Elkhart County, Indiana · Nursing home
Waters of Wakarusa Skilled Nursing Facility, the
1 of 5 overall from CMS
300 N Washington St, Wakarusa, IN 46573
At a glance
- Overall rating 1 of 5 Below the state average of 3.1
- Nurse time per resident, per day 3.46 hours Below the state average of 3.69
- Nursing staff who left in a year 57.1% Above the state average of 45.9%
- Health citations, last 3 inspection cycles 32 1 at the harm level or above
- Fines in 3 years $14,661 1 fine
- Certified beds in use 61.5% of 133 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 Wakarusa Skilled Nursing Facility, the is a 133-bed nursing home in Wakarusa, Indiana (Elkhart County). CMS rates it 1 of 5 stars overall as of Sep 2026. It reports 3.46 nurse staffing hours per resident per day, below the Indiana average of 3.69. CMS lists 1 fine totaling $14,661 in the past three years.
- Certified beds
- 133
- Residents per day (average)
- 81.8
- Certified since
- 1995 (31 yrs)
For profit - Partnership 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 Wakarusa Skilled Nursing Facility, the
Chosen from this home's public data.
- CMS lists 1 fine totaling $14,661 in the past three years. What changed after the most recent one?Penalties in CMS data
- CMS counts 12 health deficiencies in the latest inspection cycle (the standard inspection on Mar 14, 2025 plus complaint and infection-control inspections); the Indiana average is 7.2. Which have been corrected?Inspection results in CMS data
- Nursing staff turnover is 57.1%, above the Indiana average of 45.9%. 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 Indiana average 3.1
- Health inspections 1 of 5 Indiana average 2.8
- Staffing 2 of 5 Indiana average 2.5
- Quality measures 3 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 3.46 h Indiana average 3.69
- Nurse aides 2.28 h Indiana average 2.24
- Licensed practical nurses 0.57 h Indiana average 0.78
- Registered nurses 0.60 h Indiana average 0.67
- All staff, weekends 3.14 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 turnover57.1%
- Indiana average45.9%
- Registered nurse turnover23.1%
- Indiana average40.3%
- Administrators who left1
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 | 7.0% | 11.0% | 13.9% |
| Percentage of long-stay residents who lose too much weight | 5.1% | 5.5% | 5.2% |
| ★ Percentage of long-stay residents with a catheter inserted and left in their bladder | 0.3% | 0.4% | 0.8% |
| ★ Percentage of long-stay residents with a urinary tract infection | 3.5% | 1.1% | 1.6% |
| Percentage of long-stay residents who have depressive symptoms | 23.1% | 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 | 3.8% | 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 | 9.2% | 11.9% | 14.1% |
| Percentage of long-stay residents who received an antianxiety or hypnotic medication | 15.0% | 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 | 4.0% | 3.6% | 4.6% |
| Percentage of long-stay residents with new or worsened bowel or bladder incontinence | 35.5% | 23.3% | 19.0% |
| ★ Percentage of long-stay residents who received an antipsychotic medication | 7.4% | 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 | 95.1% | 81.8% | 82.0% |
| ★ Percentage of short-stay residents who newly received an antipsychotic medication | 1.5% | 1.2% | 1.6% |
| Percentage of short-stay residents who were assessed and appropriately given the seasonal influenza vaccine | 83.7% | 79.0% | 79.8% |
| ★ Percentage of short-stay residents who were rehospitalized after a nursing home admission | 23.9% | 22.2% | 23.8% |
| ★ Percentage of short-stay residents who had an outpatient emergency department visit | 18.9% | 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 32 health deficiencies in the three most recent inspection cycles. Of these, 1 was at the immediate jeopardy level; the rest were graded as no actual harm. 12 were cited in connection with a complaint investigation. The most recent citation at the harm level or above was on Jan 8, 2025: Not transfer or discharge a resident without an adequate reason; and must provide documentation and convey specific information when a resident is transferred or discharged.
| Standard inspection | Health | Fire safety |
|---|---|---|
| Mar 14, 2025 | 12 | 14 |
| Apr 3, 2024 | 12 | 8 |
| Feb 6, 2023 | 8 | 13 |
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 (32)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Provide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.
Complaint investigation · Quality of Life and Care · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 27, 2026)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, 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 (Mar 27, 2026)
-
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 (Apr 14, 2025)
-
EPotential for more than minimal harm, pattern
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 (Apr 14, 2025)
-
EPotential for more than minimal harm, pattern
Ensure menus must meet the nutritional needs of residents, be prepared in advance, be followed, be updated, be reviewed by dietician, and meet the needs of the resident.
