Above average — CMS composite of the measures below.
A standard survey is most likely before around November 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 Hickory Creek Of Athens during CMS and state inspections, most recent first.
A resident with schizophrenia, COPD, DM, CHF, and HTN developed new right-sided weakness, confusion, and difficulty moving after an unwitnessed fall. An LPN paged the on-call provider multiple times but did not reach the provider and instead waited while also contacting the guardian; 911 was called only after the guardian requested ER transfer. The resident was later diagnosed with an ischemic stroke and was outside the tPA window, with residual deficits including dysphagia, dysarthria, and right hemiparesis.
Unjustified Dementia Medication Use: A resident with multiple medical conditions, including schizoaffective disorder and mild cognitive impairment, was prescribed Olanzapine and Namenda for dementia even though the MDS showed he was cognitively intact and the record did not include a dementia diagnosis. Psychological notes, PASRR documents, and the care plan also did not support dementia, and an RN confirmed the facility could not find documentation justifying the use of the two medications.
A resident with an indwelling urinary catheter and a history of UTIs had his catheter collection bag left on the floor during multiple observations, and staff did not secure it off the floor when delivering his lunch. During catheter care, a CNA washed the resident’s groin, penis, and tubing but dropped the used wash cloths and towel directly onto the floor. An LPN later confirmed the bag should have been secured to the bed frame and noted cloudy urine and bladder pressure.
A facility failed to provide adequate mental health services for a resident at risk of suicide, who had multiple diagnoses including dementia and major depressive disorder. Despite being on one-to-one supervision and having a moderate suicide risk, the resident's bed was not consistently kept in a low position for safety. The facility lacked consistent counseling services, focusing instead on pharmacologic interventions. This deficiency was investigated under Complaint Number OH00155225.
The facility failed to maintain an effective infection prevention and control program, with deficiencies observed in the care of residents requiring enhanced barrier precautions, blood glucose monitoring, and indwelling urinary catheter management. An LPN did not use the required gown and gloves for a resident on enhanced barrier precautions, another LPN improperly cleaned a shared glucometer, and a resident's catheter bag was found resting on the floor, increasing infection risk.
The facility failed to accurately assess the hearing status of two residents, leading to deficiencies in their care. One resident with sensorineural hearing loss was documented as having adequate hearing in MDS assessments, despite needing high television volume and hearing aids. Another resident reported hearing difficulties and ear pain, yet was also inaccurately assessed as having adequate hearing. Staff confirmed the residents' hearing issues and the need for adjusted communication methods.
The facility failed to maintain accurate PASRR documents for two residents, leading to discrepancies between the residents' actual diagnoses and those listed in their PASRR documents. One resident's document incorrectly included a psychotic disorder, while another's listed several disorders not present in her current diagnoses. These inaccuracies were confirmed by a Corporate RN.
A resident with bilateral sensorineural hearing loss was found to have an inadequate care plan that failed to address her communication needs. Despite assessments indicating moderate difficulty hearing, the care plan lacked specific interventions to assist staff, and observations showed the resident struggled with hearing, as evidenced by her high television volume. MDS Nurse confirmed the insufficiency of the care plan and suggested a communication board, which was not included.
The facility failed to provide necessary hearing services and devices to two residents. One resident experienced hearing difficulties and pain without receiving a proper evaluation or treatment, while another resident with sensorineural hearing loss faced delays in receiving hearing aids due to insurance and billing issues. Staff interviews and observations confirmed the residents' hearing challenges.
The facility failed to implement fall prevention interventions for two residents at risk for falls. One resident's bed was not in its lowest position, contrary to their care plan, and the bed control was within reach, potentially allowing the resident to raise the bed. Another resident's pressure-sensitive alarm was not plugged in, making it ineffective. These lapses indicate a failure to adhere to the facility's fall management policy.
A resident with multiple diagnoses was prescribed Rifaximin since 2020, but monthly pharmacy reviews lacked documentation questioning its use. Interviews confirmed no pharmacy recommendations were made, despite the facility's Antibiotic Stewardship Program designed to monitor antibiotic use.
A resident was prescribed Rifaximin without adequate justification or monitoring. Despite being cognitively intact and having multiple diagnoses, there was no evidence of laboratory services or documentation to support the antibiotic's use. Interviews with the DON and a Corporate Nurse confirmed the lack of necessary physician notes and orders, violating the facility's Antibiotic Stewardship Program.
