Above average — CMS composite of the measures below.
The next survey window likely opens around December 2026
Estimate from public CMS data, current as of July 2026. Survey timing is at the state agency's discretion.
Citation history
Health deficiencies cited at Life Care Center Of Valparaiso during CMS and state inspections, most recent first.
A resident with respiratory failure and dysphagia had ordered oral suctioning that was observed in the room but not documented in the treatment record. Another resident with HTN and severe cognitive impairment missed clonidine doses and received doses outside ordered BP parameters without required BP documentation. Two residents also had incomplete wound and skin monitoring, including a right shin wound without updated measurements and persistent hand/forearm discoloration that was not reflected on the weekly skin assessment.
Failure to Assess and Order Self-Administration of Medication: A cognitively intact resident had pharmacy-labeled nystatin powder at the bedside, but the record contained no self-administration assessment and no MD order allowing self-administration. Staff were responsible for storing and administering all medications, while the physician's order only directed topical application of the antifungal medication.
Improper Oxygen Administration and Equipment Use: A resident with acute and chronic respiratory failure and COPD was observed receiving oxygen inconsistently with the MD order. The resident was seen on one occasion with oxygen running at 6 L/min and an empty humidifier container, and on another occasion with the nasal cannula placed in only one nostril while the portable concentrator was running at 5 L/min. The care plan directed staff to provide oxygen per physician orders, and the DON had no further information.
A resident with a fractured femur neck, dementia, and a history of falls received PRN hydrocodone/acetaminophen multiple times for pain, but the MAR showed non-medication interventions were documented only once before administration across two months. A physician order required two non-pharmacological interventions before giving PRN pain medication, and the DON stated such interventions should be documented but were not documented in one month and had not been reviewed in the other.
Infection control practices were not maintained when an RN entered a droplet/contact isolation room for two residents with COVID-19 without eye protection, despite wearing other PPE. In a separate observation, an LPN handled a resident’s Tums and atenolol with bare hands during medication preparation before administering them to the resident.
A facility failed to develop a comprehensive care plan for a resident with MDROs, including ESBL and VRE. Despite a physician's order for Enhanced Barrier Precautions every shift, no care plan was in place. The resident was cognitively intact and dependent on staff for assistance. The Infection Prevention Nurse acknowledged the absence of a necessary care plan, which had been discontinued after antibiotic treatment ended.
The facility failed to update and implement care plans for two residents. One resident, on antiplatelet medication, had unexplained skin discolorations not documented in the care plan. Another resident had a recurring cancerous skin lesion treated with cream, but the care plan did not reflect this condition or treatment.
The facility failed to document and monitor skin conditions for two residents. One resident with spontaneous echymosis had undocumentated skin discolorations despite being on antiplatelet medication. Another resident had a skin lesion that was inconsistently documented, despite receiving treatment. The Director of Nursing acknowledged the lack of documentation for these conditions.
The facility failed to apply palm protectors as ordered for two residents with contractures. One resident was observed without protectors on her contracted hand, despite orders for their use, and no documentation indicated she couldn't tolerate them. Another resident, with a left hand contracture, was also seen without protectors, despite orders and no notes on intolerance. The DON was unsure when protectors were removed, highlighting inconsistent care.
A resident with severe cognitive impairment and a suprapubic catheter was found with the catheter tubing and collection bag lying on the floor, contrary to facility policy. The resident's care plan required staff to manage the catheter, including keeping the bag off the floor and below the bladder level. Despite these instructions, the facility failed to adhere to the care plan, as confirmed by the DON.
The facility failed to sanitize a glucometer between uses for two residents, contrary to policy, and did not implement Enhanced Barrier Precautions for a resident with Multi-Drug Resistant Organisms. The RN acknowledged the oversight, and the IP Nurse was unaware that EBP was not in place for the correct resident.
