BRAXTON HEALTHCARE CENTER
Within standard 12-15 month inspection cycle. Federal law requires annual inspections.
Braxton Healthcare Center has a Trust Grade of B+, which means it is above average and generally recommended for families considering care options. It ranks #1 out of 122 facilities in West Virginia, placing it among the best in the state, and is the only option in Braxton County. The facility's trend is improving, with issues decreasing from 12 in 2023 to 5 in 2025, indicating progress in care quality. Staffing is average with a 3/5 star rating and a turnover rate of 39%, which is better than the state average, suggesting that employees tend to stay longer. There are no fines on record, which is a positive sign, and the facility has good RN coverage; however, it lacks a certified Infection Preventionist, which raises concerns about infection control practices. Specific incidents include residents not receiving meals during mealtime and failing to provide proper discharge notices to families when residents were transferred to hospitals, highlighting areas that need improvement. Overall, while there are strengths in staff retention and compliance with regulations, families should be aware of the gaps in meal service and communication regarding resident care.
- Trust Score
- B+
- In West Virginia
- #1/122
- Safety Record
- Low Risk
- Inspections
- Getting Better
- Staff Stability ○ Average
- 39% turnover. Near West Virginia's 48% average. Typical for the industry.
- Penalties ✓ Good
- No fines on record. Clean compliance history, better than most West Virginia facilities.
- Skilled Nurses ○ Average
- Each resident gets 31 minutes of Registered Nurse (RN) attention daily — about average for West Virginia. RNs are the most trained staff who monitor for health changes.
- Violations ⚠ Watch
- 25 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 (39%)
9 points below West Virginia average of 48%
Facility shows strength in quality measures, fire safety.
The Bad
Near West Virginia avg (46%)
Typical for the industry
Part of a multi-facility chain
Ask about local staffing decisions and management
The Ugly 25 deficiencies on record
Apr 2025
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
Based upon record review and staff interview, the facility failed to complete SNF ABN, Form CMS-10055 and send to the resident or resident's representative in a timely manner. This was true for 1 (one...
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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
Based upon record review and staff interview, the Facility failed to ensure preadmission screening and resident review (PASARR) was updated and completed with new diagnoses of Dementia (Non-Alzheimer'...
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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 record review and staff interview, the facility failed to ensure Residents #24 and #53's care plans included sensory an...
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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
Based on record review and staff interview, the facility failed to accurately document the completion of behavior monitoring for Resident #18. This was true for one (1) of five (5) residents reviewed ...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Resident Rights
(Tag F0550)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on observation and staff interview the facility failed to promote a dignified dining experience. These were random opportunities for discovery. Resident identifiers: #1, #3, #6, #8, #9, #14, #20...
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Jul 2023
12 deficiencies
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Resident Rights
(Tag F0550)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
.
Based on observation and staff interview, the facility failed to preserve the resident's dignity by not changing his clothing when it was soiled with food. Resident Identifier: #19. Facility census:...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Safe Environment
(Tag F0584)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** .
Based on observation and staff interview, the facility failed to provide a safe, clean, comfortable, and homelike environment ...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
MDS Data Transmission
(Tag F0640)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** .
Based on medical record review and staff interview, the facility failed to accurately complete a discharge tracking form for R...
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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** .
Based on record review and staff interview, the facility failed to complete a new Pre-admission Screening (PAS) for one (1) of...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0697
(Tag F0697)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
.
Based on record review and staff interview, the facility failed to monitor the resident's pain in accordance with current professional standards of practice. This deficient practice had the potentia...
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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
.
Based on observation, record review and staff interview, the facility failed to ensure menus were developed and prepared to meet resident choices including their nutritional needs and preferences fo...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0804
(Tag F0804)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
.
Based on observation and staff interview, the facility failed to provide food at a safe and appetizing temperature. This had the potential to affect more than a limited number of residents. Resident...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0887
(Tag F0887)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
.
Based on record review and staff interview, the facility failed to provide COVID-19 immunization booster to a resident who consented to the immunization. This deficient practice had the potential to...
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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
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** .
Based on medical record review and staff interview, the facility failed to provide evidence a resident's representative was pr...
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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 medical record review and staff interview, the facility failed to provide evidence residents and/or resident represen...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0761
(Tag F0761)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
.
