facebook tracking University Heights Care Center, Aurora CO: CMS Ratings
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University Heights Care Center

All states › Colorado › Aurora › University Heights Care Center

656 Dillon Way Aurora, CO 80011 · Arapahoe County

(303) 344-0636

All 11 nursing homes in Aurora, CO (8 take Medicaid)

Cited for abuse Accepts Medicare Accepts Medicaid 105 certified beds For profit

CMS certification number 065337 · See this home on Medicare Care Compare

CMS abuse icon CMS marks this nursing home with its abuse icon. CMS shows the icon for homes with abuse citations in recent inspections: an abuse citation where residents were harmed (scope and severity G or higher) within the past year, or abuse citations at D or higher (potential for harm) in each of the last two years. Shown as of October 2026. Details on Care Compare.

Ratings come from CMS and are updated monthly; these are from October 2026. Check the latest inspection report and visit in person before you decide.

Is University Heights Care Center a good nursing home? Reviews, ratings and inspection record

There are no official resident reviews of nursing homes: Medicare's Care Compare publishes inspections, staffing and quality data instead. Here is what that record shows for University Heights Care Center as of October 2026.

CMS rates it 2 out of 5 stars overall, below the Colorado average of 3.1. Inspectors issued 48 citations in the last three years. CMS reports no fines or payment denials in that time. CMS currently shows its abuse icon for this home (see above).

Online reviews from families and residents are on Google Maps and other sites; they reflect individual experiences and aren't checked by CMS. The full inspection reports, including what inspectors observed, are on Medicare Care Compare.

Staffing

Nursing staff spend about 3.07 hours per resident per day at University Heights Care Center, below the Colorado median of 3.47 (US median: 3.72). About 0.85 of those hours are from registered nurses. On weekends it falls to 2.62 hours, 15% below its all-week average. 30.7% of nursing staff left within a year (Colorado median 46.6%). That is lower than most homes in Colorado, a sign of a steadier team.

Nursing care per resident per day 3.07 hours
Below the Colorado median of 3.47 Registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and aides combined, from payroll records.
Registered nurse hours 0.85 per resident a day RNs handle assessments, medications and changes in condition.
Weekend nursing care 2.62 hours Per resident a day. A big drop from weekdays can mean thin weekend staffing.
Nursing staff turnover 30.7% a year Share of nursing staff who left over a year. Lower usually means steadier care.
Registered nurse turnover 26.7% a year Share of registered nurses who left over a year.
Administrators who left 0 in the past year Frequent leadership changes are worth asking about on a visit.

About this nursing home

Certified beds105
Residents per day 90 About 86% of beds filled, on average
OwnershipFor profit - Corporation
Payment acceptedMedicare and Medicaid
Certified sinceMarch 1995
Part of a chainLong Peak Operating Company
Legal business nameUNIVERSITY HEIGHTS CARE CENTER LLC

Paying for care at University Heights Care Center: Medicare and Medicaid

University Heights Care Center is certified for both Medicare and Medicaid. Medicare Part A can cover a short skilled-nursing or rehab stay here after a qualifying hospital stay of at least three inpatient days (observation days don't count), for up to 100 days per benefit period. Medicaid can pay for long-term care for residents who meet Colorado's income and asset rules. Being certified doesn't guarantee a Medicaid bed is open, so ask whether the home accepts residents whose Medicaid application is still pending.

In 2026 Medicare covers days 1–20 in full after the Part A deductible ($1,736 per benefit period); for days 21–100 you pay $217 a day; after day 100 you pay all costs. Medicare doesn't pay for long-term custodial care. Medicare's coverage rules.

Health inspections

The most recent standard inspection was on August 7, 2025 and found 11 deficiencies, plus 3 from complaint inspections in the same period. In total, inspectors issued 48 citations in the last three years.

Each citation has a scope and severity letter from A to L. A–C: potential for minimal harm. D–F: potential for more than minimal harm. G–I: actual harm. J–L: immediate jeopardy to resident health or safety.

What the inspections found

Over the last three years, inspectors issued 48 citations at University Heights Care Center across 5 inspection dates, 6 of them from complaint investigations. 2 were at the actual-harm level (G–I), most recently on September 29, 2022. The most common areas cited were quality of life and care (17) and nutrition and dietary (7). The most serious was cited under the CMS rule to "provide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing" (tag F0686, level G, September 29, 2022). 4 citations were under CMS's abuse, neglect and exploitation rules.