Failure to follow ordered treatments, medication parameters, and skin monitoring
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure oral suctioning was completed and documented as ordered for a resident with acute and chronic respiratory failure, dysphagia, and congestive heart failure. The resident had an order for oral suctioning every 4 hours as needed for increased secretions and was permitted to suction himself, but the treatment record for November and December 2025 did not document any PRN oral suctioning by staff or self-suctioning by the resident. The resident was observed with the suction machine in his room on multiple occasions, including times when no staff were present, and the DON stated the resident needed to be assessed for self-suctioning and acknowledged there was nothing documented in the treatment record related to suctioning as needed. The facility also failed to administer clonidine as ordered for a resident with hypertension and severe cognitive impairment. The physician ordered clonidine 0.1 mg twice daily with instructions to hold the medication if systolic blood pressure was below 110. The MAR showed multiple doses were not given and no blood pressure was documented at the scheduled times on several dates, and other doses were administered when the recorded blood pressure was below the ordered parameter. The DON stated she had no further information to provide. In addition, the facility failed to complete wound assessments and monitor skin discolorations for two residents. One resident had open wounds to the right shin with a physician order for daily wound care, but the weekly skin integrity records did not consistently document the right shin area and there were no updated measurements in the record. The DON stated the wounds had healed at one time and reopened, and that assessments with measurements should have been completed to determine whether the wound improved. Another resident had scattered purplish-blue discolorations on the left hand and forearm, but the weekly skin integrity assessment indicated no skin integrity concerns, and the DON stated the bandage was from a blood draw and had no further information.
Failure to Assess and Order Self-Administration of Medication
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that a resident was assessed for self-administration of medications and did not have a physician's order permitting self-administration. Resident 55 was observed sitting in a wheelchair in her room with a plastic bag labeled by the facility's pharmacy on her overbed table. The bag contained two bottles of nystatin powder, an antifungal medication. The resident stated the powder was used for a rash under her right breast that she would get from time to time, and staff were responsible for storing and administering all of her medications. The resident's record showed diagnoses including type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia, and the admission MDS dated 12/1/25 indicated she was cognitively intact. A physician's order dated 11/29/25 directed nystatin powder to be applied to the groin and folds topically every day and evening shift, but there was no order allowing the resident to self-administer the medication. The record also lacked any self-administration of medication assessments. During interview, the DON was made aware of the medications at the resident's bedside.
Improper Oxygen Administration and Equipment Use
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure proper respiratory care for Resident 67 by not following the physician’s oxygen orders. Resident 67 had diagnoses including acute and chronic respiratory failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. A physician’s order dated 7/15/25 directed oxygen at 5 liters per minute continuously via nasal cannula every shift and required oxygen tubing, nebulizer circuit, and humidifier bottle changes every night shift every Sunday and as needed. During observation on 12/29/25, the resident was in bed with a nasal cannula connected to a concentrator running at 6 liters per minute, and the humidifier container was empty. During a later observation on 1/2/26, the resident was in a wheelchair with a nasal cannula placed in only one nostril while connected to a portable concentrator running at 5 liters per minute. The care plan identified oxygen therapy and directed staff to give oxygen per physician’s orders. The DON was notified of the concern during interview and had no further information to provide.
Failure to Document Non-Pharmacological Interventions Before PRN Pain Medication
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure a resident’s drug regimen was free from unnecessary drugs when hydrocodone/acetaminophen was administered without documented non-pharmacological interventions before use. Resident 93 had diagnoses including displaced fracture of the right femur neck, history of falling, and dementia. The Quarterly MDS dated 12/5/25 indicated moderate cognitive impairment and use of opioid pain medications. A physician’s order dated 6/29/25 authorized hydrocodone 5 mg/acetaminophen 325 mg every 6 hours as needed for pain, and a later order dated 10/17/25 required documentation of two non-medication interventions before giving PRN pain medication, such as heat, music, cold, gentle range of motion, positioning, TENS, massage, support group, meditation, or rest. The November 2025 MAR showed the resident received hydrocodone/acetaminophen 21 times, and the December 2025 MAR showed nine administrations. Only one day in November and December had non-medication interventions documented before the medication was given. During interview, the DON stated non-pharmacological interventions should be documented and acknowledged there were none documented in December, and she had not reviewed November’s MAR. The facility’s Pain Management Policy stated the facility would address and treat the underlying causes of pain, to the extent possible, by developing and implementing both non-pharmacological and pharmacological interventions/approaches to pain management.
