facebook tracking Puget Sound Transitional Care, Des Moines WA: CMS Ratings
Skip to content
Nursing homes near meNear me

Puget Sound Transitional Care

All states › Washington › Des Moines › Puget Sound Transitional Care

2800 South 224th Street, Des Moines, WA 98198 · King County

(206) 824-0600

All 3 nursing homes in Des Moines, WA (3 take Medicaid)

Accepts Medicare Accepts Medicaid 165 certified beds For profit

CMS certification number 505513 · 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 Puget Sound Transitional Care 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 Puget Sound Transitional Care as of October 2026.

CMS rates it 2 out of 5 stars overall, below the Washington average of 3.3. Inspectors issued 64 citations in the last three years. CMS reports no fines or payment denials in that time. For short-term rehab patients CMS rates quality 4 out of 5; for long-term residents, 5 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.

Next steps

Compare with the 3 closest homes

Staffing

Nursing staff spend about 3.75 hours per resident per day at Puget Sound Transitional Care, below the Washington median of 4.15 (US median: 3.72). About 0.84 of those hours are from registered nurses. On weekends it falls to 3.37 hours, 10% below its all-week average. 27.9% of nursing staff left within a year (Washington median 43%). That is lower than most homes in Washington, a sign of a steadier team.

Nursing care per resident per day 3.75 hours
Below the Washington median of 4.15 Registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and aides combined, from payroll records.
Registered nurse hours 0.84 per resident a day RNs handle assessments, medications and changes in condition.
Weekend nursing care 3.37 hours Per resident a day. A big drop from weekdays can mean thin weekend staffing.
Nursing staff turnover 27.9% a year Share of nursing staff who left over a year. Lower usually means steadier care.
Registered nurse turnover 38.5% a year Share of registered nurses who left over a year.
Administrators who left 1 in the past year Frequent leadership changes are worth asking about on a visit.

About this nursing home

Certified beds165
Residents per day 84 About 51% of beds filled, on average
OwnershipFor profit - Corporation
Payment acceptedMedicare and Medicaid
Certified sinceFebruary 2004
Part of a chainThe Ensign Group
Legal business nameRIVER OTTER HEALTHCARE LLC

Paying for care at Puget Sound Transitional Care: Medicare and Medicaid

Puget Sound Transitional Care 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 Washington'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 27, 2025 and found 21 deficiencies, plus 4 from complaint inspections in the same period. In total, inspectors issued 64 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 64 citations at Puget Sound Transitional Care across 7 inspection dates, 10 of them from complaint investigations. 1 was at the immediate-jeopardy level (J–L), CMS's most serious category, most recently on July 1, 2025 (complaint inspection). The most common areas cited were quality of life and care (18) and resident assessment and care planning (14). The most serious was cited under the CMS rule to "provide basic life support, including CPR, prior to the arrival of emergency medical personnel , subject to physician orders and the resident’s advance directives" (tag F0678, level J, July 1, 2025). 4 citations were under CMS's abuse, neglect and exploitation rules.

July 30, 2026 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection

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 (Sep 10, 2026)

April 30, 2026 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection

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 (May 29, 2026)

March 5, 2026 · 2 citations · includes complaint inspection

EEnsure 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 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 31, 2026)

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 (Mar 31, 2026)

August 27, 2025 · 21 citations

EProvide the required documentation or notification related to the resident's needs, appeal rights, or bed-hold policies.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0628 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Oct 9, 2025)

EDevelop 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 (Oct 9, 2025)

EEmploy sufficient staff with the appropriate competencies and skills sets to carry out the functions of the food and nutrition service, including a qualified dietician.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · Tag F0801 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Oct 9, 2025)

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 (Oct 9, 2025)

EEducate residents and staff on COVID-19 vaccination, offer the COVID-19 vaccine to eligible residents and staff after education, and properly document each resident and staff member's vaccination status.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0887 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Oct 9, 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 (Oct 9, 2025)

DHonor the resident's right to request, refuse, and/or discontinue treatment, to participate in or refuse to participate in experimental research, and to formulate an advance directive.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0578 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Oct 9, 2025)

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 (Oct 9, 2025)

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 (Oct 9, 2025)

DCoordinate assessments with the pre-admission screening and resident review program; and referring for services as needed.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0644 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Oct 9, 2025)

DEnsure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0658 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Oct 9, 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 (Oct 9, 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 (Oct 9, 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 (Oct 9, 2025)

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 (Oct 9, 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 (Oct 9, 2025)

DTry different approaches before using a bed rail. If a bed rail is needed, the facility must (1) assess a resident for safety risk; (2) review these risks and benefits with the resident/representative; (3) get informed consent; and (4) Correctly install and maintain the bed rail.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0700 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Oct 9, 2025)

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 (Oct 9, 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 (Oct 9, 2025)

DImplement a program that monitors antibiotic use.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0881 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Oct 9, 2025)

DKeep all essential equipment working safely.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Environmental Deficiencies · Tag F0908 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Oct 9, 2025)

July 1, 2025 · 4 citations, includes immediate jeopardy · includes complaint inspection

JProvide basic life support, including CPR, prior to the arrival of emergency medical personnel , subject to physician orders and the resident’s advance directives.