Delayed provider contact during acute stroke symptoms
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure a resident with a significant change in condition received appropriate and timely consultation with the on-call advanced level provider for transfer to the hospital for evaluation. Resident #36 had diagnoses including paranoid schizophrenia, COPD, diabetes mellitus, CHF, and hypertension, and his quarterly MDS showed severe cognitive impairment with supervision or touching assistance needed for bed mobility and transfers. Therapy notes before the event described him as able to ambulate short distances with supervision or touching assistance and did not document upper extremity weakness or limited mobility. On the night of the event, nursing documentation showed the resident developed right-sided weakness, including inability to fully lift his right arm and dragging of his right leg while being wheeled in his wheelchair. The nurse documented confusion and continued neurological assessments showing right arm and leg weakness. The on-call physician was paged multiple times, but the nurse did not receive a return call. The nurse also contacted the resident’s legal guardian, who requested that the resident be sent to the ER for evaluation, and 911 was then called. Hospital records showed the resident had been reported as having an unwitnessed fall earlier that evening, with neurological deficits noticed later. He was admitted for CVA/TIA evaluation and was not a candidate for tPA because he was outside the treatment window. MRI confirmed an acute ischemic infarction in the left corona radiata. The discharge summary listed ischemic stroke with dysphagia, dysarthria, and right hemiparesis, and the resident returned to the facility after several days in the hospital with residual effects from the stroke.
Unjustified Dementia Medication Use
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide proper justification for the use of medication for dementia for one resident. Resident #3 was admitted with multiple diagnoses including acute kidney failure, COPD, type II diabetes, morbid obesity, chronic respiratory failure, dysphagia, CHF, schizoaffective disorder, atrial fibrillation, anxiety disorder, mild cognitive impairment, and other conditions. His MDS assessment dated 06/30/25 indicated he was cognitively intact, and his current diagnoses dated 08/06/25 did not include dementia. His current physician orders included Olanzapine 5 mg and Namenda 10 mg twice daily, both identified in the record as medications for dementia. Review of the resident’s psychological notes showed a dementia screening on 10/09/23 that noted dementia symptoms, but no diagnosis of dementia was given, and notes dated 04/28/25 also showed no diagnosis of dementia. The resident’s PASRR documents dated 04/10/25 and 08/06/25 indicated he did not have dementia, and his current care plan dated 08/05/25 contained no care plan for dementia or dementia care. Corporate Nurse #122 confirmed on 08/07/25 that the facility could not find when dementia was added to the resident’s diagnoses or care, and could not provide documentation to support the justification for the use of the two dementia-related medications.
Infection Control Failure During Indwelling Catheter Care
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure indwelling urinary catheter care was provided in accordance with acceptable infection control practices for one resident with an indwelling catheter and a history of urinary tract infections. The resident had diagnoses including neuromuscular dysfunction of the bladder, benign prostatic hyperplasia with lower urinary tract symptoms, and urinary retention, and had an order for an 18 French indwelling urinary catheter with catheter care every shift. His care plan identified risk for altered elimination related to a history of UTIs, indwelling catheter use, and urinary retention, and included catheter care every shift and as needed, along with monitoring for signs and symptoms of UTI. During observation, the resident’s catheter collection bag was found lying on the floor next to the bed, with the back of the bag in direct contact with the tiled floor. The bag remained on the floor during a later observation while the resident was sitting up in bed eating lunch. The resident stated staff had brought his lunch in and had not secured the catheter bag off the floor. An LPN later confirmed the bag should have been secured to the side of the bed and acknowledged that the urine in the tubing appeared cloudy and that the resident reported pressure in the bladder area. The resident also had a recent antibiotic history that included treatment for sepsis, UTI, and bacteremia. During observed catheter care, the CNA washed the resident’s groin, penis, and catheter tubing, but then dropped the used wash cloths directly onto the floor at the bedside instead of placing them in a bag or other proper receptacle. The CNA confirmed she had no plastic bag available and admitted she threw the used wash cloths and towel onto the floor. She also confirmed she had delivered the resident’s lunch tray earlier and saw the catheter bag on the floor but did not secure it because she was passing trays to other residents. Facility policy stated staff were to use appropriate infection control practices regarding hand washing, catheter care, tubing, and the collection bag, and that catheters must be anchored to avoid excessive tugging during transfers and care.
Failure to Provide Adequate Mental Health Services for Suicidal Resident
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide continued mental health services and implement necessary interventions for a resident at risk of suicide. Resident #24, who was admitted with multiple diagnoses including dementia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder, exhibited suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Despite being placed on one-to-one supervision and having a Columbia Suicide Risk Assessment indicating moderate risk, the facility did not ensure consistent implementation of interventions such as maintaining the resident's bed in a low position for safety. The resident experienced worsening symptoms of agitation and restlessness, leading to a psychiatric evaluation at the emergency room. Upon return to the facility, the resident continued to be on one-to-one supervision, but there was a lack of consistent counseling services. Interviews revealed that the facility had previously had a counselor who was no longer available, and the facility was in the process of switching psychiatric service providers. Observations and interviews indicated that the resident's bed was not consistently kept in a low position, contrary to the physician's orders. Additionally, the facility's staff, including the Director of Nursing and Regional Nurse, acknowledged the absence of counseling services and the focus on pharmacologic interventions without exploring therapeutic interventions. This deficiency was investigated under Complaint Number OH00155225.