Infection Control Lapses During COVID-19 Isolation and Medication Administration
Penalty
Summary
Infection prevention and control practices were not maintained for two residents with COVID-19 isolation precautions. On 12/30/25, RN 1 was observed providing care to Resident 88 in a room marked for droplet/contact isolation while wearing a gown, gloves, and an N95 mask, but no eye protection. Resident 88 had been sent to the hospital, tested positive for COVID-19 there, and returned to the facility the same day. Resident 55, who also resided in the same room, tested positive for COVID-19 at the facility on 12/26/25. During interview, the Infection Preventionist stated eye protection should have been used in the contact/droplet isolation room. In a separate observation, infection control practices were not maintained during medication administration for Resident 53. During medication preparation, an LPN poured Tums into her hand and then into a medication cup, and when an atenolol tablet fell onto the medication cart, she picked it up with her bare hands and placed it in the cup before taking the medications into the resident's room. The DON was informed that the LPN had touched the medications with bare hands.
Lack of Comprehensive Care Plan for Resident with MDROs
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to develop and implement a comprehensive care plan for a resident with a history of multi-drug resistant organisms (MDROs). The resident, who was cognitively intact and dependent on staff for toileting and transfer assistance, had diagnoses including congestive heart failure, a healing tibia fracture, and hypertension. A physician's order required the resident to be on Enhanced Barrier Precautions (EBP) due to the presence of extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) and vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) every shift. However, there was no care plan in place addressing the EBP or MDROs. The Infection Prevention Nurse confirmed that a care plan should have been in place, noting that a previous care plan had been discontinued when the resident was no longer on antibiotics.
Failure to Update and Implement Care Plans for Residents
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure care plans were implemented and updated for two residents. Resident 21, who was cognitively impaired and on antiplatelet medication, was observed with multiple small circular purple discolorations on her left outer forearm on several occasions. Despite these observations, the care plan did not include documentation related to the diagnosis of spontaneous ecchymosis or the skin discolorations. The care plan was last updated on 9/4/24 and 11/29/23, but lacked relevant information regarding the resident's condition, even though the resident was at risk for abnormal bruising and bleeding due to anticoagulant therapy. Resident 14, who was cognitively intact, had a cancerous skin lesion on her left upper arm that had been treated previously but had returned. The resident reported that staff applied a cream to the lesion twice daily. However, the care plan did not reflect the presence of the skin lesion or its treatment, despite the lesion being present before the resident's arrival at the facility. The care plan, dated 5/29/24, only addressed the risk for skin integrity issues related to other conditions, but not the specific lesion on the left upper arm.
Failure to Document and Monitor Skin Conditions
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that residents received necessary treatment and services for non-pressure related skin conditions. Resident 21, who was diagnosed with spontaneous echymosis, Alzheimer's disease, and chronic kidney disease, was observed multiple times with purple discolorations on her left forearm. Despite being on antiplatelet medication, there was no documentation in her care plan regarding the spontaneous echymosis or the skin discolorations. The facility's records, including the Weekly Skin Integrity Data Collection assessments, lacked documentation of these skin issues, and the Director of Nursing later updated the care plan to include the diagnosis. Resident 14, who had a history of acute kidney failure, respiratory failure, and heart failure, reported having a skin lesion on her left upper arm. Despite receiving treatment with a steroid cream, the lesion was not consistently documented in the facility's records. The Weekly Skin Integrity Data Collection assessments failed to consistently note the presence of the lesion, and there was no care plan addressing this skin condition. The Director of Nursing acknowledged that the lesion should have been documented as an abnormal skin condition, but it was not consistently recorded by the nursing staff.
