Polk County, Florida · Nursing home
Lakeland Hills Center
2 of 5 overall from CMS
610 E Bella Vista Dr, Lakeland, FL 33805
At a glance
- Overall rating 2 of 5 Below the state average of 3.3
- Nurse time per resident, per day 3.21 hours Below the state average of 3.82
- Nursing staff who left in a year 50.9% Above the state average of 41.4%
- Health citations, last 3 inspection cycles 32 3 at the harm level or above
- Fines in 3 years $139,373 1 fine
- Certified beds in use 95.2% of 120 beds, on an average day
Arrows only show whether a figure is above or below the state average. They are not a judgment of the home.
Lakeland Hills Center is a 120-bed nursing home in Lakeland, Florida (Polk County). CMS rates it 2 of 5 stars overall as of Sep 2026. It reports 3.21 nurse staffing hours per resident per day, below the Florida average of 3.82. CMS lists 1 fine totaling $139,373 in the past three years.
- Certified beds
- 120
- Residents per day (average)
- 114.3
- Certified since
- 1974 (52 yrs)
For profit - Limited Liability company Participates in Medicare and MedicaidPart of Hearthstone Senior Communities (8 homes)
Bed use is this site's calculation: average residents per day divided by certified beds. It is an average, so it does not show today's openings.
Terms used on this page
- CMS
- The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the federal agency that publishes the ratings, staffing figures, inspection results and penalties shown here.
- Certified beds
- The number of federally certified beds CMS lists for the home.
- Deficiency or citation
- A federal requirement that inspectors found the home did not meet. Each one gets a letter from A to L for how serious it was and how many residents were affected. What the letters mean
- Actual harm
- Letters G, H and I: actual harm to a resident that is not immediate jeopardy.
- Immediate jeopardy
- Letters J, K and L: the problem caused, or was likely to cause, serious injury, harm, impairment or death to a resident.
- Inspection cycle
- A standard inspection plus the complaint and infection-control citations CMS assigns to it. This page shows the three most recent cycles.
- Special Focus Facility (SFF)
- A home CMS has placed under closer oversight because of its inspection record. More about the program
Questions to ask Lakeland Hills Center
Chosen from this home's public data.
- CMS lists 1 fine totaling $139,373 in the past three years. What changed after the most recent one?Penalties in CMS data
- CMS counts 14 health deficiencies in the latest inspection cycle (the standard inspection on Mar 12, 2026 plus complaint and infection-control inspections); the Florida average is 7.1. Which have been corrected?Inspection results in CMS data
- Nursing staff turnover is 50.9%, above the Florida average of 41.4%. How often would the same aides care for my relative?Turnover in CMS data
More in what to ask on a nursing home tour.
CMS star ratings
- Overall 2 of 5 Florida average 3.3
- Health inspections 1 of 5 Florida average 2.9
- Staffing 1 of 5 Florida average 3.3
- Quality measures 5 of 5 Florida average 4.2
The vertical line marks the Florida average. Ratings run from 1 to 5. How to read CMS star ratings
Nurse staffing
Hours of care per resident per day, as the home reported to CMS.
What these roles do
Nurse aides give most hands-on daily care, such as help with bathing, dressing and meals. Licensed practical nurses give medications and routine nursing care. Registered nurses assess residents and direct their care.
- All nursing staff 3.21 h Florida average 3.82
- Nurse aides 2.04 h Florida average 2.31
- Licensed practical nurses 0.79 h Florida average 0.78
- Registered nurses 0.39 h Florida average 0.73
- All staff, weekends 3.04 h Florida average 3.49
How much nurse staffing is enough? All bars share one scale, 0 to 9 hours. The vertical line marks the Florida average; the national average for all nursing staff is 3.86 hours.
- Nursing staff turnover50.9%
- Florida average41.4%
- Registered nurse turnover80.0%
- Florida average46.0%
- Administrators who left3
Quality measures
CMS calculates these from residents' assessments and Medicare claims. They are shown as published, next to the Florida and national averages. marks the measures CMS uses in its quality star rating; for those, the rating gives more points for a lower rate.
