Newton County, Georgia · Nursing home
Riverside Health Care Center
2 of 5 overall from CMS
5100 West St NW, Covington, GA 30014
At a glance
- Overall rating 2 of 5 Below the state average of 2.7
- Nurse time per resident, per day 3.49 hours Below the state average of 3.56
- Nursing staff who left in a year 46.4% Above the state average of 46.0%
- Health citations, last 3 inspection cycles 30 2 at the harm level or above
- Fines in 3 years None None listed by CMS
- Certified beds in use 96.1% of 159 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.
Riverside Health Care Center is a 159-bed nursing home in Covington, Georgia (Newton County). CMS rates it 2 of 5 stars overall as of Sep 2026. It reports 3.49 nurse staffing hours per resident per day, below the Georgia average of 3.56. CMS lists no fines in the past three years.
- Certified beds
- 159
- Residents per day (average)
- 152.8
- Certified since
- 1989 (37 yrs)
For profit - Corporation Participates in Medicare and MedicaidPart of Wellington Health Care Services (14 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 Riverside Health Care Center
Chosen from this home's public data.
- CMS counts 7 health deficiencies in the latest inspection cycle (the standard inspection on May 14, 2026 plus complaint and infection-control inspections); the Georgia average is 5.0. Which have been corrected?Inspection results in CMS data
- Nursing staff turnover is 46.4%, above the Georgia average of 46.0%. How often would the same aides care for my relative?Turnover in CMS data
- About 96.1% of certified beds are in use on an average day. Is there a waiting list, and how long is it?Certified beds and average residents in CMS data
More in what to ask on a nursing home tour.
CMS star ratings
- Overall 2 of 5 Georgia average 2.7
- Health inspections 2 of 5 Georgia average 2.9
- Staffing 2 of 5 Georgia average 2.3
- Quality measures 2 of 5 Georgia average 2.9
The vertical line marks the Georgia 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 3.49 h Georgia average 3.56
- Nurse aides 2.55 h Georgia average 2.14
- Licensed practical nurses 0.69 h Georgia average 0.93
- Registered nurses 0.25 h Georgia average 0.50
- All staff, weekends 3.19 h Georgia average 3.10
How much nurse staffing is enough? All bars share one scale, 0 to 11 hours. The vertical line marks the Georgia average; the national average for all nursing staff is 3.86 hours.
- Nursing staff turnover46.4%
- Georgia average46.0%
- Registered nurse turnover50.0%
- Georgia average44.5%
- Administrators who left0
Quality measures
CMS calculates these from residents' assessments and Medicare claims. They are shown as published, next to the Georgia 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 | Georgia | U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|
| ★ Percentage of long-stay residents whose need for help with daily activities has increased | 14.2% | 15.3% | 13.9% |
| Percentage of long-stay residents who lose too much weight | 8.3% | 5.6% | 5.2% |
| ★ Percentage of long-stay residents with a catheter inserted and left in their bladder | 0.7% | 0.9% | 0.8% |
| ★ Percentage of long-stay residents with a urinary tract infection | 0.9% | 2.5% | 1.6% |
| Percentage of long-stay residents who have depressive symptoms | 5.4% | 11.3% | 12.8% |
| Percentage of long-stay residents who were physically restrained | 0.0% | 0.1% | 0.1% |
| ★ Percentage of long-stay residents experiencing one or more falls with major injury | 2.7% | 3.2% | 3.2% |
| Percentage of long-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the pneumococcal vaccine | 100.0% | 91.4% | 93.6% |
| ★ Percentage of long-stay residents whose ability to walk independently worsened | 13.6% | 15.2% | 14.1% |
| Percentage of long-stay residents who received an antianxiety or hypnotic medication | 21.0% | 20.5% | 19.5% |
| Percentage of long-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the seasonal influenza vaccine | 99.3% | 95.0% | 95.5% |
| ★ Percentage of long-stay residents with pressure ulcers | 6.6% | 5.6% | 4.6% |
| Percentage of long-stay residents with new or worsened bowel or bladder incontinence | 13.9% | 15.8% | 19.0% |
| ★ Percentage of long-stay residents who received an antipsychotic medication | 16.0% | 19.9% | 15.4% |
| ★ Number of hospitalizations per 1000 long-stay resident days | 1.47 | 2.15 | 1.90 |
| ★ Number of outpatient emergency department visits per 1000 long-stay resident days | 2.03 | 1.90 | 1.78 |
Short-stay residents
| Measure | This home | Georgia | U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Percentage of short-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the pneumococcal vaccine | 96.4% | 80.3% | 82.0% |
| ★ Percentage of short-stay residents who newly received an antipsychotic medication | 2.0% | 2.6% | 1.6% |
| Percentage of short-stay residents who were assessed and appropriately given the seasonal influenza vaccine | 54.6% | 78.4% | 79.8% |
| ★ Percentage of short-stay residents who were rehospitalized after a nursing home admission | 23.6% | 25.0% | 23.8% |
| ★ Percentage of short-stay residents who had an outpatient emergency department visit | 12.4% | 11.6% | 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 30 health deficiencies in the three most recent inspection cycles. Of these, 2 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 Oct 28, 2025: Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.
