LIFE CARE CENTER OF BLOUNT COUNTY
Within standard 12-15 month inspection cycle. Federal law requires annual inspections.
Life Care Center of Blount County has a Trust Grade of C, which means it is average-neither great nor terrible compared to other facilities. It ranks #128 out of 298 nursing homes in Tennessee, placing it in the top half of the state, and it is #1 out of 6 in Blount County, indicating it is the best option locally. However, the facility's trend is worsening, with issues increasing from 1 in 2023 to 10 in 2024. Staffing is considered a strength, with a 3 out of 5 star rating and a turnover rate of 45%, which is below the state average. While there were $8,018 in fines, which is average, the nursing home has more RN coverage than 89% of facilities in Tennessee, ensuring that residents receive better oversight. On the downside, there have been some serious concerns; one resident was subjected to psychosocial abuse when another resident entered her room and exposed himself, resulting in harm. Additionally, another resident with cognitive impairment did not have a care plan for their pressure ulcers, and there were failures in maintaining proper refrigerator and freezer temperatures in the kitchen, which could affect food safety for many residents. Overall, while there are some strengths such as RN coverage and staffing stability, recent findings raise serious concerns about resident safety and care quality.
- Trust Score
- C
- In Tennessee
- #128/298
- Safety Record
- Moderate
- Inspections
- Getting Worse
- Staff Stability ⚠ Watch
- 45% turnover. Above average. Higher turnover means staff may not know residents' routines.
- Penalties ⚠ Watch
- $8,018 in fines. Higher than 93% of Tennessee facilities. Major compliance failures.
- Skilled Nurses ✓ Good
- Each resident gets 51 minutes of Registered Nurse (RN) attention daily — more than average for Tennessee. RNs are trained to catch health problems early.
- Violations ⚠ Watch
- 20 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
Facility shows strength in quality measures, fire safety.
The Bad
Near Tennessee average (2.8)
Meets federal standards, typical of most facilities
Near Tennessee avg (46%)
Higher turnover may affect care consistency
Below median ($33,413)
Minor penalties assessed
Part of a multi-facility chain
Ask about local staffing decisions and management
The Ugly 20 deficiencies on record
Dec 2024
5 deficiencies
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Comprehensive Assessments
(Tag F0636)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on facility policy review, Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0 Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI) Manual review, medical record r...
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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 facility policy review, medical record, observations and interviews the facility failed to secure medications for 1 res...
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CONCERN
(F)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Comprehensive Care Plan
(Tag F0656)
Could have caused harm · This affected most or all residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Review of the medical record revealed Resident #238 was admitted to the facility on [DATE] with diagnoses including Coronary Imp...
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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 facility policy review, refrigerator and freezer temperature log reviews, observations, and interviews, the facility failed to obtain and record twice daily temperatures for 3 of 3 refrigerat...
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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** Review of the medical record revealed Resident #238 was admitted to the facility on [DATE] with diagnoses including Coronary Imp...
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Jul 2024
5 deficiencies
1 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
Free from Abuse/Neglect
(Tag F0600)
A resident was harmed · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on facility policy review, medical record review, facility investigation documentation review, and interview, the facility...
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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 facility policy review, medical record review, facility investigation documentation review, and interview, the facility...
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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
Assessment Accuracy
(Tag F0641)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on review of the Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI) Manual 3.0, medical record review, and interview the facility failed...
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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
ADL Care
(Tag F0677)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on facility policy review, medical record review and interviews the facility failed to provide scheduled showers for 3 dep...
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CONCERN
(F)
📢 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
Staffing Information
(Tag F0732)
Could have caused harm · This affected most or all residents
Based on facility policy review, observations, and interviews the facility failed to post accurate nursing staff information to reflect daily staffing levels on 2 of 4 days reviewed for staffing and f...
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Jan 2023
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
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 medical record review, facility documentation review, and interview, the facility failed to notify the Abuse Coordinato...
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Sept 2021
2 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
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on review of the facility policy, medical record review, observation, and interview the facility failed to notify the Phys...
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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 review of the facility policy, observation, and interview the facility failed to store food items in a clean, safe, and sanitary manner in 1 walk in cooler, 1 dry storage area, and 1 kitchen ...
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Feb 2020
7 deficiencies
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0660
(Tag F0660)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on facility policy review, record review, and interviews, the facility failed to involve the resident in the development o...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Laboratory Services
(Tag F0770)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on record review and interview, the facility failed to ensure laboratory (lab) tests were obtained for 1 resident (Residen...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Menu Adequacy
(Tag F0803)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on record review, interview, and observation, the facility failed to ensure 1 out of the 34 sampled residents (Resident #2...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Transfer Notice
(Tag F0623)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on review of facility policy, record review, and interview, the facility failed to ensure the resident or the residents' representative received written notification of the reason for transfer t...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0625
(Tag F0625)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on review of Resident admission Agreement, review of facility policy, record review, and interviews, the facility failed t...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Respiratory Care
(Tag F0695)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on review of facility policy, record review, observation, and interview, the facility failed to ensure residents who had o...
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CONCERN
(F)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0655
(Tag F0655)
Could have caused harm · This affected most or all residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on review of facility policy, record review, and interview, the facility failed to provide the resident or the resident's ...
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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
- • Licensed and certified facility. Meets minimum state requirements.
- • 20 deficiencies on record, including 1 serious (caused harm) violation. Ask about corrective actions taken.
- • Grade C (58/100). Below average facility with significant concerns.
About This Facility
What is Life Of Blount County's CMS Rating?
CMS assigns LIFE CARE CENTER OF BLOUNT COUNTY an overall rating of 3 out of 5 stars, which is considered average nationally. Within Tennessee, 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 Life Of Blount County Staffed?
CMS rates LIFE CARE CENTER OF BLOUNT COUNTY's staffing level at 3 out of 5 stars, which is average compared to other nursing homes. Staff turnover is 45%, compared to the Tennessee average of 46%. This relatively stable workforce can support continuity of care.
What Have Inspectors Found at Life Of Blount County?
State health inspectors documented 20 deficiencies at LIFE CARE CENTER OF BLOUNT COUNTY during 2020 to 2024. These included: 1 that caused actual resident harm and 19 with potential for harm. Deficiencies causing actual harm indicate documented cases where residents experienced negative health consequences.
Who Owns and Operates Life Of Blount County?
LIFE CARE CENTER OF BLOUNT COUNTY 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 LIFE CARE CENTERS OF AMERICA, a chain that manages multiple nursing homes. With 120 certified beds and approximately 99 residents (about 82% occupancy), it is a mid-sized facility located in LOUISVILLE, Tennessee.
How Does Life Of Blount County Compare to Other Tennessee Nursing Homes?
Compared to the 100 nursing homes in Tennessee, LIFE CARE CENTER OF BLOUNT COUNTY's overall rating (3 stars) is above the state average of 2.8, staff turnover (45%) is near the state average of 46%, and health inspection rating (2 stars) is below the national benchmark.
What Should Families Ask When Visiting Life Of Blount County?
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 Life Of Blount County Safe?
Based on CMS inspection data, LIFE CARE CENTER OF BLOUNT COUNTY 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 Tennessee. While no facility is perfect, families should still ask about staff-to-resident ratios and recent inspection results during their visit.
Do Nurses at Life Of Blount County Stick Around?
LIFE CARE CENTER OF BLOUNT COUNTY has a staff turnover rate of 45%, which is about average for Tennessee 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 Life Of Blount County Ever Fined?
LIFE CARE CENTER OF BLOUNT COUNTY has been fined $8,018 across 1 penalty action. This is below the Tennessee average of $33,159. 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 Life Of Blount County on Any Federal Watch List?
LIFE CARE CENTER OF BLOUNT COUNTY 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.