Long-stay residents
| Measure | This home | Florida | U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|
| ★ Percentage of long-stay residents whose need for help with daily activities has increased | 5.6% | 8.7% | 13.9% |
| Percentage of long-stay residents who lose too much weight | 5.5% | 5.5% | 5.2% |
| ★ Percentage of long-stay residents with a catheter inserted and left in their bladder | 0.0% | 0.3% | 0.8% |
| ★ Percentage of long-stay residents with a urinary tract infection | 0.0% | 0.7% | 1.6% |
| Percentage of long-stay residents who have depressive symptoms | 9.5% | 4.6% | 12.8% |
| Percentage of long-stay residents who were physically restrained | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.1% |
| ★ Percentage of long-stay residents experiencing one or more falls with major injury | 2.3% | 2.5% | 3.2% |
| Percentage of long-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the pneumococcal vaccine | 100.0% | 98.2% | 93.6% |
| ★ Percentage of long-stay residents whose ability to walk independently worsened | 5.6% | 9.5% | 14.1% |
| Percentage of long-stay residents who received an antianxiety or hypnotic medication | 13.7% | 14.4% | 19.5% |
| Percentage of long-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the seasonal influenza vaccine | 100.0% | 99.2% | 95.5% |
| ★ Percentage of long-stay residents with pressure ulcers | 4.6% | 4.5% | 4.6% |
| Percentage of long-stay residents with new or worsened bowel or bladder incontinence | 6.8% | 10.5% | 19.0% |
| ★ Percentage of long-stay residents who received an antipsychotic medication | 9.2% | 8.6% | 15.4% |
| ★ Number of hospitalizations per 1000 long-stay resident days | 2.53 | 2.13 | 1.90 |
| ★ Number of outpatient emergency department visits per 1000 long-stay resident days | 1.40 | 1.15 | 1.78 |
Short-stay residents
| Measure | This home | Florida | U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Percentage of short-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the pneumococcal vaccine | 100.0% | 95.2% | 82.0% |
| ★ Percentage of short-stay residents who newly received an antipsychotic medication | 1.1% | 1.5% | 1.6% |
| Percentage of short-stay residents who were assessed and appropriately given the seasonal influenza vaccine | 100.0% | 94.7% | 79.8% |
| ★ Percentage of short-stay residents who were rehospitalized after a nursing home admission | 18.6% | 26.1% | 23.8% |
| ★ Percentage of short-stay residents who had an outpatient emergency department visit | 4.7% | 9.1% | 12.0% |
Measure periods: April 2025 to March 2026 for most measures; July 2024 to June 2025 for the flu vaccine measures; January to December 2025 for the hospital and emergency department measures, which CMS risk-adjusts. See the measures on Medicare.gov
Inspection history
Inspectors cited 32 health deficiencies in the three most recent inspection cycles. Of these, 3 were at the immediate jeopardy level; the rest were graded as no actual harm. 10 were cited in connection with a complaint investigation. The most recent citation at the harm level or above was on Apr 11, 2025: Protect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.
| Standard inspection | Health | Fire safety |
|---|---|---|
| Mar 12, 2026 | 14 | 3 |
| Sep 28, 2023 | 15 | 2 |
| Aug 19, 2021 | 3 | 3 |
Florida homes averaged 7.1 health deficiencies in the latest cycle; the national average is 9.2. Each cycle's health count covers the standard inspection on that date plus the complaint and infection-control citations CMS assigns to that cycle.
Health citations, three most recent inspection cycles (32)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Safeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.
Complaint investigation · Resident Assessment and Care Planning · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (May 16, 2026)
-
EPotential for more than minimal harm, pattern
Ensure 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.
Pharmacy Service · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (May 16, 2026)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Honor the resident's right to organize and participate in resident/family groups in the facility.
Resident Rights · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Apr 12, 2026)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
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.
Resident Rights · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Apr 12, 2026)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
PASARR screening for Mental disorders or Intellectual Disabilities
Resident Assessment and Care Planning · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Apr 12, 2026)
Show 25 more
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.
Resident Assessment and Care Planning · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (May 16, 2026)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Provide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.
Quality of Life and Care · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Apr 12, 2026)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Provide activities to meet all resident's needs.
Quality of Life and Care · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Apr 12, 2026)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Ensure 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.
Quality of Life and Care · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Apr 12, 2026)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Provide medically-related social services to help each resident achieve the highest possible quality of life.
Quality of Life and Care · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Apr 12, 2026)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Ensure a licensed pharmacist perform a monthly drug regimen review, including the medical chart, following irregularity reporting guidelines in developed policies and procedures.
Pharmacy Service · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Apr 12, 2026)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Provide timely, quality laboratory services/tests to meet the needs of residents.
Administration · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Apr 12, 2026)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Set up an ongoing quality assessment and assurance group to review quality deficiencies and develop corrective plans of action.
Administration · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (May 16, 2026)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Make sure there is a pest control program to prevent/deal with mice, insects, or other pests.
Environmental · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (May 16, 2026)
-
KImmediate jeopardy, pattern
Protect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.
Complaint investigation · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jun 29, 2025)
-
KImmediate jeopardy, pattern
Ensure that nurses and nurse aides have the appropriate competencies to care for every resident in a way that maximizes each resident's well being.
Complaint investigation · Nursing and Physician Services · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (May 29, 2025)
-
KImmediate jeopardy, pattern
Ensure that residents are free from significant medication errors.
Complaint investigation · Pharmacy Service · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (May 29, 2025)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Set up an ongoing quality assessment and assurance group to review quality deficiencies and develop corrective plans of action.
Complaint investigation · Administration · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jun 29, 2025)
-
EPotential for more than minimal harm, pattern
Keep all essential equipment working safely.
