
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** Based on clinical record review and staff interview, it was determined that the facility failed to develop baseline care plans w...
Read full inspector narrative →
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
Based on clinical record review and staff interview, it was determined that the facility failed to provide the highest practicable care regarding wound assessment for one of three residents reviewed f...
Read full inspector narrative →
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
Based on clinical record review, review of select facility policies and procedures, and staff interview, it was determined that the facility failed to assess and implement treatment and services to pr...
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0688
(Tag F0688)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on clinical record review, and family and staff interviews, it was determined that the facility failed to ensure a residen...
Read full inspector narrative →
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** Based on clinical record review and staff interview, it was determined that the facility failed to assess and implement individu...
Read full inspector narrative →
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 review of select facility policies and procedures, clinical record review, observation, and staff interview, it was determined that the facility failed to ensure medication security for two o...
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0925
(Tag F0925)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, staff interview, and review of facility documentation, it was determined that the facility failed to maintain an effective pest control program so that the facility is free from ...
Read full inspector narrative →
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** Based on a review of select facility policies and procedures, observation, clinical record review, and staff interview, it was d...
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0726
(Tag F0726)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on review of facility documentation and staff interview, it was determined that the facility failed to ensure that nursing staff possessed the appropriate competencies and skill sets related to ...
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Food Safety
(Tag F0812)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on observation and staff interview, it was determined that the facility failed to store food items in a safe and sanitary manner and maintain the environment in a safe and sanitary condition in ...
Read full inspector narrative →
MINOR
(C)
Minor Issue - procedural, no safety impact
Garbage Disposal
(Tag F0814)
Minor procedural issue · This affected most or all residents
Based on observation and staff interview, it was determined that the facility failed to properly contain and dispose of garbage at two of two observed facility dumpsters.Findings include: Observation ...
Read full inspector narrative →
Jun 2025
2 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
Grievances
(Tag F0585)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on a review of select facility policies and procedures, facility grievance log documentation, clinical record review, and family and staff interview, it was determined that the facility failed t...
Read full inspector narrative →
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
Investigate Abuse
(Tag F0610)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on a review of select facility policies and procedures, clinical record review, and staff and family interview, it was determined that the facility failed to thoroughly investigate and report to...
Read full inspector narrative →
Aug 2024
10 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
Based on clinical record review and staff and family interview, it was determined that the facility failed to ensure that the resident and the resident representative received written notice that spec...
Read full inspector narrative →
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 clinical record review and staff interview, it was determined that the facility failed to ensure complete and accurate ...
Read full inspector narrative →
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
Based on clinical record review and resident and staff interview, it was determined that the facility failed to provide the highest practicable care regarding physician ordered weight assessments for ...
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0688
(Tag F0688)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on clinical record review and resident and staff interview, it was determined that the facility failed to provide physicia...
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0700
(Tag F0700)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, clinical record review, and staff interview, it was determined that the facility failed to receive informe...
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0947
(Tag F0947)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on review of facility staff education records and staff interview, it was determined that the facility failed to ensure that all nurse aide staff completed a minimum of 12 hours of in-service ed...
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Accident Prevention
(Tag F0689)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on a review of select facility policies and procedures, clinical record review, and family and staff interview, it was determined that the facility failed to thoroughly investigate resident inci...
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0692
(Tag F0692)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on clinical record review, observation, and staff, resident, and family interview, it was determined that the facility failed to implement interventions, consistent with physician orders and res...
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0744
(Tag F0744)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on clinical record review and staff interview, it was determined that the facility failed to develop and implement individ...
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0757
(Tag F0757)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on clinical record review and staff interview it was determined that the facility failed to ensure a resident's medication regime was free from potentially unnecessary medication for one of five...
Read full inspector narrative →
Sept 2023
11 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
Based on clinical record review and staff interview, it was determined that the facility failed to provide a written notice of the facility's bed hold policy to the resident or responsible party for t...
Read full inspector narrative →
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 clinical record review and staff interview, it was determined that the facility failed to ensure complete and accurate ...
Read full inspector narrative →
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
Based on clinical record review and staff interview, it was determined that the facility failed to provide treatment and care for the prevention of skin excoriation for one of one resident reviewed fo...
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Respiratory Care
(Tag F0695)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, clinical record review, and resident and staff interview, it was determined that the facility failed to provide appropriate respiratory care and services for two of two residents...
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(D)
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, clinical record review, and resident and staff interview, it was determined that the facility failed to assess for risk of side rail entrapment and review the risk and benefits o...
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0726
(Tag F0726)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on review of facility documentation, clinical record review, and staff interview, it was determined that the facility failed to ensure nurses demonstrated competency in skills necessary for resi...
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Medication Errors
(Tag F0758)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on clinical record review and staff interview, it was determined that the facility failed to ensure a resident's medication regimen was free from potentially unnecessary medications for one of f...
