The 10 Worst Nursing Homes in Ohio

Compare the Worst Nursing Homes in Ohio

Every year, thousands of seniors, their families, and friends are faced with the difficult decision of choosing a skilled nursing facility, either because someone is recuperating after a hospital visit or for end-of-life care. This is usually an issue that arises suddenly, and the decision makers are not equipped with the right knowledge and information to make a good decision. Not knowing how to decide, they turn to others for recommendations. Word of mouth, along with geography, are constantly cited as the most important factors in choosing a skilled nursing facility. Choosing a facility with such limited information can lead to significant problems. Not all skilled nursing facilities are the same and the people that you trust to recommend a facility may not know enough about the facility and the alternatives to be a competent guide.

Providing the type of care that residents of skilled nursing facilities require is very difficult. The range of issues that are being treated is vast and the needs cover both people recuperating and recovering as well as those facing end-of-life issues. Residents require significant help with basic daily activities as well as supplemental needs like oxygen and 24/7 monitoring.

To help people who are facing this difficult situation, we have compiled a list of the worst Ohio skilled nursing facilities and the the best skilled nursing facilities. (We have also compiled the best and worst nursing homes by city for most cities in the United States, links are shown at the bottom on this page.) The lists are based on data provided by The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid (“CMS”) and include information gathered from detailed annual inspections, monthly reporting, complaint histories, deficiency reports and much more.

The list below calls out the worst skilled nursing facilities in Ohio. For the most part these facilities should be avoided. All the facilities have issues with cleanliness and safety and a large number of the facilities have been flagged by CMS as locations where abuse has either occurred or is highly likely.

Avoiding these facilities may not always be an option either because of geographic, monetary, or occupancy constraints. However, being in a bad nursing home does not mean that the resident will not improve. If you have a loved one in one of these facilities, we encourage you to visit often and to ask that friends and other family visit too. It is well documented that positive outcomes for skilled nursing residents is highly correlated with the number and diversity of people visiting the resident. Being there, getting to know the staff, showing the staff that the resident has people that care about him or her is critical. There may not always be a better option, but your direct involvement can make a difference.

To see a more detailed analysis of the performance on skilled nursing facilities in Ohio, including staffing, COVID-19 infections, historical occupancy levels and recent trends, look at our detailed analysis page.

Nursing Home	Rating
East Ohio Regional Hospital Long Term Care 90 NORTH FOURTH STREET MARTINS FERRY, OH	521.83
Legacy Marietta 5001 STATE ROUTE 60 MARIETTA, OH	445.50
Crestwood Care Center 225 W MAIN STREET SHELBY, OH	444.33
Astoria Place of Barnesville 400 CARRIE AVENUE BARNESVILLE, OH	422.50 /
Wesleyan Village 807 WEST AVE ELYRIA, OH	395.67 /
Continuing Healthcare of Gahanna 167 NORTH STYGLER ROAD GAHANNA, OH	363.33
Harvard Gardens Rehabilitation and Care Center 18810 HARVARD AVE CLEVELAND, OH	351.83
Kirtland Rehabilitation and Care 9685 CHILLICOTHE RD KIRTLAND, OH	336.67 /
Steubenville Country Club Manor 575 LOVERS LANE STEUBENVILLE, OH	327.67 /
Monroe County Operating Inc 47045 MOORE RIDGE ROAD WOODSFIELD, OH	317.50

Nursing Homes with the warning icon () have been flagged by CMS for abuse.

How We Compile Nursing Home Ratings in Ohio

Every month, we rank all of the skilled nursing facilities in Ohio. These rankings are based on data provided by The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid measures ("CMS"), including the CMS 5-Star Rating System and the Health Inspection Scores. The list of the Worst Skilled Nursing Facilities in Ohio is based on the weighted overall health inspection score which is a composite of CMS's three most recent skilled nursing home inspection scores weighted to give the most recent inspection more importance.

The CMS 5-Star Rating System rates skilled nursing facilities from one to five stars, with one star being the lowest and five stars being the highest. The rating system also rates Ohio nursing homes across five different dimensions including overall rating, health inspection rating, quality measures rating, overall staffing rating, and RN staffing rating (RN is an acronym for Registered Nurse).

