Whitley County, Indiana · Nursing home
Waters of Columbia City Skilled Nursing Facility
3 of 5 overall from CMS
640 W Ellsworth St, Columbia City, IN 46725
At a glance
- Overall rating 3 of 5 Below the state average of 3.1
- Nurse time per resident, per day 3.09 hours Below the state average of 3.69
- Nursing staff who left in a year 56.3% Above the state average of 45.9%
- Health citations, last 3 inspection cycles 17 2 at the harm level or above
- Fines in 3 years $60,590 1 fine
- Certified beds in use 49.0% of 84 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.
Waters of Columbia City Skilled Nursing Facility is a 84-bed nursing home in Columbia City, Indiana (Whitley County). CMS rates it 3 of 5 stars overall as of Sep 2026. It reports 3.09 nurse staffing hours per resident per day, below the Indiana average of 3.69. CMS lists 1 fine totaling $60,590 in the past three years.
- Certified beds
- 84
- Residents per day (average)
- 41.2
- Certified since
- 1974 (52 yrs)
For profit - Corporation Participates in Medicare and MedicaidPart of Infinity Healthcare Consulting (70 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 Waters of Columbia City Skilled Nursing Facility
Chosen from this home's public data.
- CMS lists 1 fine totaling $60,590 in the past three years. What changed after the most recent one?Penalties in CMS data
- Nursing staff turnover is 56.3%, above the Indiana average of 45.9%. How often would the same aides care for my relative?Turnover in CMS data
- Reported nurse staffing is 2.73 hours per resident on weekends against 3.09 overall. Who covers Saturdays and Sundays?Weekend staffing in CMS data
More in what to ask on a nursing home tour.
CMS star ratings
- Overall 3 of 5 Indiana average 3.1
- Health inspections 2 of 5 Indiana average 2.8
- Staffing 3 of 5 Indiana average 2.5
- Quality measures 5 of 5 Indiana average 4.1
The vertical line marks the Indiana 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 3.09 h Indiana average 3.69
- Nurse aides 1.75 h Indiana average 2.24
- Licensed practical nurses 0.18 h Indiana average 0.78
- Registered nurses 1.16 h Indiana average 0.67
- All staff, weekends 2.73 h Indiana average 3.25
How much nurse staffing is enough? All bars share one scale, 0 to 10 hours. The vertical line marks the Indiana average; the national average for all nursing staff is 3.86 hours.
- Nursing staff turnover56.3%
- Indiana average45.9%
- Registered nurse turnover12.5%
- Indiana average40.3%
- Administrators who left0
Quality measures
CMS calculates these from residents' assessments and Medicare claims. They are shown as published, next to the Indiana 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 | Indiana | U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|
| ★ Percentage of long-stay residents whose need for help with daily activities has increased | 1.7% | 11.0% | 13.9% |
| Percentage of long-stay residents who lose too much weight | 4.1% | 5.5% | 5.2% |
| ★ Percentage of long-stay residents with a catheter inserted and left in their bladder | 0.0% | 0.4% | 0.8% |
| ★ Percentage of long-stay residents with a urinary tract infection | 0.0% | 1.1% | 1.6% |
| Percentage of long-stay residents who have depressive symptoms | 26.9% | 25.2% | 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 | 4.8% | 3.9% | 3.2% |
| Percentage of long-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the pneumococcal vaccine | 100.0% | 93.6% | 93.6% |
| ★ Percentage of long-stay residents whose ability to walk independently worsened | 4.1% | 11.9% | 14.1% |
| Percentage of long-stay residents who received an antianxiety or hypnotic medication | 33.3% | 23.5% | 19.5% |
| Percentage of long-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the seasonal influenza vaccine | 100.0% | 95.4% | 95.5% |
| ★ Percentage of long-stay residents with pressure ulcers | 0.8% | 3.6% | 4.6% |
| Percentage of long-stay residents with new or worsened bowel or bladder incontinence | 33.4% | 23.3% | 19.0% |
| ★ Percentage of long-stay residents who received an antipsychotic medication | 8.9% | 13.6% | 15.4% |
| ★ Number of hospitalizations per 1000 long-stay resident days | Too few residents or stays to report | 1.61 | 1.90 |
| ★ Number of outpatient emergency department visits per 1000 long-stay resident days | Too few residents or stays to report | 1.44 | 1.78 |
Short-stay residents
| Measure | This home | Indiana | U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Percentage of short-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the pneumococcal vaccine | 98.1% | 81.8% | 82.0% |
| ★ Percentage of short-stay residents who newly received an antipsychotic medication | 0.9% | 1.2% | 1.6% |
| Percentage of short-stay residents who were assessed and appropriately given the seasonal influenza vaccine | 94.6% | 79.0% | 79.8% |
| ★ Percentage of short-stay residents who were rehospitalized after a nursing home admission | Too few residents or stays to report | 22.2% | 23.8% |