December 16, 2025 · 3 citations · includes complaint inspection

FMake sure there is a pest control program to prevent/deal with mice, insects, or other pests.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Environmental Deficiencies · Tag F0925 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Dec 17, 2025)

DProtect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · Tag F0600 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Dec 17, 2025)

DRespond appropriately to all alleged violations.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · Tag F0610 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Dec 17, 2025)

August 7, 2025 · 11 citations

FProvide and implement an infection prevention and control program.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0880 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Aug 28, 2025)

DEnsure that residents are fully informed and understand their health status, care and treatments.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0552 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Aug 28, 2025)

DEnsure residents do not lose the ability to perform activities of daily living unless there is a medical reason.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0676 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Aug 28, 2025)

DProvide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0677 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Aug 28, 2025)

DProvide activities to meet all resident's needs.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0679 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Aug 28, 2025)

DProvide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0686 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Aug 28, 2025)

DProvide appropriate care for residents who are continent or incontinent of bowel/bladder, appropriate catheter care, and appropriate care to prevent urinary tract infections.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0690 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Aug 28, 2025)

DProvide care or services that was trauma informed and/or culturally competent.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0699 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Aug 28, 2025)

DEnsure that residents are free from significant medication errors.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0760 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Aug 28, 2025)

DEnsure drugs and biologicals used in the facility are labeled in accordance with currently accepted professional principles; and all drugs and biologicals must be stored in locked compartments, separately locked, compartments for controlled drugs.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0761 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Aug 28, 2025)

DArrange for the provision of hospice services or assist the resident in transferring to a facility that will arrange for the provision of hospice services.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Administration Deficiencies · Tag F0849 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Aug 28, 2025)

March 26, 2025 · 3 citations · includes complaint inspection

EProtect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · Tag F0600 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 27, 2025)

DEnsure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0689 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 27, 2025)

DProvide the appropriate treatment and services to a resident who displays or is diagnosed with dementia.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0744 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 27, 2025)

January 24, 2024 · 17 citations

FProcure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · Tag F0812 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 25, 2024)

FDispose of garbage and refuse properly.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · Tag F0814 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 25, 2024)

FConduct and document a facility-wide assessment to determine what resources are necessary to care for residents competently during both day-to-day operations (including nights and weekends) and emergencies.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Administration Deficiencies · Tag F0838 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 25, 2024)

FSet up an ongoing quality assessment and assurance group to review quality deficiencies and develop corrective plans of action.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Administration Deficiencies · Tag F0867 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 25, 2024)

FProvide and implement an infection prevention and control program.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0880 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 25, 2024)

FDevelop and implement policies and procedures for flu and pneumonia vaccinations.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0883 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 25, 2024)

EHonor the resident's right to a safe, clean, comfortable and homelike environment, including but not limited to receiving treatment and supports for daily living safely.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0584 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 25, 2024)

EEnsure menus must meet the nutritional needs of residents, be prepared in advance, be followed, be updated, be reviewed by dietician, and meet the needs of the resident.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · Tag F0803 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 25, 2024)

EEnsure food and drink is palatable, attractive, and at a safe and appetizing temperature.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · Tag F0804 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 25, 2024)

EEnsure each resident receives and the facility provides food that accommodates resident allergies, intolerances, and preferences, as well as appealing options.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · Tag F0806 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 25, 2024)

DAllow residents to self-administer drugs if determined clinically appropriate.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0554 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 25, 2024)

DHonor the resident's right to voice grievances without discrimination or reprisal and the facility must establish a grievance policy and make prompt efforts to resolve grievances.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0585 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 25, 2024)

DProtect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · Tag F0600 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 25, 2024)

DPASARR screening for Mental disorders or Intellectual Disabilities

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0645 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 25, 2024)

DPlan the resident's discharge to meet the resident's goals and needs.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0660 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 25, 2024)

DAssist a resident in gaining access to vision and hearing services.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0685 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 25, 2024)

DProvide safe, appropriate pain management for a resident who requires such services.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0697 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 25, 2024)

September 29, 2022 · 14 citations, includes actual harm

GProvide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.