In addition to the 5-Star Rating System, CMS provides numerical metrics that summarize:

Health Inspection Domain. The health inspection rating is based on the three most recent standard surveys for each nursing home, results from any complaint investigations during the most recent three-year period, and any repeat revisits needed to verify that required corrections have brought the facility back into compliance. CMS calculates a weighted deficiency score based on points assigned to health deficiencies identified in each active provider’s current health inspection survey and the two prior surveys (including revisits), as well as deficiency findings from the most recent three years of complaint investigations. More recent surveys are weighted more heavily than older surveys: the most recent period (cycle 1) is assigned a weighting factor of 1/2, the previous period (cycle 2) has a weighting factor of 1/3, and the second prior survey (cycle 3) has a weighting factor of 1/6. The weighted time period scores are then summed to create the survey score for each facility.
Staffing Domain. Using multiple reporting methods, CMS calculates the amount of time that the nursing staff spends with residents. This is measured across multiple dimensions, one each for three different levels of nursing, including Registered Nurses (“RNs”), Licensed Practical Nurses (“LPNs”), and Certified Nursing Assistants (“CNAs”), plus one metric that totals all contributions. These metrics are expressed in hours per resident per day. CMS also provides state-level and national averages for the metrics to allow for additional comparisons.
Quality Measures Domain. A set of quality measures (QMs) has been developed from MDS-based indicators to describe the quality of care provided in nursing homes. These measures address a broad range of functioning and health status in multiple care areas. The facility rating for the QM domain is based on performance on a subset of 11 (out of 18) of the QMs. Ratings for the QM domain are calculated using the three most recent quarters for which data are available. This time period specification was selected to increase the number of assessments available for calculating the QM rating, increasing the stability of estimates and reducing the number of facilities that do not have enough data to report QM ratings.
Abuse Flag. Abuse is always a concern in skilled nursing facilities. To highlight the issue, CMS has extracted this feature as its own flag. Facilities with an actual abuse event or where the potential for abuse has been shown for the past two years are flagged. The Health Inspection Score is capped at 2-stars for nursing homes that have been flagged for abuse.

Skilled nursing facilities that are new and do not have at least two surveys completed are not rated by CMS. These facilities may have health inspection scores that can be used to evaluate the facility.

One complication in Ohio nursing home inspections is the COVID-19 pandemic. Although inspections should be performed every 12 months, COVID has decreased this frequency. While CMS admits that only in “rare cases” do these inspections increase to 15 months, our analysis suggests that this time frame may be even longer. This report shows that the time between inspections is now just under 500 days (more than sixteen months). There are now hundreds of skilled nursing homes in the United States that have not been inspected in more than 24 months. This list shows the skilled nursing homes with the longest period since being inspected. According to the CMS data, these homes have not been inspected since 2018!

Skilled Nursing Home Abuse in Ohio

Abuse is always going to be an issue with skilled nursing facilities. Skilled nursing facility residents need help with so many basic things and they are suffering, confused, and frustrated. If you are the friend or relative of a nursing home resident, we guarantee that you will be constantly fretting about whether your loved one is receiving proper and timely care. Abuse feels like a violation of your trust, but it happens. CMS actively monitors nursing homes not just for actual abuse but also for indicators that suggest that abuse might be occurring. Homes where abuse has either occurred or might be occurring are flagged. A very high percentage of the worst skilled nursing facilities in Ohio have been flagged for abuse. We have marked these facilities both on the list of the worst skilled nursing facilities and on the detailed page for each of the facilities.

How to Report a Nursing Homes in Ohio

If you run into an issue at a Ohio nursing home, there are a few steps you can take to make sure the issue is reported. First, speak with the immediate staff. If the problem is not solved, speak with a director or administrator, doctor, or any other employee of a high level.

As required by Medicare and Medicaid, reports and complaints must go through a grievance procedure. Per the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services, a grievance is “an expression of dissatisfaction (other than an organization determination) with any aspect of the operations, activities, or behavior of a Medicare health plan, or its providers, regardless of whether remedial action is requested”. All grievances must be filed in writing or verbally within 60 days of the event prompting the grievance.

To report a Ohio nursing home for quality of care, go through a grievance procedure through your Medicare or Medicaid plan. You can also go through the Beneficiary and Family Centered Care-Quality Improvement Organizations (BFCC-QIO). These groups serve to help with complaints made regarding the quality of care by Medicare providers. You can also choose to go through both Medicare and a BFCC-QIO.

Worst Nursing Homes in the Largest Ohio Cities

All of the following nursing homes have been given a Weighted Health Inspection Score by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Every year, nursing homes in Ohio go through an unannounced inspection performed by independent state examiners. These examiners look at factors such as cleanliness, hazards, and safety to perform the inspection. Points are given to nursing homes based on their deficiency in a certain category. Thus, a higher Weighted All Cycles Score means more problems and lower quality of care.