| Standard inspection | Health | Fire safety |
|---|---|---|
| May 14, 2026 | 7 | 3 |
| Apr 3, 2025 | 5 | 1 |
| Jan 19, 2023 | 18 | 1 |
Georgia homes averaged 5.0 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 (30)
-
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 (Jun 22, 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 (Jun 22, 2026)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
Quality of Life and Care · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jun 22, 2026)
-
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 (Jun 22, 2026)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
Infection Control · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jun 22, 2026)
Show 25 more
-
GActual 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 (Nov 19, 2025)
-
GActual harm, isolated
Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
Complaint investigation · Quality of Life and Care · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Nov 19, 2025)
-
FPotential for more than minimal harm, widespread
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.
Complaint investigation · Pharmacy Service · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jun 1, 2025)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Allow residents to self-administer drugs if determined clinically appropriate.
Complaint investigation · Resident Rights · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (May 12, 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 (May 12, 2025)
-
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.
Complaint investigation · Resident Assessment and Care Planning · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (May 12, 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 date of correction (May 12, 2025)
-
CPotential for minimal harm, widespread
Not hire anyone with a finding of abuse, neglect, exploitation, or theft.
Complaint investigation · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation · Deficient, Provider has plan of correction (Mar 6, 2024)
-
FPotential for more than minimal harm, widespread
Have a registered nurse on duty 8 hours a day; and select a registered nurse to be the director of nurses on a full time basis.
Nursing and Physician Services · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 22, 2023)
-
FPotential for more than minimal harm, widespread
Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
Infection Control · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 22, 2023)
-
FPotential for more than minimal harm, widespread
Make sure there is a pest control program to prevent/deal with mice, insects, or other pests.
Environmental · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 22, 2023)
-
EPotential for more than minimal harm, pattern
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 (Mar 22, 2023)
-
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 (Mar 22, 2023)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Protect each resident from the wrongful use of the resident's belongings or money.
Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 22, 2023)
-
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 (Mar 22, 2023)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Provide appropriate care for residents who are continent or incontinent of bowel/bladder, appropriate catheter care, and appropriate care to prevent urinary tract infections.
Quality of Life and Care · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 22, 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 (Mar 22, 2023)
-
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 (Mar 22, 2023)
-
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.
Pharmacy Service · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 22, 2023)
-
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 (Mar 22, 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 (Mar 22, 2023)
-
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 (Mar 22, 2023)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Provide routine and 24-hour emergency dental care for each resident.
Quality of Life and Care · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 22, 2023)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Implement a program that monitors antibiotic use.
Infection Control · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 22, 2023)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Make sure that a working call system is available in each resident's bathroom and bathing area.
Environmental · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 22, 2023)
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
CMS lists no fines or payment denials for this home in the past three years.
Georgia homes averaged 0.6 fines and $12,749 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 Georgia
- Size52 of 355 by certified beds
- Georgia average residents per day89.9
- ChainWellington Health Care Services
- Chain average overall rating1.9 of 5
- Resident or family councilResident
- Homes in Newton County2
Common questions
What is the CMS star rating for Riverside Health Care Center?
Riverside Health Care Center has an overall rating of 2 of 5 stars from CMS as of Sep 2026. Its health inspection rating is 2, staffing is 2 and quality measures is 2.
How many beds does Riverside Health Care Center have?
Riverside Health Care Center has 159 certified beds. It averages 152.8 residents per day, about 96.1% of its certified beds.
How much nursing care do residents get at Riverside Health Care Center?
The home reports 3.49 hours of nurse staffing per resident per day, including 0.25 hours from registered nurses. The Georgia average is 3.56 hours and 0.50 hours from registered nurses.
Has Riverside Health Care Center been fined?
CMS lists no fines for this home in the past three years.
Does Riverside Health Care 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
- 3 of 5 Pruitthealth - Covington 71beds 92.8%in use 3.19nurse hours a day
- 3 of 5 Westbury Center of Conyers for Nursing and Healing 173beds 92.9%in use 3.31nurse hours a day
- 3 of 5 Social Circle Nsg & Rehab Ctr 65beds 87.2%in use 3.44nurse hours a day
Sorted by straight-line distance. This is not a ranking or a recommendation. Compare all homes in Newton County
Who to call in Georgia
These offices serve residents of every nursing home in Georgia.
- Long-term care ombudsman Georgia Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program 1-866-552-4464 (Select option 5 (per the Division of Aging Services page).) An advocate for residents and their families.
- File a complaint about a nursing home Healthcare Facility Regulation Division (HFRD) Complaint Intake 1-800-878-6442 (Toll free. Complaint Intake Unit: 404-657-5726 or 404-657-5728. Fax: 404-657-8935. Complaints can also be filed online.) The state agency that inspects nursing homes.
Georgia 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 115375. 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.