Complaint investigation · Environmental · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Feb 14, 2025)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
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.
Complaint investigation · Resident Rights · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Feb 14, 2025)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.
Complaint investigation · Resident Assessment and Care Planning · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Feb 14, 2025)
-
FPotential for more than minimal harm, widespread
Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.
Complaint investigation · Nutrition and Dietary · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 11, 2024)
-
FPotential for more than minimal harm, widespread
Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
Infection Control · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Oct 28, 2023)
-
EPotential for more than minimal harm, pattern
Honor the resident's right to organize and participate in resident/family groups in the facility.
Resident Rights · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Oct 28, 2023)
-
EPotential for more than minimal harm, pattern
Have a plan that describes the process for conducting QAPI and QAA activities.
Administration · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Oct 28, 2023)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Coordinate assessments with the pre-admission screening and resident review program; and referring for services as needed.
Resident Assessment and Care Planning · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Oct 28, 2023)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
PASARR screening for Mental disorders or Intellectual Disabilities
Resident Assessment and Care Planning · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Oct 28, 2023)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Provide enough food/fluids to maintain a resident's health.
Quality of Life and Care · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Oct 28, 2023)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Ensure a licensed pharmacist perform a monthly drug regimen review, including the medical chart, following irregularity reporting guidelines in developed policies and procedures.
Pharmacy Service · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Oct 28, 2023)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Ensure medication error rates are not 5 percent or greater.
Pharmacy Service · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Oct 28, 2023)
Showing the 30 most recent of 32.
What severity letters A to L mean
Each sentence above is the requirement that was not met, in CMS's wording. For the inspection results as Medicare publishes them, open this home's page on Medicare.gov and look under "Health inspections".
Penalties, past three years
| Date | Type | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Apr 11, 2025 | Fine | $139,373 |
| Apr 11, 2025 | Payment Denial | 17 days |
Florida homes averaged 0.8 fines and $24,361 in fine amounts; the national averages are 0.9 and $30,972.
Cost
Not in the public data. CMS does not publish what a nursing home charges.
Ask the home for its daily private-pay rate and whether a bed is open for your coverage. See what Medicare covers and how Medicaid pays for a nursing home.
Compared within Florida
- Size203 of 694 by certified beds
- Florida average residents per day108.9
- ChainHearthstone Senior Communities
- Chain average overall rating1.9 of 5
- Resident or family councilBoth
- Homes in Lakeland12
- Homes in Polk County25
Common questions
What is the CMS star rating for Lakeland Hills Center?
Lakeland Hills Center has an overall rating of 2 of 5 stars from CMS as of Sep 2026. Its health inspection rating is 1, staffing is 1 and quality measures is 5.
How many beds does Lakeland Hills Center have?
Lakeland Hills Center has 120 certified beds. It averages 114.3 residents per day, about 95.2% of its certified beds.
How much nursing care do residents get at Lakeland Hills Center?
The home reports 3.21 hours of nurse staffing per resident per day, including 0.39 hours from registered nurses. The Florida average is 3.82 hours and 0.73 hours from registered nurses.
Has Lakeland Hills Center been fined?
Yes. CMS lists 1 fine totaling $139,373 in the past three years. It also lists 1 payment denial.
Does Lakeland Hills Center accept Medicare or Medicaid?
CMS lists its participation as "Medicare and Medicaid". Ask the home whether a bed is open for your coverage.
Guides for families looking at this home
- Understanding the recordWhat to ask on a nursing home tourQuestions that turn a home's public record into a useful conversation when you tour, plus what to look for yourself.
- Understanding the recordInspection severity letters A to LHow inspectors grade each deficiency by harm and by how many residents were affected.
- Understanding the recordHow to read CMS star ratingsWhat the overall, health inspection, staffing and quality measure ratings cover, and what they leave out.
Nearest nursing homes
- 1 of 5 Vivo Healthcare Lakeland 185beds 92.7%in use 3.44nurse hours a day
- 2 of 5 Charming Lakes Rehab 120beds 95.0%in use 3.44nurse hours a day
- 1 of 5 Valencia Hills Health and Rehabilitation Center 249beds 86.7%in use 3.57nurse hours a day
Sorted by straight-line distance. This is not a ranking or a recommendation. Compare all homes in Polk County
Who to call in Florida
These offices serve residents of every nursing home in Florida.
- Long-term care ombudsman Florida Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program 1-888-831-0404 An advocate for residents and their families.
- File a complaint about a nursing home Complaint Administration Unit 1-888-419-3456 The state agency that inspects nursing homes.
Florida staffing, bed-hold and Medicaid rules · Residents' rights in every state
Source: CMS Provider Data Catalog, nursing home datasets processed Sep 1, 2026. CMS Certification Number 105283. See this home's official record on Medicare.gov
See something shown incorrectly? Tell us. This site shows each record as CMS publishes it and cannot change the underlying record.