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Lake Wales Health and Rehabilitation Center

All states › Florida › Lake Wales › Lake Wales Health and Rehabilitation Center

730 N Scenic Hwy Lake Wales, FL 33853 · Polk County

(863) 676-1512

All 2 nursing homes in Lake Wales, FL (2 take Medicaid)

Accepts Medicare Accepts Medicaid 100 certified beds For profit

CMS certification number 106069 · See this home on Medicare 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 Lake Wales Health and Rehabilitation 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 Lake Wales Health and Rehabilitation Center as of October 2026.

CMS rates it 1 out of 5 stars overall, below the Florida average of 3.3. Inspectors issued 34 citations in the last three years. CMS imposed 1 penalty, including $46,800 in fines, in that time. For short-term rehab patients CMS rates quality 2 out of 5; for long-term residents, 5 out of 5. Those results differ a lot, so ask about the unit your family member would be on.

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 3.49 hours per resident per day at Lake Wales Health and Rehabilitation Center, below the Florida median of 3.67 (US median: 3.72). About 0.46 of those hours are from registered nurses. Weekend staffing is close to its all-week average. 45.5% of nursing staff left within a year (Florida median 42%).

Nursing care per resident per day 3.49 hours
Below the Florida median of 3.67 Registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and aides combined, from payroll records.
Registered nurse hours 0.46 per resident a day RNs handle assessments, medications and changes in condition.
Weekend nursing care 3.36 hours Per resident a day. A big drop from weekdays can mean thin weekend staffing.
Nursing staff turnover 45.5% a year Share of nursing staff who left over a year. Lower usually means steadier care.
Registered nurse turnover 37.5% 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 beds100
Residents per day 86 About 86% of beds filled, on average
OwnershipFor profit - Corporation
Payment acceptedMedicare and Medicaid
Certified sinceMarch 2006
Part of a chainAhava Healthcare
Legal business nameLAKE WALES OPERATING GROUP LLC

Paying for care at Lake Wales Health and Rehabilitation Center: Medicare and Medicaid

Lake Wales Health and Rehabilitation 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 Florida'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 June 24, 2024 and found 10 deficiencies. CMS notes that this home's most recent inspection was more than two years ago. In total, inspectors issued 34 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 34 citations at Lake Wales Health and Rehabilitation Center across 5 inspection dates, 8 of them from complaint investigations. 3 were at the actual-harm level (G–I), most recently on June 24, 2025. The most common areas cited were resident assessment and care planning (8) and pharmacy service (6). The most serious was cited under the CMS rule to "honor 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" (tag F0584, level G, June 24, 2025). 2 citations were under CMS's abuse, neglect and exploitation rules.

June 24, 2025 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection

GHonor 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.

Actual harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0584 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 11, 2025)

April 30, 2025 · 7 citations, includes actual harm · includes complaint inspection

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

Actual harm · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · Tag F0600 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has plan of correction (May 30, 2025)

FPost nurse staffing information every day.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies · Tag F0732 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has plan of correction (May 30, 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 plan of correction (May 30, 2025)

DProvide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0695 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has plan of correction (May 30, 2025)

DEnsure that nurses and nurse aides have the appropriate competencies to care for every resident in a way that maximizes each resident's well being.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies · Tag F0726 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has plan of correction (May 30, 2025)

DProvide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0755 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has plan of correction (May 30, 2025)

DEnsure medication error rates are not 5 percent or greater.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0759 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has plan of correction (May 30, 2025)

June 24, 2024 · 10 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 (Jul 24, 2024)

FDesignate a qualified infection preventionist to be responsible for the infection prevent and control program in the nursing home.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0882 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 24, 2024)

FKeep all essential equipment working safely.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Environmental Deficiencies · Tag F0908 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 24, 2024)

EPASARR 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 (Jul 24, 2024)

DAssess the resident completely in a timely manner when first admitted, and then periodically, at least every 12 months.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0636 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 24, 2024)

DEnsure each resident receives an accurate assessment.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0641 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 24, 2024)

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 (Jul 24, 2024)

DDevelop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0657 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 24, 2024)

DProvide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0695 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 24, 2024)

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 (Jul 24, 2024)