Failure to Apply Palm Protectors for Residents with Contractures
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that palm protectors and/or splints were in place as ordered for two residents with contractures. Resident 56 was observed multiple times without palm protectors on her contracted right hand, despite a physician's order requiring them to be applied to both hands every shift. The resident's record indicated significant cognitive impairment and dependency on staff for mobility and other activities. There were no progress notes indicating that the resident was unable to tolerate the palm protectors, and a CNA mentioned that the protectors were at the laundry, suggesting a lapse in ensuring the resident's needs were met. Similarly, Resident 40 was observed without palm protectors on either hand, despite having a left hand contracture and a physician's order for protectors to be worn as tolerated. The resident's record showed moderate cognitive impairment and a need for staff assistance with all activities of daily living. The Medication and Treatment Administration Records indicated compliance with the order, except for one documented refusal. However, there was no documentation in the progress notes about the resident's inability to tolerate the protectors. The Director of Nursing was unsure when the protectors had been removed, indicating a lack of consistent monitoring and adherence to the care plan.
Improper Management of Suprapubic Catheter
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure proper management of an indwelling suprapubic catheter for a resident, leading to a deficiency. The resident, who was observed multiple times on a specific day, had her catheter tubing and collection bag lying on the floor, uncovered and visible from the doorway. This was contrary to the facility's policy, which required the catheter bag to be kept off the floor and below the level of the bladder to maintain unobstructed urine flow. The resident involved had diagnoses including intellectual disabilities and epilepsy, and was severely cognitively impaired, requiring staff assistance for daily care. Her care plan indicated dependency on staff for catheter management, with specific instructions for catheter care every shift and proper positioning of the catheter bag. Despite these instructions, the catheter bag was not managed according to the care plan, as confirmed by the Director of Nursing, who had no further information to provide.
Infection Control Deficiencies in Glucometer Use and EBP Implementation
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to implement proper infection control measures concerning the use of a glucometer for multiple residents. During an observation, a registered nurse (RN) was seen using a glucometer to check the blood sugar of Resident 14 and did not sanitize the device afterward. The RN then proceeded to use the same unsanitized glucometer for another resident, Resident 61, before being stopped and reminded to clean it. The RN acknowledged the oversight and cleaned the glucometer with an alcohol prep pad before continuing. The facility's policy requires the glucometer to be cleaned and disinfected after each use to prevent the transmission of bloodborne pathogens. Additionally, the facility did not adhere to infection control protocols for a resident with a Multi-Drug Resistant Organism. Resident 71, who had diagnoses including ESBL and VRE, was supposed to be on Enhanced Barrier Precautions (EBP) as per a physician's order. However, there was no signage or Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) present to indicate these precautions were in place. The Infection Prevention (IP) Nurse was aware of the EBP order but mistakenly believed the precautions were implemented, later discovering they were applied to the wrong room.
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Resident with a documented fall history left unattended on the patio; found on the ground with a hip fracture.
Walk-in cooler logs missing for 12 days; expired supplements in the medication room fridge.
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Nursing homes near Valparaiso
How nearby facilities compare on the same public inspection record.
| Facility | Distance | Overall rating | Citations, 12 mo | Serious (J–L) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Valparaiso Care & Rehabilitation | 1 mi | ★★★★★ | 28 | 0 |
| Life Care Center Of The Willows | 1.9 mi | ★★★★★ | 40 | 0 |
| Avalon Springs Health Campus | 2.1 mi | ★★★★★ | 14 | 0 |
| Brickyard Healthcare - Valparaiso Care Center | 3.1 mi | ★★★★★ | 1 | 0 |
| Ignite Medical Resort Chesterton | 5.6 mi | ★★★★★ | 27 | 0 |
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Trusted data, never guesswork. Every citation, penalty, rating and Plan of Correction on this page is sourced from public CMS records (latest release July 2026) and official state health department websites.