King County, Washington · Nursing home
Puget Sound Transitional Care
2 of 5 overall from CMS
2800 South 224th Street,, Des Moines, WA 98198
At a glance
- Overall rating 2 of 5 Below the state average of 3.3
- Nurse time per resident, per day 3.85 hours Below the state average of 4.36
- Nursing staff who left in a year 32.4% Below the state average of 45.1%
- Health citations, last 3 inspection cycles 64 1 at the harm level or above
- Fines in 3 years None None listed by CMS
- Certified beds in use 49.2% of 165 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.
Puget Sound Transitional Care is a 165-bed nursing home in Des Moines, Washington (King County). CMS rates it 2 of 5 stars overall as of Sep 2026. It reports 3.85 nurse staffing hours per resident per day, below the Washington average of 4.36. CMS lists no fines in the past three years.
- Certified beds
- 165
- Residents per day (average)
- 81.1
- Certified since
- 2004 (22 yrs)
For profit - Corporation Participates in Medicare and MedicaidPart of The Ensign Group (344 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 Puget Sound Transitional Care
Chosen from this home's public data.
- CMS counts 25 health deficiencies in the latest inspection cycle (the standard inspection on Aug 27, 2025 plus complaint and infection-control inspections); the Washington average is 15.8. Which have been corrected?Inspection results in CMS data
- Reported nurse staffing is 3.39 hours per resident on weekends against 3.85 overall. Who covers Saturdays and Sundays?Weekend staffing in CMS data
- About 49.2% 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 2 of 5 Washington average 3.3
- Health inspections 2 of 5 Washington average 2.8
- Staffing 3 of 5 Washington average 3.6
- Quality measures 4 of 5 Washington average 4.0
The vertical line marks the Washington 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 3.85 h Washington average 4.36
- Nurse aides 2.22 h Washington average 2.66
- Licensed practical nurses 0.87 h Washington average 0.77
- Registered nurses 0.76 h Washington average 0.94
- All staff, weekends 3.39 h Washington average 3.80
How much nurse staffing is enough? All bars share one scale, 0 to 17 hours. The vertical line marks the Washington average; the national average for all nursing staff is 3.86 hours.
- Nursing staff turnover32.4%
- Washington average45.1%
- Registered nurse turnover60.0%
- Washington average45.4%
- Administrators who left1
Quality measures
CMS calculates these from residents' assessments and Medicare claims. They are shown as published, next to the Washington 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 | Washington | U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|
| ★ Percentage of long-stay residents whose need for help with daily activities has increased | 16.7% | 14.2% | 13.9% |
| Percentage of long-stay residents who lose too much weight | 3.8% | 5.5% | 5.2% |
| ★ Percentage of long-stay residents with a catheter inserted and left in their bladder | 0.0% | 1.0% | 0.8% |
| ★ Percentage of long-stay residents with a urinary tract infection | 0.8% | 1.6% | 1.6% |
| Percentage of long-stay residents who have depressive symptoms | 57.9% | 17.7% | 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 | 2.0% | 2.6% | 3.2% |
| Percentage of long-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the pneumococcal vaccine | 95.6% | 96.0% | 93.6% |
| ★ Percentage of long-stay residents whose ability to walk independently worsened | 49.0% | 17.2% | 14.1% |
| Percentage of long-stay residents who received an antianxiety or hypnotic medication | 7.0% | 12.4% | 19.5% |
| Percentage of long-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the seasonal influenza vaccine | 89.5% | 93.8% | 95.5% |
| ★ Percentage of long-stay residents with pressure ulcers | 1.6% | 4.3% | 4.6% |
| Percentage of long-stay residents with new or worsened bowel or bladder incontinence | 27.5% | 22.5% | 19.0% |
| ★ Percentage of long-stay residents who received an antipsychotic medication | 14.5% | 15.1% | 15.4% |
| ★ Number of hospitalizations per 1000 long-stay resident days | Too few residents or stays to report | 1.33 | 1.90 |
| ★ Number of outpatient emergency department visits per 1000 long-stay resident days | Too few residents or stays to report | 1.52 | 1.78 |
Short-stay residents
| Measure | This home | Washington | U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Percentage of short-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the pneumococcal vaccine | 89.3% | 88.3% | 82.0% |
| ★ Percentage of short-stay residents who newly received an antipsychotic medication | 0.4% | 1.3% | 1.6% |
| Percentage of short-stay residents who were assessed and appropriately given the seasonal influenza vaccine | 95.8% | 82.0% | 79.8% |
| ★ Percentage of short-stay residents who were rehospitalized after a nursing home admission | 19.3% | 19.9% | 23.8% |
| ★ Percentage of short-stay residents who had an outpatient emergency department visit | 13.0% | 13.4% | 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 64 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. 10 were cited in connection with a complaint investigation. The most recent citation at the harm level or above was on Jul 1, 2025: Provide basic life support, including CPR, prior to the arrival of emergency medical personnel , subject to physician orders and the resident’s advance directives.
| Standard inspection | Health | Fire safety |
|---|---|---|
| Aug 27, 2025 | 25 | 5 |
| Jun 12, 2024 | 22 | 11 |
| May 19, 2023 | 17 | 22 |
Washington homes averaged 15.8 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 (64)
-
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 (Sep 10, 2026)
-
DPotential for more than minimal 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 date of correction (May 29, 2026)
-
EPotential for more than minimal harm, pattern
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 (Mar 31, 2026)
-
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.