Infection Control Deficiencies in LTC Facility
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain an effective infection prevention and control program, as evidenced by several deficiencies observed during the survey. One incident involved a resident on enhanced barrier precautions due to multidrug-resistant organisms. A Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) administered medication through the resident's gastrostomy tube without wearing the required gown and gloves, despite a sign on the door indicating the need for such precautions. The facility's policy clearly stated the necessity of gown and glove use during high-contact resident care activities, which the LPN acknowledged failing to follow. Another deficiency was noted during a blood glucose check for a resident with diabetes. The LPN used an alcohol prep pad to clean the glucometer instead of the required bleach disinfectant wipe, as per the facility's policy. The glucometer was used for multiple residents, increasing the risk of cross-contamination. The LPN admitted to not following the correct procedure and subsequently used a bleach disinfectant wipe, but only after being prompted by the surveyor. A third issue involved a resident with an indwelling urinary catheter. The catheter's collection bag was observed resting on the floor, contrary to the care plan's instructions to keep it below the bladder level and off the floor to prevent backflow and infection. The LPN confirmed the improper placement of the collection bag and acknowledged the increased risk of urinary tract infections due to the bag's contact with the floor. The facility's policy emphasized appropriate infection control practices, which were not adhered to in this instance.
Inaccurate Hearing Assessments for Residents
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to conduct accurate assessments of hearing status for two residents, leading to deficiencies in their care. Resident #37, diagnosed with bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, was documented in the Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessments as having adequate hearing, despite observations and interviews indicating significant hearing difficulties. The resident was observed with a television volume set very high, and both the resident and a social service designee confirmed the need for hearing aids, contradicting the MDS assessments. Similarly, Resident #3, who reported difficulty hearing and ear pain since admission, was also inaccurately assessed in the MDS as having adequate hearing. Observations and interviews with the resident and staff revealed that the resident struggled to hear conversations and required the television volume to be turned up loudly. Staff confirmed the resident's hearing issues and the need to adjust communication methods, such as raising voices and using gestures, to facilitate understanding. The inaccuracies in the MDS assessments for both residents were confirmed by the social service designee.
Inaccurate PASRR Documentation for Two Residents
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that the Pre-Admission Screening and Resident Review (PASRR) documents accurately reflected the current conditions and diagnoses of two residents. Resident #45, who was admitted with diagnoses including COPD, congestive heart failure, and bipolar disorder, was found to have an inaccurate PASRR document. The document incorrectly listed a psychotic disorder, which was not present in her actual diagnoses list. This discrepancy was identified during a review of her Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessment and PASRR document. Similarly, Resident #46's PASRR document contained inaccuracies. Despite being admitted with conditions such as dementia, COPD, and Alzheimer's disease, her PASRR document incorrectly included diagnoses like anxiety disorder and mood disorder, which were not part of her current diagnoses list. Additionally, several diagnoses had been resolved and removed from her list, yet were still inaccurately reflected in the PASRR document. The Corporate Registered Nurse confirmed these inaccuracies and acknowledged that the PASRR documents did not accurately reflect the residents' diagnoses following significant changes.
Inadequate Care Plan for Resident with Hearing Loss
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to develop a comprehensive care plan addressing the hearing status of a resident diagnosed with bilateral sensorineural hearing loss. The resident, admitted on an unspecified date, was noted to have moderate difficulty hearing without a hearing aid according to the annual Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessment completed in July 2023. Subsequent MDS assessments in October 2023 and April 2024 inaccurately indicated the resident had adequate hearing. Observations and interviews conducted in June 2024 revealed the resident struggled significantly with hearing, as evidenced by the high volume of her television and her own admission of worsening hearing. The care plan dated May 2023 acknowledged the resident's sensorineural hearing loss and included interventions such as encouraging non-verbal communication and providing reassurance. However, these interventions were deemed insufficient by MDS Nurse #163, who confirmed that the care plan lacked specific strategies to assist staff in communicating with the resident. The nurse also admitted to not understanding the meaning of encouraging non-verbal communication and suggested that a communication board could be beneficial, though it was not included in the care plan.
