Summers Healthcare Center

The home has the lowest overall rating, 1 out of 5 stars, and it is on the government's Special Focus watch list as a candidate, which means inspectors have found a pattern of serious problems. Records also show 27 findings in the review period and two fines totaling about $179,295, with a high health-inspection score. Ask the home directly what the findings and fines were for, when they happened, and what specific steps they have taken since. It is fair to ask to see their recent survey results.

Summers Healthcare Center has 120 certified beds and cares for about 106 residents on an average day, so it is mid-sized and usually has some open beds. Availability changes week to week, so call to check on a specific opening.

The building's programs page lists physical, occupational, and speech therapy, dementia and Alzheimer's care, respite (short caregiver-relief) stays, and a hospice and palliative-care partnership. It also names a specialty track with wound care handled by dedicated physicians, cardiac management, pulmonary management, neurological rehabilitation, and complex medical and post-surgical care. It does not list an on-site dialysis or a locked memory unit, so ask directly if you need either.

It is part of the CommuniCare family of companies, a for-profit network of about 121 nursing homes across several states. Nearby homes in the same network include Rainelle Healthcare Center in Rainelle and Seneca Trail Healthcare Center in Lewisburg. The building is organized as a for-profit corporation.

Staffing is rated 2 out of 5 stars, and turnover is high: about 58% of registered nurses and 46% of all nursing staff left in a year, and one administrator left. Ask how many nurses and aides are on each shift, including nights and weekends, how often agency staff fill in, and who is running the building now. Steady staffing is one of the biggest things to press on at a home with these ratings.

The admissions page says the home offers around-the-clock admissions, is a VA-contracted center for veterans, is a Medical Mutual provider, is certified for both major government health-coverage programs, accepts most major managed-care plans, and takes private pay. Plans change, so call 304-466-0332 to confirm your specific coverage before you commit.

Call the building at 304-466-0332 to reach admissions, ask about openings, and arrange a tour. The home is at 198 John Cook Nursing Home Road in Hinton. Given the ratings, an in-person visit and direct questions about recent inspections are especially worthwhile.