Complaint investigation · Resident Assessment and Care Planning · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 31, 2026)
-
EPotential for more than minimal harm, pattern
Provide the required documentation or notification related to the resident's needs, appeal rights, or bed-hold policies.
Resident Rights · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Oct 9, 2025)
Show 25 more
-
EPotential for more than minimal harm, pattern
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 (Oct 9, 2025)
-
EPotential for more than minimal harm, pattern
Employ sufficient staff with the appropriate competencies and skills sets to carry out the functions of the food and nutrition service, including a qualified dietician.
Nutrition and Dietary · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Oct 9, 2025)
-
EPotential for more than minimal harm, pattern
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 (Oct 9, 2025)
-
EPotential for more than minimal harm, pattern
Educate residents and staff on COVID-19 vaccination, offer the COVID-19 vaccine to eligible residents and staff after education, and properly document each resident and staff member's vaccination status.
Infection Control · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Oct 9, 2025)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Ensure that residents are fully informed and understand their health status, care and treatments.
Resident Rights · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Oct 9, 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 (Oct 9, 2025)
-
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 (Oct 9, 2025)
-
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 (Oct 9, 2025)
-
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 (Oct 9, 2025)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.
Resident Assessment and Care Planning · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Oct 9, 2025)
-
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 (Oct 9, 2025)
-
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 (Oct 9, 2025)
-
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 (Oct 9, 2025)
-
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 (Oct 9, 2025)
-
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 (Oct 9, 2025)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Try different approaches before using a bed rail. If a bed rail is needed, the facility must (1) assess a resident for safety risk; (2) review these risks and benefits with the resident/representative; (3) get informed consent; and (4) Correctly install and maintain the bed rail.
Quality of Life and Care · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Oct 9, 2025)
-
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 (Oct 9, 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 (Oct 9, 2025)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Implement a program that monitors antibiotic use.
Infection Control · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Oct 9, 2025)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Keep all essential equipment working safely.
Environmental · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Oct 9, 2025)
-
JImmediate jeopardy, isolated
Provide basic life support, including CPR, prior to the arrival of emergency medical personnel , subject to physician orders and the resident’s advance directives.
Complaint investigation · Quality of Life and Care · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 31, 2025)
-
EPotential for more than minimal harm, pattern
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 date of correction (Jul 31, 2025)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Timely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.
Complaint investigation · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 31, 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 date of correction (Jul 31, 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 17, 2024)
Showing the 30 most recent of 64.
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.
Washington homes averaged 1.2 fines and $52,633 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 Washington
- Size8 of 193 by certified beds
- Washington average residents per day76.0
- ChainThe Ensign Group
- Chain average overall rating3.2 of 5
- Resident or family councilResident
- Homes in Des Moines3
- Homes in King County47
Common questions
What is the CMS star rating for Puget Sound Transitional Care?
Puget Sound Transitional Care has an overall rating of 2 of 5 stars from CMS as of Sep 2026. Its health inspection rating is 2, staffing is 3 and quality measures is 4.
How many beds does Puget Sound Transitional Care have?
Puget Sound Transitional Care has 165 certified beds. It averages 81.1 residents per day, about 49.2% of its certified beds.
How much nursing care do residents get at Puget Sound Transitional Care?
The home reports 3.85 hours of nurse staffing per resident per day, including 0.76 hours from registered nurses. The Washington average is 4.36 hours and 0.94 hours from registered nurses.
Has Puget Sound Transitional Care been fined?
CMS lists no fines for this home in the past three years.
Does Puget Sound Transitional Care 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 Wesley Homes Des Moines Health Center 148beds 45.9%in use 4.79nurse hours a day
- 5 of 5 Judson Park Health Center 96beds 87.3%in use 4.60nurse hours a day
- 3 of 5 Benson Heights Rehabilitation Center 91beds 93.8%in use 4.28nurse hours a day
Sorted by straight-line distance. This is not a ranking or a recommendation. Compare all homes in King County
Source: CMS Provider Data Catalog, nursing home datasets processed Sep 1, 2026. CMS Certification Number 505513. 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.