The list below ranks the homes with the highest (worst) weighted scores. The score is shown next to the facility name. The list also shows the two most recent deficiencies for each of the nursing homes.

Worst Nursing Homes in Cleveland

Harvard Gardens Rehabilitation and Care Center (351.833)

Ensure each resident receives and the facility provides food that accommodates resident allergies, intolerances, and preferences, as well as appealing options. (2024-03-08)
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. (2024-03-08)

Fairfax Health Care Center (190.167)

Develop and implement policies and procedures to prevent abuse, neglect, and theft. (2024-04-23)
Respond appropriately to all alleged violations. (2024-04-23)

Cityview Healthcare and Rehabilitation (165.833)

Protect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody. (2024-03-19)
Prepare residents for a safe transfer or discharge from the nursing home. (2024-03-04)

Cleveland Nursing and Rehabilitation Center (151.333)

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. (2024-03-20)
Assure that each resident?s assessment is updated at least once every 3 months. (2024-03-20)

Eastbrook Healthcare Center (150)

Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents. (2024-09-11)
Ensure medication error rates are not 5 percent or greater. (2024-09-11)

University Manor Health and Reha (139)

Dispose of garbage and refuse properly. (2024-09-24)
Provide or obtain laboratory tests/services when ordered and promptly tell the ordering practitioner of the results. (2024-07-25)

Gardens of Euclid Beach (135.333)

Observe each nurse aide's job performance and give regular training. (2024-02-08)
Post nurse staffing information every day. (2024-02-08)

Rocky River Gardens Rehab and Nursing Ctr (120.833)

Use approved construction type or materials. (2024-08-12)
Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights. (2024-07-23)

Crawford Manor Healthcare Center (117.333)

Ensure food and drink is palatable, attractive, and at a safe and appetizing temperature. (2024-04-18)
Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards. (2024-04-18)

Cleveland Care and Rehab Center (90)

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. (2024-05-08)
Develop and implement policies and procedures to prevent abuse, neglect, and theft. (2024-05-08)

Worst Nursing Homes in Cincinnati

Astoria Place of Cincinnati (291)

Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards. (2024-09-30)
Assist a resident in gaining access to vision and hearing services. (2024-09-30)

The Chateau at Mountain Crest Nursing and Rehab Ctr (209.833)

Provide or get specialized rehabilitative services as required for a resident. (2024-10-23)
Provide appropriate care for residents who are continent or incontinent of bowel/bladder, appropriate catheter care, and appropriate care to prevent urinary tract infections. (2024-10-23)

Harmony Court Rehab and Nursing (202.167)

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. (2024-02-08)
Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents. (2024-02-08)

Astoria Place of Silverton (197.667)

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. (2024-10-28)
Provide timely notification to the resident, and if applicable to the resident representative and ombudsman, before transfer or discharge, including appeal rights. (2024-10-28)

Harrison Pavilion Care Center (196.667)

Protect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody. (2024-03-01)
Provide safe, appropriate pain management for a resident who requires such services. (2024-03-01)

Carecore at The Meadows (195.333)

Ensure each resident receives an accurate assessment. (2024-06-18)
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. (2024-06-18)

Ayden Healthcare of Madeira (195.333)

Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured. (2024-09-27)
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. (2024-07-27)

Mt Airy Gardens Rehabilitation and Nursing Center (191.5)

Have corridors or aisles that are unobstructed and are at least 8 feet in width. (2024-08-15)
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. (2024-08-15)

Liberty Nursing Center of Colerain Inc (179.333)

Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program. (2024-07-08)
Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents. (2023-10-24)

Pleasant Ridge Healthcare Center (165)

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. (2024-05-03)
Reasonably accommodate the needs and preferences of each resident. (2024-01-12)

Worst Nursing Homes in Columbus

Vineyard Court Nursing Center (246)

Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents. (2024-07-05)
Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured. (2024-02-23)

Majestic Care of Columbus LLC (240.5)

PASARR screening for Mental disorders or Intellectual Disabilities (2024-09-02)
Coordinate assessments with the pre-admission screening and resident review program; and referring for services as needed. (2024-09-02)

Columbus Healthcare Center (215.167)

Ensure medication error rates are not 5 percent or greater. (2024-10-15)
Provide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable. (2024-09-17)

Scioto Rehabilitation and Care Center (201.667)

Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents. (2024-10-05)
Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents. (2024-06-24)

Bella Terrace Rehabilitation and Nursing Center (191)