Based on observation and staff interview, the facility failed to ensure medications were stored under proper temperatures, in accordance with current accepted professional practices and manufacturer...
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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** .
Based on observation, record review, and staff interview, the facility failed to establish and maintain an infection preventio...
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Apr 2022
8 deficiencies
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Resident Rights
(Tag F0550)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
.
Based on observation, resident interview, staff interview and facility documentation, the facility failed to remove a sign of personal care from a previous resident's room when discharged and failed...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0578
(Tag F0578)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
.
Based on record review and staff interview, the facility failed to ensure one (1) of 25 residents reviewed during the long-term care survey process had a Physician Orders for Scope of Treatment (POS...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Report Alleged Abuse
(Tag F0609)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
.
Based on review of facility documentation, and staff interview, the facility failed to ensure all allegations involving abuse, neglect, exploitation, or mistreatment, including injuries of unknown s...
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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
.
Based on staff interview and medical record review, the facility failed to develop comprehensive person-centered care plans to meet the psychosocial needs of the residents. Resident (R) #8 and R #31...
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CONCERN
(D)
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 observation and staff interview, the facility failed to provide assistance with eating for a dependent resident. This...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0688
(Tag F0688)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
.
Based on observation and staff interview, the facility failed to provide the services, care and equipment to assure a resident's maintains and/or improves to their highest level of range of motion (...
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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
.
Based on observations and staff interview, the facility failed to ensure a negative air flow in the laundry to prevent contamination of clean linens. This practice had the potential to affect more t...
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CONCERN
(F)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0882
(Tag F0882)
Could have caused harm · This affected most or all residents
.
Based on facility documentation and staff interview, the facility failed to have a certified Infection Preventionist. This failed practice had the potential to affect all residents residing at the f...
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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
- • Grade B+ (80/100). Above average facility, better than most options in West Virginia.
- • No major safety red flags. No abuse findings, life-threatening violations, or SFF status.
- • No fines on record. Clean compliance history, better than most West Virginia facilities.
- • 39% turnover. Below West Virginia's 48% average. Good staff retention means consistent care.
- • 25 deficiencies on record. Higher than average. Multiple issues found across inspections.
About This Facility
What is Braxton Healthcare Center's CMS Rating?
CMS assigns BRAXTON HEALTHCARE CENTER an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars, which is considered much above average nationally. Within West Virginia, this rating places the facility higher than 99% of the state's 100 nursing homes. This rating reflects solid performance across the metrics CMS uses to evaluate nursing home quality.
How is Braxton Healthcare Center Staffed?
CMS rates BRAXTON HEALTHCARE CENTER's staffing level at 3 out of 5 stars, which is average compared to other nursing homes. Staff turnover is 39%, compared to the West Virginia average of 46%. This relatively stable workforce can support continuity of care.
What Have Inspectors Found at Braxton Healthcare Center?
State health inspectors documented 25 deficiencies at BRAXTON HEALTHCARE CENTER during 2022 to 2025. These included: 25 with potential for harm.
Who Owns and Operates Braxton Healthcare Center?
BRAXTON HEALTHCARE 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 COMMUNICARE HEALTH, a chain that manages multiple nursing homes. With 65 certified beds and approximately 63 residents (about 97% occupancy), it is a smaller facility located in SUTTON, West Virginia.
How Does Braxton Healthcare Center Compare to Other West Virginia Nursing Homes?
Compared to the 100 nursing homes in West Virginia, BRAXTON HEALTHCARE CENTER's overall rating (5 stars) is above the state average of 2.7, staff turnover (39%) is near the state average of 46%, and health inspection rating (5 stars) is much above the national benchmark.
What Should Families Ask When Visiting Braxton Healthcare Center?
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 Braxton Healthcare Center Safe?
Based on CMS inspection data, BRAXTON HEALTHCARE 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 5-star overall rating and ranks #1 of 100 nursing homes in West Virginia. While no facility is perfect, families should still ask about staff-to-resident ratios and recent inspection results during their visit.
Do Nurses at Braxton Healthcare Center Stick Around?
BRAXTON HEALTHCARE CENTER has a staff turnover rate of 39%, which is about average for West Virginia 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 Braxton Healthcare Center Ever Fined?
BRAXTON HEALTHCARE 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 Braxton Healthcare Center on Any Federal Watch List?
BRAXTON HEALTHCARE 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.