Polk County, Florida · Nursing home
Lake Wales Health and Rehabilitation Center
1 of 5 overall from CMS
730 N Scenic Hwy, Lake Wales, FL 33853
At a glance
- Overall rating 1 of 5 Below the state average of 3.3
- Nurse time per resident, per day 3.51 hours Below the state average of 3.82
- Nursing staff who left in a year 43.5% Above the state average of 41.4%
- Health citations, last 3 inspection cycles 34 3 at the harm level or above
- Fines in 3 years $46,800 1 fine
- Certified beds in use 83.1% of 100 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.
Lake Wales Health and Rehabilitation Center is a 100-bed nursing home in Lake Wales, Florida (Polk County). CMS rates it 1 of 5 stars overall as of Sep 2026. It reports 3.51 nurse staffing hours per resident per day, below the Florida average of 3.82. CMS lists 1 fine totaling $46,800 in the past three years.
- Certified beds
- 100
- Residents per day (average)
- 83.1
- Certified since
- 2006 (20 yrs)
For profit - Corporation Participates in Medicare and MedicaidPart of Ahava Healthcare (16 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 Lake Wales Health and Rehabilitation Center
Chosen from this home's public data.
- CMS lists 1 fine totaling $46,800 in the past three years. What changed after the most recent one?Penalties in CMS data
- CMS counts 10 health deficiencies in the latest inspection cycle (the standard inspection on Jun 24, 2024 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 43.5%, 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 1 of 5 Florida average 3.3
- Health inspections 1 of 5 Florida average 2.9
- Staffing 3 of 5 Florida average 3.3
- Quality measures 3 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 3.51 h Florida average 3.82
- Nurse aides 2.18 h Florida average 2.31
- Licensed practical nurses 0.84 h Florida average 0.78
- Registered nurses 0.49 h Florida average 0.73
- All staff, weekends 3.37 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 turnover43.5%
- Florida average41.4%
- Registered nurse turnover40.0%
- Florida average46.0%
- Administrators who left0
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 | 9.5% | 8.7% | 13.9% |
| Percentage of long-stay residents who lose too much weight | 6.8% | 5.5% | 5.2% |
| ★ Percentage of long-stay residents with a catheter inserted and left in their bladder | 0.5% | 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 | 0.0% | 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 | 2.5% | 2.5% | 3.2% |
| Percentage of long-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the pneumococcal vaccine | 99.6% | 98.2% | 93.6% |
| ★ Percentage of long-stay residents whose ability to walk independently worsened | 9.8% | 9.5% | 14.1% |
| Percentage of long-stay residents who received an antianxiety or hypnotic medication | 22.3% | 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 | 5.3% | 4.5% | 4.6% |
| Percentage of long-stay residents with new or worsened bowel or bladder incontinence | 9.1% | 10.5% | 19.0% |
| ★ Percentage of long-stay residents who received an antipsychotic medication | 5.5% | 8.6% | 15.4% |
| ★ Number of hospitalizations per 1000 long-stay resident days | 2.57 | 2.13 | 1.90 |
| ★ Number of outpatient emergency department visits per 1000 long-stay resident days | 1.84 | 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 | 98.0% | 95.2% | 82.0% |
| ★ Percentage of short-stay residents who newly received an antipsychotic medication | 0.8% | 1.5% | 1.6% |
| Percentage of short-stay residents who were assessed and appropriately given the seasonal influenza vaccine | 88.2% | 94.7% | 79.8% |
| ★ Percentage of short-stay residents who were rehospitalized after a nursing home admission | 24.6% | 26.1% | 23.8% |
| ★ Percentage of short-stay residents who had an outpatient emergency department visit | 24.0% | 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 34 health deficiencies in the three most recent inspection cycles. Of these, 3 involved actual harm; the rest were graded as no actual harm. 8 were cited in connection with a complaint investigation. The most recent citation at the harm level or above was on Jun 24, 2025: 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.
| Standard inspection | Health | Fire safety |
|---|---|---|
| Jun 24, 2024 | 10 | 5 |
| Aug 11, 2022 | 19 | 3 |
| Mar 26, 2021 | 5 | 7 |
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 (34)
-
GActual 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 (Jul 11, 2025)
-
GActual harm, isolated
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 plan of correction (May 30, 2025)
-
FPotential for more than minimal harm, widespread
Post nurse staffing information every day.