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Dental Services
(Tag F0791)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, clinical record review, and resident family and staff interview, it was determined that the facility faile...
Read full inspector narrative →
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 and staff interview, it was determined that the facility failed to store and prepare food in a safe and sanitary environment in the facility's main kitchen.
Findings include:
Obs...
Read full inspector narrative →
MINOR
(B)
Minor Issue - procedural, no safety impact
Transfer Notice
(Tag F0623)
Minor procedural issue · This affected multiple residents
Based on clinical record review and staff interview, it was determined that the facility failed to notify a resident and/or the resident's responsible party in writing of a transfer to the hospital fo...
Read full inspector narrative →
MINOR
(B)
Minor Issue - procedural, no safety impact
Staffing Information
(Tag F0732)
Minor procedural issue · This affected multiple residents
Based on observation and staff interview, it was determined that the facility failed to post at the beginning of each shift the nurse staffing information in a prominent place readily accessible to re...
Read full inspector narrative →
Dec 2022
2 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
Quality of Care
(Tag F0684)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on clinical record review and staff interview, it was determined that the facility failed to provide the highest practicable care regarding physician ordered medication parameters for one of six...
Read full inspector narrative →
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
ADL Care
(Tag F0677)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on clinical record review and staff interview, it was determined that the facility failed to ensure dependent residents re...
Read full inspector narrative →
Understanding Severity Codes (click to expand)
Questions to Ask on Your Visit
- "Why is there high staff turnover? How do you retain staff?"
- "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 Pennsylvania facilities.
- • 38 deficiencies on record. Higher than average. Multiple issues found across inspections.
- • Grade D (40/100). Below average facility with significant concerns.
- • 93% turnover. Very high, 45 points above average. Constant new faces learning your loved one's needs.
About This Facility
What is Buffalo Valley Lutheran Villag's CMS Rating?
CMS assigns BUFFALO VALLEY LUTHERAN VILLAG an overall rating of 2 out of 5 stars, which is considered below average nationally. Within Pennsylvania, 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 Buffalo Valley Lutheran Villag Staffed?
CMS rates BUFFALO VALLEY LUTHERAN VILLAG's staffing level at 3 out of 5 stars, which is average compared to other nursing homes. Staff turnover is 93%, which is 46 percentage points above the Pennsylvania average of 46%. High turnover can affect care consistency as new staff learn residents' individual needs. RN turnover specifically is 89%, which is notably high. RNs provide skilled clinical oversight, so turnover in this role can affect medical care quality.
What Have Inspectors Found at Buffalo Valley Lutheran Villag?
State health inspectors documented 38 deficiencies at BUFFALO VALLEY LUTHERAN VILLAG during 2022 to 2025. These included: 35 with potential for harm and 3 minor or isolated issues.
Who Owns and Operates Buffalo Valley Lutheran Villag?
BUFFALO VALLEY LUTHERAN VILLAG 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 102 certified beds and approximately 91 residents (about 89% occupancy), it is a mid-sized facility located in LEWISBURG, Pennsylvania.
How Does Buffalo Valley Lutheran Villag Compare to Other Pennsylvania Nursing Homes?
Compared to the 100 nursing homes in Pennsylvania, BUFFALO VALLEY LUTHERAN VILLAG's overall rating (2 stars) is below the state average of 3.0, staff turnover (93%) is significantly higher than the state average of 46%, and health inspection rating (2 stars) is below the national benchmark.
What Should Families Ask When Visiting Buffalo Valley Lutheran Villag?
Based on this facility's data, families visiting should ask: "How do you ensure continuity of care given staff turnover, and what is your staff retention strategy?" "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 high staff turnover rate.
Is Buffalo Valley Lutheran Villag Safe?
Based on CMS inspection data, BUFFALO VALLEY LUTHERAN VILLAG 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 2-star overall rating and ranks #100 of 100 nursing homes in Pennsylvania. While no facility is perfect, families should still ask about staff-to-resident ratios and recent inspection results during their visit.
Do Nurses at Buffalo Valley Lutheran Villag Stick Around?
Staff turnover at BUFFALO VALLEY LUTHERAN VILLAG is high. At 93%, the facility is 46 percentage points above the Pennsylvania average of 46%. Registered Nurse turnover is particularly concerning at 89%. RNs handle complex medical decisions and coordinate care — frequent RN changes can directly impact care quality. High turnover means new staff may not know residents' individual needs, medications, or preferences. It can also be disorienting for residents, especially those with dementia who rely on familiar faces. Families should ask: What is causing the turnover? What retention programs are in place? How do you ensure care continuity during staff transitions?
Was Buffalo Valley Lutheran Villag Ever Fined?
BUFFALO VALLEY LUTHERAN VILLAG 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 Buffalo Valley Lutheran Villag on Any Federal Watch List?
BUFFALO VALLEY LUTHERAN VILLAG 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.