Provide timely notification to the resident, and if applicable to the resident representative and ombudsman, before transfer or discharge, including appeal rights. (2024-08-20)
Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards. (2024-07-03)

The Laurels of Gahanna (182.667)

Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights. (2024-10-24)
Timely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities. (2024-10-24)

Eastland Rehabilitation and Nursing Center (164.333)

Assess the resident completely in a timely manner when first admitted, and then periodically, at least every 12 months. (2024-05-08)
Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident?s preferences and goals. (2024-05-08)

Arlington Court Nursing and Rehabilitation Center (152.5)

Immediately tell the resident, the resident's doctor, and a family member of situations (injury/decline/room, etc.) that affect the resident. (2024-08-16)
Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident?s preferences and goals. (2024-06-14)

Magnolia Manor of Columbus Nursing Center - West (138.167)

Protect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody. (2024-10-10)
Timely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities. (2024-10-10)

Capital City Gardens Rehabilitation and Nursing Ce (135.333)

Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents. (2024-08-19)
Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program. (2024-07-24)

Worst Nursing Homes in Dayton

Village at The Greene (201.833)

Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents. (2024-08-05)
Ensure that residents are free from significant medication errors. (2024-08-05)

Garden Court Nursing and Rehabilitation Center (193.333)

Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents. (2024-09-03)
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. (2024-09-03)

Arc at Trotwood LLC (192.667)

Respond appropriately to all alleged violations. (2024-08-15)
Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights. (2024-08-15)

Laurelbrook Nursing Home (179.4)

Ensure that each resident is free from the use of physical restraints, unless needed for medical treatment. (2024-01-23)
Coordinate assessments with the pre-admission screening and resident review program; and referring for services as needed. (2024-01-23)

Dayton Nursing and Rehabilitation (158)

Ensure smoke barriers are constructed to a 1 hour fire resistance rating. (2024-08-28)
Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems. (2024-08-28)

Carecore at Mary Scott (146.333)

Provide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist. (2023-12-11)
Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents. (2023-05-31)

Widows Home of Dayton (145)

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. (2024-05-15)
Ensure medication error rates are not 5 percent or greater. (2024-05-15)

Riverside Nursing and Rehabilitation Center (123.667)

Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights. (2024-09-30)
Honor the resident's right to be treated with respect and dignity and to retain and use personal possessions. (2024-09-30)

Sanctuary at Wilmington Place (119.667)

Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident?s preferences and goals. (2024-05-10)
Timely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities. (2023-12-11)

Grandview Health Care Center (118.167)

Assess the resident completely in a timely manner when first admitted, and then periodically, at least every 12 months. (2023-10-10)
Coordinate assessments with the pre-admission screening and resident review program; and referring for services as needed. (2023-10-10)

Worst Nursing Homes in Akron

Wyant Woods Healthcare Center (209.667)

Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident?s preferences and goals. (2024-09-26)
Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program. (2024-09-26)

Highland Square Nursing and Rehabilitation (204.167)

Provide safe, appropriate pain management for a resident who requires such services. (2024-08-19)
Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards. (2024-08-19)

The Merriman (148)

Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards. (2024-06-29)
Honor the resident's right to choose his or her attending physician. (2024-04-30)

Phoenix of Fairlawn (114.833)

Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program. (2024-05-10)
Immediately tell the resident, the resident's doctor, and a family member of situations (injury/decline/room, etc.) that affect the resident. (2023-12-01)

Bath Manor Special Care Centre (104)

Immediately tell the resident, the resident's doctor, and a family member of situations (injury/decline/room, etc.) that affect the resident. (2024-09-24)
Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident?s preferences and goals. (2024-08-23)

Divine Rehabilitation and Nursing at Canal Pointe (90.667)

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. (2024-06-14)
Protect each resident from the wrongful use of the resident's belongings or money. (2024-03-15)

Regency Care of Copley (70)

Have proper power supply for life support equipment. (2024-07-03)
Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents. (2024-04-29)

St Luke Lutheran Community-Portage Lakes (69.333)

Protect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody. (2024-10-25)
Respond appropriately to all alleged violations. (2024-10-25)

Washington County Nursing Home (52.667)

Ensure smoke barriers are constructed to a 1 hour fire resistance rating. (2023-07-09)
Have properly located and lighted "Exit" signs. (2023-07-09)

Hickory Ridge Nursing and Rehabilitation Center (32.667)

Provide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable. (2024-07-09)
Timely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities. (2023-08-17)

Worst Skilled Nursing Homes in Other States

See the worst skilled nursing homes in other states: