Rice County, Kansas · Nursing home
Sandstone Heights
1 of 5 overall from CMS
440 State Street, Little River, KS 67457
At a glance
- Overall rating 1 of 5 Below the state average of 3.1
- Nurse time per resident, per day 4.18 hours Above the state average of 4.07
- Nursing staff who left in a year 58.8% Above the state average of 48.1%
- Health citations, last 3 inspection cycles 20 2 at the harm level or above
- Fines in 3 years $67,763 2 fines
- Certified beds in use 71.1% of 36 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.
Sandstone Heights is a 36-bed nursing home in Little River, Kansas (Rice County). CMS rates it 1 of 5 stars overall as of Sep 2026. It reports 4.18 nurse staffing hours per resident per day, above the Kansas average of 4.07. CMS lists 2 fines totaling $67,763 in the past three years.
- Certified beds
- 36
- Residents per day (average)
- 25.6
- Certified since
- 2008 (18 yrs)
Non profit - Other Participates in Medicare and Medicaid
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 Sandstone Heights
Chosen from this home's public data.
- CMS lists 2 fines totaling $67,763 in the past three years. What changed after the most recent one?Penalties in CMS data
- Nursing staff turnover is 58.8%, above the Kansas average of 48.1%. How often would the same aides care for my relative?Turnover in CMS data
- About 71.1% of certified beds are in use on an average day. Are any units closed, or are admissions limited?Certified beds and average residents in CMS data
More in what to ask on a nursing home tour.
CMS star ratings
- Overall 1 of 5 Kansas average 3.1
- Health inspections 2 of 5 Kansas average 2.9
- Staffing 4 of 5 Kansas average 3.5
- Quality measures 1 of 5 Kansas average 3.2
The vertical line marks the Kansas 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 4.18 h Kansas average 4.07
- Nurse aides 2.43 h Kansas average 2.70
- Licensed practical nurses 0.65 h Kansas average 0.65
- Registered nurses 1.11 h Kansas average 0.71
- All staff, weekends 3.80 h Kansas average 3.60
How much nurse staffing is enough? All bars share one scale, 0 to 8 hours. The vertical line marks the Kansas average; the national average for all nursing staff is 3.86 hours.
- Nursing staff turnover58.8%
- Kansas average48.1%
- Registered nurse turnover40.0%
- Kansas average42.0%
- Administrators who left0
Quality measures
CMS calculates these from residents' assessments and Medicare claims. They are shown as published, next to the Kansas 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 | Kansas | U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|
| ★ Percentage of long-stay residents whose need for help with daily activities has increased | 21.4% | 17.9% | 13.9% |
| Percentage of long-stay residents who lose too much weight | 4.4% | 4.9% | 5.2% |
| ★ Percentage of long-stay residents with a catheter inserted and left in their bladder | 15.1% | 1.6% | 0.8% |
| ★ Percentage of long-stay residents with a urinary tract infection | 5.5% | 2.9% | 1.6% |
| Percentage of long-stay residents who have depressive symptoms | 6.2% | 6.5% | 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 | 17.2% | 4.3% | 3.2% |
| Percentage of long-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the pneumococcal vaccine | 100.0% | 92.1% | 93.6% |
| ★ Percentage of long-stay residents whose ability to walk independently worsened | 16.9% | 16.2% | 14.1% |
| Percentage of long-stay residents who received an antianxiety or hypnotic medication | 28.6% | 23.2% | 19.5% |
| Percentage of long-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the seasonal influenza vaccine | 100.0% | 95.5% | 95.5% |
| ★ Percentage of long-stay residents with pressure ulcers | 6.2% | 4.4% | 4.6% |
| Percentage of long-stay residents with new or worsened bowel or bladder incontinence | 24.5% | 22.6% | 19.0% |
| ★ Percentage of long-stay residents who received an antipsychotic medication | 45.8% | 18.1% | 15.4% |
| ★ Number of hospitalizations per 1000 long-stay resident days | 3.32 | 1.80 | 1.90 |
| ★ Number of outpatient emergency department visits per 1000 long-stay resident days | 4.99 | 2.13 | 1.78 |
Short-stay residents
| Measure | This home | Kansas | U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Percentage of short-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the pneumococcal vaccine | 98.1% | 76.1% | 82.0% |
| ★ Percentage of short-stay residents who newly received an antipsychotic medication | Too few residents or stays to report | 1.9% | 1.6% |
| Percentage of short-stay residents who were assessed and appropriately given the seasonal influenza vaccine | Too few residents or stays to report | 73.8% | 79.8% |
| ★ Percentage of short-stay residents who were rehospitalized after a nursing home admission | Too few residents or stays to report | 22.4% | 23.8% |
| ★ Percentage of short-stay residents who had an outpatient emergency department visit | Too few residents or stays to report | 11.5% | 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 20 health deficiencies in the three most recent inspection cycles. Of these, 1 was at the immediate jeopardy level and 1 involved actual harm; the rest were graded as no actual harm. 5 were cited in connection with a complaint investigation. The most recent citation at the harm level or above was on Mar 13, 2025: Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
| Standard inspection | Health | Fire safety |
|---|---|---|
| Mar 13, 2025 | 5 | 18 |
| Jun 15, 2023 | 9 | 8 |
| Nov 4, 2021 | 6 | 5 |
Kansas homes averaged 9.5 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 (20)
-
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 (May 21, 2025)
-
FPotential for more than minimal harm, widespread
Electronically submit to CMS complete and accurate direct care staffing information, based on payroll and other verifiable and auditable data.
