QUALITY LIFE SERVICES - SUGAR CREEK
Inspected within the last 6 months. Data reflects current conditions.
Quality Life Services in Sugar Creek, Pennsylvania, has received a Trust Grade of D, indicating below-average performance and some concerning issues. Ranking #342 out of 653 facilities in Pennsylvania places it in the bottom half, although it is #2 out of 4 in Armstrong County, meaning there are limited local alternatives. The facility's trend is worsening, with reported issues increasing from 11 in 2024 to 17 in 2025. Staffing is relatively stable with a 40% turnover rate, which is better than the state average, but the RN coverage is concerning as it falls below that of 76% of Pennsylvania facilities. Families should note that there have been significant fines totaling $155,235, indicating compliance problems. Recent inspections found that the kitchen cleanliness was inadequate, with food debris buildup, and that the facility failed to employ a fully qualified Food Service Director for many months, which raises questions about food safety and management. Overall, while there are some staffing strengths, the facility has several significant weaknesses that families should consider carefully.
- Trust Score
- D
- In Pennsylvania
- #342/653
- Safety Record
- High Risk
- Inspections
- Getting Worse
- Staff Stability ○ Average
- 40% turnover. Near Pennsylvania's 48% average. Typical for the industry.
- Penalties ✓ Good
- $155,235 in fines. Lower than most Pennsylvania facilities. Relatively clean record.
- Skilled Nurses ⚠ Watch
- Each resident gets only 29 minutes of Registered Nurse (RN) attention daily — below average for Pennsylvania. Fewer RN minutes means fewer trained eyes watching for problems.
- Violations ⚠ Watch
- 37 deficiencies on record. Higher than average. Multiple issues found across inspections.
The Good
-
5-Star Quality Measures · Strong clinical quality outcomes
-
Full Sprinkler Coverage · Fire safety systems throughout facility
-
No fines on record
-
Staff turnover below average (40%)
8 points below Pennsylvania average of 48%
Facility shows strength in quality measures, fire safety.
The Bad
Near Pennsylvania average (3.0)
Meets federal standards, typical of most facilities
Near Pennsylvania avg (46%)
Typical for the industry
Well above median ($33,413)
Significant penalties indicating serious issues
Part of a multi-facility chain
Ask about local staffing decisions and management
The Ugly 37 deficiencies on record
May 2025
17 deficiencies
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Grievances
(Tag F0585)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on review of facility policy, and resident and staff interview , it was determined that the facility failed to inform residents on the grievance policy and procedures for seven of seven resident...
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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
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on review of facility policies, facility provided documents, clinical records and staff interviews, it was determined that...
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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
Abuse Prevention Policies
(Tag F0607)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on review of facility documents, facility policy, clinical records, and staff interviews, it was determined that the facil...
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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
Report Alleged Abuse
(Tag F0609)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on review of facility policy, resident clinical record, incident reports, reports submitted to the State, and staff interv...
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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
Investigate Abuse
(Tag F0610)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on review of facility policy, clinical record review and staff interview, it was determined that the facility failed to fu...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0627
(Tag F0627)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on review of facility policy, clinical record review, and staff interview, it was determined that the facility failed to m...
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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** Based on a review of facility policy, clinical record, and staff interview, it was determined that the facility failed to provid...
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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** Based on review of facility policy, clinical record review, and staff interview it was determined that the facility failed to pr...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0694
(Tag F0694)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on review of facility policy, observations, and staff interviews, it was determined that the facility failed to provide ad...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0699
(Tag F0699)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on review of resident record review, and staff interviews, it was determined that the facility failed to provide a trauma ...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0760
(Tag F0760)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on review of facility policy, clinical records, and staff interview, it was determined that the facility failed to make ce...
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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
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on review of facility policies, observations, and staff interviews, it was determined that the facility failed to store al...
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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
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on facility policy, clinical record review, observation, and staff interview, it was determined that the facility failed t...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Room Equipment
(Tag F0908)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observations, review of facility documentation, and staff interview, it was determined that the facility failed to make...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0568
(Tag F0568)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on resident and staff interviews, and review of facility documentation, it was determined that the facility failed to provide residents with their quarterly banking statements for three of five ...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0605
(Tag F0605)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on clinical record review, facility provided documents, and staff interview, it was determined that 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
Based on a review of facility policy, observation and staff interview, it was determined that the facility failed to properly maintain cleanliness and sanitation of the Main Kitchen. (Main Kitchen).
...
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Jun 2024
11 deficiencies
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 a review of Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI) User's Manual, clinical records, and staff interviews, it was determin...
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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** Based on review of facility policy, clinical record review, and staff interview, it was determined that the facility failed to n...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0692
(Tag F0692)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on a review of clinical record, and staff interview, it was determined that the facility failed to ensure a resident was o...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Respiratory Care
(Tag F0695)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observations, interviews, and clinical record review, it was determined that the facility failed to provide appropriate...
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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 review of facility policy, observation, and staff interviews, it was determined that the facility failed to date opened medications in one of three medication carts (Willow Medication Cart).