Failure to Provide Hearing Services and Devices
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that residents received proper treatment and assistive devices to maintain their hearing abilities, affecting two residents. Resident #3, who was admitted with intact cognition, reported difficulty hearing and pain in the right ear since admission. Despite a care plan indicating a referral to audiology, there was no evidence of a hearing evaluation, and the issue was not addressed in a consultation report. Interviews with staff confirmed the resident's hearing difficulties, and observations noted the resident's need to turn up the television volume significantly. The social service designee acknowledged the lack of evaluation and the audiology company's awareness of the resident's hearing loss. Resident #37, diagnosed with bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, was also affected. Despite a care plan for audiology services, the resident was observed to have significant hearing difficulties and was waiting for hearing aids. Audiology consult reports indicated delays and issues with insurance approval for hearing aids. The social service designee reported billing issues and conflicting information from the audiology consultants, with the resident's insurance status changing from an HMO to Medicaid, complicating the process. The resident had not received the necessary hearing aids, despite being informed they would be provided.
Failure to Implement Fall Prevention Interventions
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to implement fall prevention interventions for residents at risk for falls, as outlined in their care plans. Resident #18, who had multiple diagnoses including Parkinson's disease and dementia, was observed on two occasions with his bed not in its lowest position, contrary to his care plan. The resident had cognitive impairment and poor safety awareness, and the bed control was within his reach, which could have contributed to the bed being raised. A registered nurse confirmed the bed should have been in its lowest position and that the bed control should not have been accessible to the resident. Resident #28, who had a history of falls and was at risk due to medications causing dizziness and sedation, was observed with a pressure-sensitive alarm (PSA) that was not plugged into the alarm box, rendering it ineffective. The resident's care plan required the PSA to be checked every shift, but during the observation, the alarm was not functional. A state-tested nursing assistant confirmed the PSA was not working and was unsure how it became unplugged, indicating a lapse in ensuring the alarm was operational. The facility's policy on Fall Management emphasized the importance of a comprehensive, interdisciplinary process for fall risk assessment and intervention implementation. However, the observations and interviews revealed that the facility did not adhere to these protocols, resulting in deficiencies in fall prevention measures for the residents involved.
Failure in Pharmacy Review of Antibiotic Use
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to adequately review all medications for proper justification through pharmacy monthly reviews, affecting one resident. Resident #12, who was admitted with multiple diagnoses including type II diabetes, hemiplegia, COPD, and epilepsy, was prescribed Rifaximin, an antibiotic, since December 2020. Despite the ongoing prescription, the monthly pharmacy reviews from June 2023 to May 2024 lacked documentation questioning the diagnosis, duration, or testing related to the use of Rifaximin. Interviews with the Director of Nursing and Corporate Nurse confirmed the absence of documentation or recommendations from the pharmacy regarding the prolonged use of Rifaximin for Resident #12. The facility's Antibiotic Stewardship Program, which involves the medical director, consultant pharmacist, and attending physicians, is designed to monitor antibiotic use, but it appears this system was not effectively implemented in this case, as evidenced by the lack of pharmacy intervention or inquiry into the resident's antibiotic regimen.
Inadequate Justification and Monitoring of Antibiotic Use
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide adequate justification and monitoring for the use of the antibiotic Rifaximin for a resident. The resident, who was cognitively intact, had a range of diagnoses including type II diabetes, hemiplegia, chronic bronchitis, COPD, and others. Despite being prescribed Rifaximin since December 2020, there was no evidence of laboratory services ordered or completed to monitor its effectiveness and necessity. Additionally, there was no documentation in the resident's progress notes, care plan, or diagnoses list to justify the use of this antibiotic. Interviews with the Director of Nursing and a Corporate Nurse confirmed that an order was received to add liver disease to the resident's diagnoses list to justify the use of Rifaximin. However, they acknowledged the absence of physician notes, orders, and laboratory services to support the antibiotic's use. The facility's Antibiotic Stewardship Program, which outlines the need for specific prescriptions and reassessment of antibiotics, was not adhered to in this case, as there was no proper documentation or monitoring of the antibiotic's use.
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Illustrative
What surveyors actually found near you
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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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Illustrative
Risk indicators are statistical estimates from public CMS data — not predictions, findings, or compliance advice.
Nursing homes near The Plains
How nearby facilities compare on the same public inspection record.
| Facility | Distance | Overall rating | Citations, 12 mo | Serious (J–L) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Laurels Of Athens, The | 1.9 mi | ★★★★★ | 17 | 1 |
| Kimes Nursing And Rehab Llc | 4.2 mi | ★★★★★ | 11 | 1 |
| Embassy Of Logan | 18.8 mi | ★★★★★ | 12 | 0 |
| Maple Hills Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation | 19.4 mi | ★★★★★ | 2 | 0 |
| Arbors At Pomeroy | 19.6 mi | ★★★★★ | 0 | 0 |
Every risk area ranked, a do-first checklist, and your local survey patterns
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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.