Complaint investigation · Administration · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Apr 2, 2025)
-
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 (Apr 2, 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 (Apr 2, 2025)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
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 (Apr 2, 2025)
Show 15 more
-
JImmediate jeopardy, isolated
Protect each resident from the wrongful use of the resident's belongings or money.
Complaint investigation · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 29, 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 (Jul 20, 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 (Jul 20, 2023)
-
FPotential for more than minimal harm, widespread
Make sure that the nursing home area is safe, easy to use, clean and comfortable for residents, staff and the public.
Environmental · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 20, 2023)
-
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 (Jul 20, 2023)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Honor the resident's right to be treated with respect and dignity and to retain and use personal possessions.
Resident Rights · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 20, 2023)
-
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 20, 2023)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Plan the resident's discharge to meet the resident's goals and needs.
Resident Assessment and Care Planning · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 20, 2023)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Ensure necessary information is communicated to the resident, and receiving health care provider at the time of a planned discharge.
Resident Assessment and Care Planning · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 20, 2023)
-
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 (Jul 20, 2023)
-
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 (Dec 10, 2021)
-
EPotential for more than minimal harm, pattern
Implement a program that monitors antibiotic use.
Infection Control · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Dec 10, 2021)
-
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 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Dec 10, 2021)
-
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 (Dec 10, 2021)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
Infection Control · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Dec 10, 2021)
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Mar 13, 2025 | Fine | $41,262 |
| Mar 13, 2025 | Payment Denial | 40 days |
| Jan 16, 2024 | Fine | $26,501 |
Kansas homes averaged 1.1 fines and $20,430 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 Kansas
- Size258 of 296 by certified beds
- Kansas average residents per day50.5
- ChainNone listed
- Resident or family councilResident
- Homes in Rice County2
Common questions
What is the CMS star rating for Sandstone Heights?
Sandstone Heights has an overall rating of 1 of 5 stars from CMS as of Sep 2026. Its health inspection rating is 2, staffing is 4 and quality measures is 1.
How many beds does Sandstone Heights have?
Sandstone Heights has 36 certified beds. It averages 25.6 residents per day, about 71.1% of its certified beds.
How much nursing care do residents get at Sandstone Heights?
The home reports 4.18 hours of nurse staffing per resident per day, including 1.11 hours from registered nurses. The Kansas average is 4.07 hours and 0.71 hours from registered nurses.
Has Sandstone Heights been fined?
Yes. CMS lists 2 fines totaling $67,763 in the past three years. It also lists 1 payment denial.
Does Sandstone Heights 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 Riverview Estates 36beds 82.8%in use 4.35nurse hours a day
- 3 of 5 Sterling Village 45beds 62.0%in use 4.42nurse hours a day
- 3 of 5 Pleasant View Home 122beds 59.3%in use 5.39nurse hours a day
Sorted by straight-line distance. This is not a ranking or a recommendation. Compare all homes in Rice County
Who to call in Kansas
These offices serve residents of every nursing home in Kansas.
- Long-term care ombudsman Kansas Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman 877-662-8362 (Toll-free. Topeka office 785-296-3017. Monday-Friday, 8:30 am - 5:00 pm.) An advocate for residents and their families.
- File a complaint about a nursing home KDADS Abuse, Neglect or Exploitation Hotline (adult care home complaints) 800-842-0078 (Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm, excluding holidays. Email KDADS.ComplaintHotline@ks.gov; fax 785-296-0256. Outside hotline hours KDADS directs callers to local law enforcement for abuse, neglect or exploitation complaints.) The state agency that inspects nursing homes.
Kansas 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 175509. 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.