Immediate jeopardy · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0678 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 31, 2025)

EEnsure 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 date of correction (Jul 31, 2025)

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 (Jul 31, 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 (Jul 31, 2025)

June 12, 2024 · 18 citations · includes complaint inspection

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 17, 2024)

EHonor the resident's right to request, refuse, and/or discontinue treatment, to participate in or refuse to participate in experimental research, and to formulate an advance directive.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0578 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 17, 2024)

EDevelop 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 17, 2024)

EEnsure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0658 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 17, 2024)

EProvide 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 (Jul 17, 2024)

EProvide safe, appropriate dialysis care/services for a resident who requires such services.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0698 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 17, 2024)

EEnsure 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 (Jul 17, 2024)

EInform resident or representatives choice to enter into binding arbitration agreement and right to refuse.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Administration Deficiencies · Tag F0847 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 17, 2024)

DHonor 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 (Jul 17, 2024)

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 (Jul 17, 2024)

DEncode each resident’s assessment data and transmit these data to the State within 7 days of assessment.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0640 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 17, 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 17, 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 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 17, 2024)

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 (Jul 17, 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 (Jul 17, 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 (Jul 17, 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 (Jul 17, 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 (Jul 17, 2024)

May 19, 2023 · 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 (Jul 14, 2023)

FAdminister the facility in a manner that enables it to use its resources effectively and efficiently.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Administration Deficiencies · Tag F0835 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 14, 2023)

EAllow resident to participate in the development and implementation of his or her person-centered plan of care.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0553 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 14, 2023)

EEnsure 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 14, 2023)

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 14, 2023)

ECreate 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 14, 2023)

EHire a qualified full-time social worker in a facility with more than 120 beds.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Administration Deficiencies · Tag F0850 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 14, 2023)

DHonor the resident's right to manage his or her financial affairs.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0567 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 14, 2023)

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 (Jul 14, 2023)

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 (Jul 14, 2023)

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 (Jul 14, 2023)

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 (Jul 14, 2023)

DEnsure each resident must receive and the facility must provide necessary behavioral health care and services.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0740 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 14, 2023)

DEnsure a licensed pharmacist perform a monthly drug regimen review, including the medical chart, following irregularity reporting guidelines in developed policies and procedures.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0756 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 14, 2023)

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 (Jul 14, 2023)

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 (Jul 14, 2023)

DImplement a program that monitors antibiotic use.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0881 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 14, 2023)

Questions to ask on a tour of Puget Sound Transitional Care

  1. Inspectors cited the home at the immediate-jeopardy level on July 1, 2025 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 July 30, 2026. How are staff trained, and how are concerns reported?
  3. The home averages about 51% of its beds filled. Are any units closed?
  4. Do you have a Medicaid bed open now, and will you admit someone whose Medicaid application is still pending?
  5. 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 3/5 4/5
August 2026 2/5 2/5 3/5 4/5
Add this rating badge to your websiteFree. Shows Puget Sound Transitional Care's Medicare star rating and updates itself.

Size and colour

Preview

Puget Sound Transitional Care Medicare star rating badge

Paste it where the badge should appear: in WordPress, a Custom HTML block or a footer widget; on other sites, any spot that accepts HTML. The badge updates itself when CMS publishes new ratings.

Examples, sizes and help on the badge page ›

Location

Hospitals near Puget Sound Transitional Care

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

  • 4.4 mi
    Highline Medical Center Burien
    Emergency room ★★★★☆ Medicare overall 4 of 5
    Median ER visit 3h 55m for patients treated and sent home
  • 5.0 mi
    Valley Medical Center Renton
    Emergency room ★★☆☆☆ Medicare overall 2 of 5
    Median ER visit 3h 19m for patients treated and sent home
  • 7.2 mi
    Auburn Regional Medical Center Auburn
    Emergency room ★★☆☆☆ Medicare overall 2 of 5
    Median ER visit 3h 37m 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

Wesley Homes Des Moines Health Center Des Moines · 1.0 mi away ★★★★★ Inspection 4/5 · Staffing 4/5 148 beds · Medicaid
Judson Park Health Center Des Moines · 1.2 mi away ★★★★★ Inspection 3/5 · Staffing 5/5 96 beds · Medicaid
Benson Heights Rehabilitation Center Kent · 4.7 mi away ★★★★☆ Inspection 2/5 · Staffing 5/5 91 beds · Medicaid
Valley View Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Renton · 5.0 mi away ★★★☆☆ Inspection 3/5 · Staffing 4/5 136 beds · Medicaid
Life Care Center of Federal Way Federal Way · 5.3 mi away ★★★☆☆ Inspection 2/5 · Staffing 4/5 157 beds · Medicaid

More nursing homes near Puget Sound Transitional Care ›   All nursing homes in Des Moines ›

Compare Puget Sound Transitional Care with the 3 closest homes side by side ›

Higher-rated nursing homes within 10 miles

Other The Ensign Group nursing homes in Washington

Affiliation comes from CMS's affiliated-entity data, October 2026. All 347 The Ensign Group 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.

Compare

https://www.nursinghomesineachstate.com/washington/des-moines/puget-sound-transitional-care/ · Data: CMS, October 2026 · Nursing Homes In Each State, not affiliated with CMS or Medicare.