Complaint investigation · Nursing and Physician Services · Deficient, Provider has plan of correction (May 30, 2025)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Respond appropriately to all alleged violations.
Complaint investigation · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation · Deficient, Provider has plan of correction (May 30, 2025)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.
Complaint investigation · Quality of Life and Care · Deficient, Provider has plan of correction (May 30, 2025)
Show 25 more
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
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 plan of correction (May 30, 2025)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Provide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist.
Complaint investigation · Pharmacy Service · Deficient, Provider has plan of correction (May 30, 2025)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Ensure medication error rates are not 5 percent or greater.
Complaint investigation · Pharmacy Service · Deficient, Provider has plan of correction (May 30, 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.
Nutrition and Dietary · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 24, 2024)
-
FPotential for more than minimal harm, widespread
Designate a qualified infection preventionist to be responsible for the infection prevent and control program in the nursing home.
Infection Control · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 24, 2024)
-
FPotential for more than minimal harm, widespread
Keep all essential equipment working safely.
Environmental · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 24, 2024)
-
EPotential for more than minimal harm, pattern
PASARR screening for Mental disorders or Intellectual Disabilities
Resident Assessment and Care Planning · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 24, 2024)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Assess the resident completely in a timely manner when first admitted, and then periodically, at least every 12 months.
Resident Assessment and Care Planning · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 24, 2024)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Ensure each resident receives an accurate assessment.
Resident Assessment and Care Planning · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 24, 2024)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Create and put into place a plan for meeting the resident's most immediate needs within 48 hours of being admitted
Resident Assessment and Care Planning · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 24, 2024)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Develop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.
Resident Assessment and Care Planning · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 24, 2024)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.
Quality of Life and Care · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 24, 2024)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Implement 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.
Pharmacy Service · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 24, 2024)
-
GActual harm, isolated
Provide safe, appropriate pain management for a resident who requires such services.
Quality of Life and Care · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 11, 2022)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.
Resident Rights · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 11, 2022)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Give residents notice of Medicaid/Medicare coverage and potential liability for services not covered.
Resident Rights · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 11, 2022)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Provide timely notification to the resident, and if applicable to the resident representative and ombudsman, before transfer or discharge, including appeal rights.
Resident Rights · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 11, 2022)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Notify 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.
Resident Rights · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 11, 2022)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Provide 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.
Quality of Life and Care · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 11, 2022)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Implement 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.
Pharmacy Service · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 11, 2022)
-
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 (Sep 11, 2022)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
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 (Sep 11, 2022)
-
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.
Resident Assessment and Care Planning · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 11, 2022)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
Infection Control · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 11, 2022)
-
EPotential for more than minimal harm, pattern
Provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.
Quality of Life and Care · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Apr 23, 2021)
Showing the 30 most recent of 34.
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 30, 2025 | Fine | $46,800 |
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
- Size530 of 694 by certified beds
- Florida average residents per day108.9
- ChainAhava Healthcare
- Chain average overall rating2.4 of 5
- Resident or family councilResident
- Homes in Polk County25
Common questions
What is the CMS star rating for Lake Wales Health and Rehabilitation Center?
Lake Wales Health and Rehabilitation Center has an overall rating of 1 of 5 stars from CMS as of Sep 2026. Its health inspection rating is 1, staffing is 3 and quality measures is 3.
How many beds does Lake Wales Health and Rehabilitation Center have?
Lake Wales Health and Rehabilitation Center has 100 certified beds. It averages 83.1 residents per day, about 83.1% of its certified beds.
How much nursing care do residents get at Lake Wales Health and Rehabilitation Center?
The home reports 3.51 hours of nurse staffing per resident per day, including 0.49 hours from registered nurses. The Florida average is 3.82 hours and 0.73 hours from registered nurses.
Has Lake Wales Health and Rehabilitation Center been fined?
Yes. CMS lists 1 fine totaling $46,800 in the past three years.
Does Lake Wales Health and Rehabilitation 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
- – not rated Groves Center 120beds 90.5%in use 3.52nurse hours a day
- 3 of 5 Astoria Health and Rehabilitation Center 132beds 95.4%in use 4.20nurse hours a day
- 4 of 5 Palm Garden of Winter Haven 120beds 94.7%in use 3.76nurse 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 106069. 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.