August 11, 2022 · 11 citations, includes actual harm

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

Actual harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0697 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 11, 2022)

DHonor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0550 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 11, 2022)

DGive residents notice of Medicaid/Medicare coverage and potential liability for services not covered.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0582 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 11, 2022)

DProvide timely notification to the resident, and if applicable to the resident representative and ombudsman, before transfer or discharge, including appeal rights.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0623 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 11, 2022)

DNotify the resident or the resident’s representative in writing how long the nursing home will hold the resident’s bed in cases of transfer to a hospital or therapeutic leave.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0625 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 11, 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 11, 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 11, 2022)

DEnsure medication error rates are not 5 percent or greater.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0759 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 11, 2022)

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 (Sep 11, 2022)

DSafeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0842 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 11, 2022)

DProvide 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 11, 2022)

March 26, 2021 · 5 citations

EProvide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0695 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Apr 23, 2021)

DEnsure each resident receives an accurate assessment.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0641 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Apr 23, 2021)

DDevelop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0656 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Apr 23, 2021)

DProvide each resident with a nourishing, palatable, well-balanced diet that meets his or her daily nutritional and special dietary needs.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · Tag F0800 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Apr 23, 2021)

DProvide 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 (Apr 23, 2021)

Questions to ask on a tour of Lake Wales Health and Rehabilitation Center

  1. Inspectors cited the home at the actual-harm level on June 24, 2025 under the rule on resident rights. What changed afterwards, and can I see the plan of correction?
  2. CMS cited the home under its abuse and neglect rules on April 30, 2025. How are staff trained, and how are concerns reported?
  3. CMS rates short-stay quality 2 out of 5. How often do rehab patients go back to the hospital, and how many therapy sessions a week are typical?
  4. The last standard inspection was more than two years ago. Can I see any recent complaint inspection results?
  5. Do you have a Medicaid bed open now, and will you admit someone whose Medicaid application is still pending?
  6. 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

1 penalty in the last three years, including $46,800 in fines.

DateTypeAmount or length
Apr 30, 2025 Fine $46,800

Rating history

CMS monthOverallInspectionStaffingQuality
October 2026 1/5 1/5 3/5 4/5
August 2026 1/5 1/5 3/5 3/5
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Location

Hospitals near Lake Wales Health and Rehabilitation Center

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

  • 1.8 mi
    Lake Wales Medical Center Lake Wales
    Emergency room ★★☆☆☆ Medicare overall 2 of 5
    Median ER visit 2h 6m for patients treated and sent home
  • 11.6 mi
    Winter Haven Hospital Winter Haven
    Emergency room ★★★☆☆ Medicare overall 3 of 5
    Median ER visit 3h 13m for patients treated and sent home
  • 15.7 mi
    Bartow Regional Medical Center Bartow
    Emergency room ★★★☆☆ Medicare overall 3 of 5
    Median ER visit 2h 8m for patients treated and sent home

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

Nearby nursing homes

Groves Center Lake Wales · 1.9 mi away Not rated Inspection — · Staffing — 120 beds · Medicaid
Astoria Health and Rehabilitation Center Winter Haven · 8.8 mi away ★★★☆☆ Inspection 2/5 · Staffing 3/5 132 beds · Medicaid
Palm Garden of Winter Haven Winter Haven · 9.5 mi away ★★★★☆ Inspection 3/5 · Staffing 5/5 120 beds · Medicaid
Lake Mariam Health and Rehabilitation Center Winter Haven · 9.5 mi away ★★☆☆☆ Inspection 1/5 · Staffing 3/5 120 beds · Medicaid
Life Care Center of Winter Haven Winter Haven · 9.7 mi away ★★★★☆ Inspection 3/5 · Staffing 4/5 177 beds · Medicaid

More nursing homes near Lake Wales Health and Rehabilitation Center ›   All nursing homes in Lake Wales ›

Compare Lake Wales Health and Rehabilitation Center with the 3 closest homes side by side ›

Higher-rated nursing homes within 10 miles

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/florida/lake-wales/lake-wales-health-and-rehabilitation-center/ · Data: CMS, October 2026 · Nursing Homes In Each State, not affiliated with CMS or Medicare.