Nutrition and Dietary · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Apr 14, 2025)
Show 25 more
-
EPotential for more than minimal harm, pattern
Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
Infection Control · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Apr 14, 2025)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Honor the resident's right to request, refuse, and/or discontinue treatment, to participate in or refuse to participate in experimental research, and to formulate an advance directive.
Resident Rights · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Apr 14, 2025)
-
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 (Apr 14, 2025)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Provide safe, appropriate dialysis care/services for a resident who requires such services.
Quality of Life and Care · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Apr 14, 2025)
-
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 (Apr 14, 2025)
-
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 (Apr 14, 2025)
-
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 14, 2025)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Provide appropriate colostomy, urostomy, or ileostomy care/services for a resident who requires such services.
Complaint investigation · Quality of Life and Care · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Apr 14, 2025)
-
JImmediate jeopardy, isolated
Not transfer or discharge a resident without an adequate reason; and must provide documentation and convey specific information when a resident is transferred or discharged.
Complaint investigation · Resident Rights · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 28, 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 (Jan 28, 2025)
-
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.
Complaint investigation · Resident Rights · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 28, 2025)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Prepare residents for a safe transfer or discharge from the nursing home.
Complaint investigation · Resident Rights · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 28, 2025)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Provide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.
Complaint investigation · Quality of Life and Care · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 28, 2025)
-
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.
Complaint investigation · Quality of Life and Care · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 28, 2025)
-
CPotential for minimal harm, widespread
Post nurse staffing information every day.
Complaint investigation · Nursing and Physician Services · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 28, 2025)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Immediately tell the resident, the resident's doctor, and a family member of situations (injury/decline/room, etc.) that affect the resident.
Resident Rights · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (May 6, 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 (May 6, 2024)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
Quality of Life and Care · Past Non-Compliance (Mar 22, 2024)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Ensure that the resident and his/her doctor meet face-to-face at all required visits.
Nursing and Physician Services · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (May 6, 2024)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Plan the resident's discharge to meet the resident's goals and needs.
Complaint investigation · Resident Assessment and Care Planning · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 12, 2024)
-
EPotential for more than minimal harm, pattern
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 (Feb 25, 2023)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Assure that each resident’s assessment is updated at least once every 3 months.
Resident Assessment and Care Planning · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Feb 25, 2023)
-
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 (Feb 25, 2023)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Ensure residents do not lose the ability to perform activities of daily living unless there is a medical reason.
Quality of Life and Care · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Feb 25, 2023)
-
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 (Feb 25, 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 8, 2025 | Fine | $14,661 |
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
- Size87 of 507 by certified beds
- Indiana average residents per day72.5
- ChainInfinity Healthcare Consulting
- Chain average overall rating2.1 of 5
- Resident or family councilResident
- Homes in Elkhart County13
Common questions
What is the CMS star rating for Waters of Wakarusa Skilled Nursing Facility, the?
Waters of Wakarusa Skilled Nursing Facility, the has an overall rating of 1 of 5 stars from CMS as of Sep 2026. Its health inspection rating is 1, staffing is 2 and quality measures is 3.
How many beds does Waters of Wakarusa Skilled Nursing Facility, the have?
Waters of Wakarusa Skilled Nursing Facility, the has 133 certified beds. It averages 81.8 residents per day, about 61.5% of its certified beds.
How much nursing care do residents get at Waters of Wakarusa Skilled Nursing Facility, the?
The home reports 3.46 hours of nurse staffing per resident per day, including 0.60 hours from registered nurses. The Indiana average is 3.69 hours and 0.67 hours from registered nurses.
Has Waters of Wakarusa Skilled Nursing Facility, the been fined?
Yes. CMS lists 1 fine totaling $14,661 in the past three years.
Does Waters of Wakarusa Skilled Nursing Facility, the 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
- 5 of 5 Hubbard Hill Estates Inc 66beds 103.5%in use 4.27nurse hours a day
- 1 of 5 Valley View Healthcare Center 94beds 82.0%in use 3.32nurse hours a day
- 1 of 5 Brickyard Healthcare - Elkhart Care Center 175beds 67.1%in use 3.36nurse hours a day
Sorted by straight-line distance. This is not a ranking or a recommendation. Compare all homes in Elkhart 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 155582. 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.