facebook tracking Life Care Center of the Willows, Valparaiso IN: CMS Ratings
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Life Care Center of the Willows

All states › Indiana › Valparaiso › Life Care Center of the Willows

1000 Elizabeth Dr Valparaiso, IN 46383 · Porter County

(219) 464-4858

All 5 nursing homes in Valparaiso, IN (5 take Medicaid)

Accepts Medicare Accepts Medicaid 92 certified beds Government

CMS certification number 155158 · 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 Life Care Center of the Willows 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 Life Care Center of the Willows as of October 2026.

CMS rates it 3 out of 5 stars overall, about the same as the Indiana average of 3.2. Inspectors issued 37 citations in the last three years. CMS reports no fines or payment denials in that time. For short-term rehab patients CMS rates quality 5 out of 5; for long-term residents, 4 out of 5.

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 3.80 hours per resident per day at Life Care Center of the Willows, above the Indiana median of 3.60 (US median: 3.72). About 0.63 of those hours are from registered nurses. On weekends it falls to 3.41 hours, 10% below its all-week average. 50.7% of nursing staff left within a year (Indiana median 45.5%).

Nursing care per resident per day 3.80 hours
Above the Indiana median of 3.60 Registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and aides combined, from payroll records.
Registered nurse hours 0.63 per resident a day RNs handle assessments, medications and changes in condition.
Weekend nursing care 3.41 hours Per resident a day. A big drop from weekdays can mean thin weekend staffing.
Nursing staff turnover 50.7% a year Share of nursing staff who left over a year. Lower usually means steadier care.
Registered nurse turnover 53.8% 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 beds92
Residents per day 61 About 67% of beds filled, on average
OwnershipGovernment - County
Payment acceptedMedicare and Medicaid
Certified sinceJuly 1974
Part of a chainLife Care Centers of America
Legal business nameHENDRICKS COUNTY HOSPITAL

Paying for care at Life Care Center of the Willows: Medicare and Medicaid

Life Care Center of the Willows 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 Indiana'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 January 27, 2026 and found 13 deficiencies, plus 2 from complaint inspections in the same period. In total, inspectors issued 37 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 37 citations at Life Care Center of the Willows across 7 inspection dates, 7 of them from complaint investigations. None were at the actual-harm or immediate-jeopardy levels; 37 were "potential for more than minimal harm" (D–F) and 0 were minimal (A–C). The most common areas cited were quality of life and care (13) and infection control (6). The most serious was cited under the CMS rule to "make sure that the nursing home area is safe, easy to use, clean and comfortable for residents, staff and the public" (tag F0921, level F, January 27, 2026). 1 citation was under CMS's abuse, neglect and exploitation rules.

March 25, 2026 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection

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 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Apr 10, 2026)

January 27, 2026 · 13 citations

FMake sure that the nursing home area is safe, easy to use, clean and comfortable for residents, staff and the public.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Environmental Deficiencies · Tag F0921 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Feb 20, 2026)

EProcure 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 (Feb 20, 2026)

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 (Feb 20, 2026)

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 (Feb 20, 2026)

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 (Feb 20, 2026)

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 (Feb 20, 2026)

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 (Feb 20, 2026)

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 (Feb 20, 2026)

DEnsure that feeding tubes are not used unless there is a medical reason and the resident agrees; and provide appropriate care for a resident with a feeding tube.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0693 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Feb 20, 2026)

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 (Feb 20, 2026)

DEnsure each resident’s drug regimen must be free from unnecessary drugs.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0757 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Feb 20, 2026)

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 (Feb 20, 2026)

DImplement a program that monitors antibiotic use.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0881 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Feb 20, 2026)

December 4, 2025 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection

DProvide and implement an infection prevention and control program.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0880 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Dec 29, 2025)

September 29, 2025 · 2 citations · includes complaint inspection

EMake sure that the nursing home area is safe, easy to use, clean and comfortable for residents, staff and the public.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Environmental Deficiencies · Tag F0921 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Oct 24, 2025)

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 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Oct 24, 2025)

November 13, 2024 · 6 citations

DKeep residents' personal and medical records private and confidential.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0583 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Dec 6, 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 (Dec 6, 2024)

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 (Dec 6, 2024)

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

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0692 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Dec 6, 2024)

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 (Dec 6, 2024)

DImplement a program that monitors antibiotic use.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0881 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Dec 6, 2024)

March 15, 2024 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection

DTimely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · Tag F0609 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Apr 11, 2024)

January 3, 2024 · 13 citations · includes complaint inspection

EMake sure that the nursing home area is safe, easy to use, clean and comfortable for residents, staff and the public.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Environmental Deficiencies · Tag F0921 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Feb 1, 2024)

DHonor the resident's right to and the facility must promote and facilitate resident self-determination through support of resident choice.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0561 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Feb 1, 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 (Feb 1, 2024)

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 (Feb 1, 2024)

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 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Feb 1, 2024)

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 (Feb 1, 2024)

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 (Feb 1, 2024)

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 (Feb 1, 2024)

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

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0692 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Feb 1, 2024)

DEnsure each resident’s drug regimen must be free from unnecessary drugs.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0757 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Feb 1, 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 (Feb 1, 2024)

DProvide timely, quality laboratory services/tests to meet the needs of residents.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Administration Deficiencies · Tag F0770 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Feb 1, 2024)

DImplement a program that monitors antibiotic use.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0881 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Feb 1, 2024)

Questions to ask on a tour of Life Care Center of the Willows

  1. CMS cited the home under its abuse and neglect rules on March 15, 2024. How are staff trained, and how are concerns reported?
  2. Do you have a Medicaid bed open now, and will you admit someone whose Medicaid application is still pending?
  3. 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 3/5 2/5 3/5 5/5
August 2026 1/5 1/5 3/5 4/5
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Location

Hospitals near Life Care Center of the Willows

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

Valparaiso Care & Rehabilitation Valparaiso · 1.0 mi away ★☆☆☆☆ Inspection 2/5 · Staffing 1/5 164 beds · Medicaid
Avalon Springs Health Campus Valparaiso · 1.2 mi away ★★★★☆ Inspection 3/5 · Staffing 3/5 61 beds · Medicaid
Brickyard Healthcare - Valparaiso Care Center Valparaiso · 1.3 mi away ★★★★☆ Inspection 4/5 · Staffing 3/5 85 beds · Medicaid
Life Care Center of Valparaiso Valparaiso · 1.9 mi away ★★★★★ Inspection 4/5 · Staffing 3/5 110 beds · Medicaid
Ignite Medical Resort Chesterton Chesterton · 7.0 mi away ★☆☆☆☆ Inspection 1/5 · Staffing 1/5 70 beds

More nursing homes near Life Care Center of the Willows ›   All nursing homes in Valparaiso ›

Compare Life Care Center of the Willows with the 3 closest homes side by side ›

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Other Life Care Centers of America nursing homes in Indiana

Affiliation comes from CMS's affiliated-entity data, October 2026. All 194 Life Care Centers of America 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/indiana/valparaiso/life-care-center-of-the-willows/ · Data: CMS, October 2026 · Nursing Homes In Each State, not affiliated with CMS or Medicare.