| ★ Percentage of short-stay residents who had an outpatient emergency department visit | Too few residents or stays to report | 10.8% | 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 17 health deficiencies in the three most recent inspection cycles. Of these, 2 were at the immediate jeopardy level; the rest were graded as no actual harm. 2 were cited in connection with a complaint investigation. The most recent citation at the harm level or above was on Feb 22, 2024: Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
| Standard inspection | Health | Fire safety |
|---|---|---|
| Dec 12, 2025 | 5 | 6 |
| Oct 21, 2024 | 5 | 13 |
| Sep 29, 2023 | 7 | 4 |
Indiana homes averaged 7.2 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 (17)
-
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 (Jan 16, 2026)
-
EPotential for more than minimal harm, pattern
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 (Jan 16, 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 (Jan 16, 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 (Jan 16, 2026)
-
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 (Jan 16, 2026)
Show 12 more
-
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 (Nov 1, 2024)
-
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 (Nov 1, 2024)
-
EPotential for more than minimal harm, pattern
Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
Infection Control · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Nov 1, 2024)
-
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 (Nov 1, 2024)
-
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 (Nov 1, 2024)
-
JImmediate jeopardy, isolated
Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
Complaint investigation · Quality of Life and Care · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Feb 24, 2024)
-
JImmediate jeopardy, isolated
Ensure that residents are free from significant medication errors.
Complaint investigation · Pharmacy Service · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Feb 24, 2024)
-
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 20, 2023)
-
EPotential for more than minimal harm, pattern
Provide enough nursing staff every day to meet the needs of every resident; and have a licensed nurse in charge on each shift.
Nursing and Physician Services · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Oct 20, 2023)
-
EPotential for more than minimal harm, pattern
Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
Infection Control · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Oct 20, 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 (Oct 20, 2023)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Keep residents' personal and medical records private and confidential.
Resident Rights · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Oct 20, 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
| Date | Type | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Feb 22, 2024 | Fine | $60,590 |
Indiana homes averaged 0.3 fines and $8,742 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 Indiana
- Size291 of 507 by certified beds
- Indiana average residents per day72.5
- ChainInfinity Healthcare Consulting
- Chain average overall rating2.1 of 5
- Resident or family councilBoth
- Homes in Whitley County2
Common questions
What is the CMS star rating for Waters of Columbia City Skilled Nursing Facility?
Waters of Columbia City Skilled Nursing Facility has an overall rating of 3 of 5 stars from CMS as of Sep 2026. Its health inspection rating is 2, staffing is 3 and quality measures is 5.
How many beds does Waters of Columbia City Skilled Nursing Facility have?
Waters of Columbia City Skilled Nursing Facility has 84 certified beds. It averages 41.2 residents per day, about 49.0% of its certified beds.
How much nursing care do residents get at Waters of Columbia City Skilled Nursing Facility?
The home reports 3.09 hours of nurse staffing per resident per day, including 1.16 hours from registered nurses. The Indiana average is 3.69 hours and 0.67 hours from registered nurses.
Has Waters of Columbia City Skilled Nursing Facility been fined?
Yes. CMS lists 1 fine totaling $60,590 in the past three years.
Does Waters of Columbia City Skilled Nursing Facility 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 Miller's at Oak Pointe 82beds 59.5%in use 4.20nurse hours a day
- 4 of 5 Majestic Care of West Allen 96beds 85.3%in use 2.89nurse hours a day
- 3 of 5 Sage Bluff Health and Rehab Center 84beds 59.8%in use 3.34nurse hours a day
Sorted by straight-line distance. This is not a ranking or a recommendation. Compare all homes in Whitley County
Who to call in Indiana
These offices serve residents of every nursing home in Indiana.
- Long-term care ombudsman Indiana Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program 1-800-622-4484 (Also 317-232-7134. Email: LongTermCareOmbudsman@ombudsman.IN.gov) An advocate for residents and their families.
- File a complaint about a nursing home Indiana Department of Health complaint intake (health care facility complaints) 1-800-246-8909 (Voicemail line for people without internet or email access; IDOH says the online complaint form is the best way to file.) The state agency that inspects nursing homes.
Indiana 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 155150. 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.