...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Garbage Disposal
(Tag F0814)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on facility policy, observation, and staff interview it was determined that the facility failed to properly contain and dispose of garbage in one of one outside dumpsters to prevent the potentia...
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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 clinical record review and staff interview, it was determined that the facility failed to ensure that clinical records ...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Room Equipment
(Tag F0908)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, staff interviews, resident interviews, it was determined the facility failed to maintain patient care equi...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Transfer Requirements
(Tag F0622)
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 make certain that the necessa...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0691
(Tag F0691)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on facility policy review, clinical record review, resident, and staff interviews, it was determined that the facility fai...
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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 staff interviews, and employee file review, it was determined that the facility failed to employ a full-time qualified Food Service Director for ten of ten months (August 2023 through Decembe...
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Aug 2023
9 deficiencies
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0658
(Tag F0658)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on staff interview, record review, and state scope of practice, it was determined that the facility failed to follow profe...
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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** Based on review of facility policy, clinical records, and staff interview it was determined that the facility failed to follow p...
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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 review of facility policy and clinical record and staff interview it was determined that the facility failed to make ce...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0760
(Tag F0760)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on facility policy, clinical record and staff interviews, it was determined that the facility failed to ensure medications...
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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 and staff interviews, it was determined that the facility failed to properly store biologicals and medications safely on two of three units (Maple and Hemlock ).
Findings include...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Room Equipment
(Tag F0908)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on a review of observation and staff interview, it was determined that the facility failed to properly maintain kitchen equipment in a sanitary condition creating the potential for unsafe condit...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0922
(Tag F0922)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on review of the facility disaster plan, observation, and staff interview, it was determined that the facility failed to establish written procedures to ensure that potable (drinking) water was ...
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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** Based on review of facility policies, clinical records, and staff interviews, it was determined that the facility failed to deve...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0680
(Tag F0680)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on staff interview, it was determined that the facility failed to ensure that the Activities department had a qualified director to oversee the Activities Program.
Findings include:
Review of 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
- • 40% turnover. Below Pennsylvania's 48% average. Good staff retention means consistent care.
- • Multiple safety concerns identified: $155,235 in fines, Payment denial on record. Review inspection reports carefully.
- • 37 deficiencies on record. Higher than average. Multiple issues found across inspections.
- • $155,235 in fines. Extremely high, among the most fined facilities in Pennsylvania. Major compliance failures.
- • Grade D (45/100). Below average facility with significant concerns.
About This Facility
What is Quality Life Services - Sugar Creek's CMS Rating?
CMS assigns QUALITY LIFE SERVICES - SUGAR CREEK an overall rating of 3 out of 5 stars, which is considered average nationally. Within Pennsylvania, this rating places the facility higher than 0% 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 Quality Life Services - Sugar Creek Staffed?
CMS rates QUALITY LIFE SERVICES - SUGAR CREEK's staffing level at 3 out of 5 stars, which is average compared to other nursing homes. Staff turnover is 40%, compared to the Pennsylvania average of 46%. This relatively stable workforce can support continuity of care.
What Have Inspectors Found at Quality Life Services - Sugar Creek?
State health inspectors documented 37 deficiencies at QUALITY LIFE SERVICES - SUGAR CREEK during 2023 to 2025. These included: 37 with potential for harm.
Who Owns and Operates Quality Life Services - Sugar Creek?
QUALITY LIFE SERVICES - SUGAR CREEK 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 QUALITY LIFE SERVICES, a chain that manages multiple nursing homes. With 114 certified beds and approximately 108 residents (about 95% occupancy), it is a mid-sized facility located in WORTHINGTON, Pennsylvania.
How Does Quality Life Services - Sugar Creek Compare to Other Pennsylvania Nursing Homes?
Compared to the 100 nursing homes in Pennsylvania, QUALITY LIFE SERVICES - SUGAR CREEK's overall rating (3 stars) matches the state average, staff turnover (40%) is near the state average of 46%, and health inspection rating (2 stars) is below the national benchmark.
What Should Families Ask When Visiting Quality Life Services - Sugar Creek?
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 Quality Life Services - Sugar Creek Safe?
Based on CMS inspection data, QUALITY LIFE SERVICES - SUGAR CREEK 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 3-star overall rating and ranks #1 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 Quality Life Services - Sugar Creek Stick Around?
QUALITY LIFE SERVICES - SUGAR CREEK has a staff turnover rate of 40%, which is about average for Pennsylvania 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 Quality Life Services - Sugar Creek Ever Fined?
QUALITY LIFE SERVICES - SUGAR CREEK has been fined $155,235 across 1 penalty action. This is 4.5x the Pennsylvania average of $34,631. Fines at this level are uncommon and typically indicate a pattern of serious deficiencies, repeated violations, or failure to correct problems promptly. CMS reserves penalties of this magnitude for facilities that pose significant, documented risk to resident health or safety. Families should request specific documentation of what issues led to these fines and what systemic changes have been implemented.
Is Quality Life Services - Sugar Creek on Any Federal Watch List?
QUALITY LIFE SERVICES - SUGAR CREEK 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.