Actual harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0686 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 30, 2022)

GProvide enough food/fluids to maintain a resident's health.

Actual harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0692 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 30, 2022)

EEnsure drugs and biologicals used in the facility are labeled in accordance with currently accepted professional principles; and all drugs and biologicals must be stored in locked compartments, separately locked, compartments for controlled drugs.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0761 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 30, 2022)

EEnsure food and drink is palatable, attractive, and at a safe and appetizing temperature.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · Tag F0804 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 30, 2022)

EProvide and implement an infection prevention and control program.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0880 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 30, 2022)

DReasonably accommodate the needs and preferences of each resident.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0558 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 30, 2022)

DCreate and put into place a plan for meeting the resident's most immediate needs within 48 hours of being admitted

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0655 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 30, 2022)

DProvide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0677 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 30, 2022)

DProvide activities to meet all resident's needs.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0679 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 30, 2022)

DProvide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0684 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 30, 2022)

DProvide appropriate care for a resident to maintain and/or improve range of motion (ROM), limited ROM and/or mobility, unless a decline is for a medical reason.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0688 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 30, 2022)

DEnsure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0689 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 30, 2022)

DImplement gradual dose reductions(GDR) and non-pharmacological interventions, unless contraindicated, prior to initiating or instead of continuing psychotropic medication; and PRN orders for psychotropic medications are only used when the medication is necessary and PRN use is limited.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0758 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 30, 2022)

DEnsure each resident receives and the facility provides drinks consistent with resident needs and preferences and sufficient to maintain resident hydration.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · Tag F0807 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 30, 2022)

Questions to ask on a tour of University Heights Care Center

  1. Inspectors cited the home at the actual-harm level on September 29, 2022 under the rule on quality of life and care. What changed afterwards, and can I see the plan of correction?
  2. CMS cited the home under its abuse and neglect rules on December 16, 2025. How are staff trained, and how are concerns reported?
  3. Do you have a Medicaid bed open now, and will you admit someone whose Medicaid application is still pending?
  4. When is the first care-plan meeting, and can family attend?

Questions come from this home's CMS data: its inspections, staffing and ownership record.

Fines and payment denials

CMS reports no fines or payment denials for this home in the last three years.

Rating history

CMS monthOverallInspectionStaffingQuality
October 2026 2/5 2/5 4/5 4/5
August 2026 3/5 2/5 4/5 5/5
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Location

Hospitals near University Heights Care Center

The Medicare-certified hospitals closest to this nursing home, with their CMS data. Ask the home which hospital it usually sends residents to.

Hospital ratings, ER visit times and more at Hospitals In Each State
Source: CMS Care Compare. Distances are approximate.

Nearby nursing homes

Aviva at Fitzsimons Aurora · 1.7 mi away ★★★★☆ Inspection 3/5 · Staffing 2/5 100 beds
Veterans Community Living Center at Fitzsimons Aurora · 1.7 mi away ★★★☆☆ Inspection 3/5 · Staffing 4/5 180 beds · Medicaid
Highland Park Rehabilitation & Care Center Aurora · 2.7 mi away ★★★☆☆ Inspection 2/5 · Staffing 3/5 110 beds · Medicaid
Lowry Hills Care and Rehabilitation Aurora · 2.7 mi away ★★☆☆☆ Inspection 2/5 · Staffing 3/5 108 beds · Medicaid
Garden Terrace Alzheimer's Center of Excellence Aurora · 2.7 mi away ★★★★☆ Inspection 4/5 · Staffing 4/5 120 beds · Medicaid

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Other Long Peak Operating Company nursing homes in Colorado

Affiliation comes from CMS's affiliated-entity data, October 2026. All 8 Long Peak Operating Company nursing homes ›

Source: CMS Provider Data Catalog (provider information, health deficiencies, penalties), October 2026. Inspection citations and penalties cover the last three years. Nursing Homes In Each State is independent and not affiliated with CMS or Medicare. About the data · Report a problem with this listing. Is this your nursing home? Feature it here.

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https://www.nursinghomesineachstate.com/colorado/aurora/university-heights-care-center/ · Data: CMS, October 2026 · Nursing Homes In Each State, not affiliated with CMS or Medicare.