Bear Creek Senior Living

Nursing Home, Assisted Living & Memory Care · Colorado Springs, CO

CMS overall rating

1685 S 21St St, Colorado Springs, CO 80904-4207 View map

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Bear Creek Senior Living accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay.

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Bear Creek Senior Living accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay.

Overview of Bear Creek Senior Living

Owned by S-H Forty-Nine Opco Ventures, Bear Creek Senior Living is a nursing home on the South Side of Colorado Springs. Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay are accepted, giving families several coverage options. The 45-bed home has operated for 45 years. Residents include those receiving general nursing care as well as individuals participating in the GLOW Memory Care program. The community also operates a dedicated Military Veterans Program.

The facility is at full occupancy. Residents receive an average of 3 hours and 9 minutes of nursing care each day. Registered nurses provide 1 hour and 14 minutes of care per resident daily. Nurse aides contribute 1 hour and 49 minutes. The average length of stay is 44 days, including those receiving rehabilitation services and short-term care, and that staffing structure supports residents recovering from acute events as well as those managing chronic conditions. Rehabilitation services, respite care, and 24-hour staffing are available.

Chef-prepared meals are part of daily life. A calendar of scheduled activities and outings supports resident engagement. Residents have access to beauty and salon services, a library, professionally led fitness programs, spiritual services, and scheduled transportation. The location’s Walk Score is 95. The neighborhood is one of the most walkable areas, making it easy to get around on foot.

State inspection records identified recurring themes involving medication management, fall prevention protocols, and care documentation practices. Families touring the home can ask how those areas are managed daily and about their safety practices.

Facility Direct Line (719) 329-1774

Quality ratings

Measured by Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Staffing hours breakdown

Hours per resident per day — compared to Colorado state averages

Total nursing care / resident

3h 9m per day

This facility Colorado avg (3h 52m per day)

vs Colorado avg

-19%

4 of 6 metrics below state avg

Standout metric Registered Nurse (RN) is +48% above state avg

Staff type	Hours / Day / Resident	vs state avg
Registered Nurse (RN) RNs hold the highest nursing license and can assess residents, interpret test results, and direct care plans. More RN hours per day often signals stronger clinical oversight and faster response to health changes.	1h 14m per day	▲ 48% State avg: 50m per day · National avg: 41m per day
LPN / LVN Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) or Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) deliver routine hands-on care — medication administration, wound dressing, and monitoring vital signs. They work under RN supervision and make up a large share of daily bedside care.	19m per day	▼ 55% State avg: 41m per day · National avg: 52m per day
Nurse Aide Certified Nurse Aides (CNAs) provide the most direct day-to-day assistance: bathing, dressing, feeding, and mobility. Nurse aide hours are typically the largest staffing category and directly affect residents' quality of life.	1h 49m per day	▼ 17% State avg: 2h 12m per day · National avg: 2h 20m per day
Weekend Total Nursing Combined nursing hours (RN + LPN + Nurse Aide) per resident per day on weekends. Staffing often drops on weekends — this figure reveals whether the facility maintains adequate coverage outside of weekday hours.	2h 59m per day	▼ 9% State avg: 3h 16m per day · National avg: 3h 26m per day
Physical Therapist Hours per resident per day provided by licensed Physical Therapists (PTs) or PT Assistants. PT services help residents recover mobility after injury or illness and are especially important for post-acute (short-stay) rehabilitation.	4m per day	▼ 17% State avg: 5m per day · National avg: 4m per day
Weekend RN Registered nurse hours specifically on weekends. Facilities sometimes reduce RN presence on Saturdays and Sundays — a low weekend RN figure compared to weekday hours can indicate reduced clinical oversight when most administrative staff are absent.	52m per day	▲ 46% State avg: 36m per day · National avg: 28m per day

Capacity and availability

44 days

45-bed community

A moderately sized community that may balance personal attention with shared amenities and social activities.

45 years in operation

A longer operating history, which may indicate experience navigating regulations and delivering ongoing care.

Walk Score: 95 / 100

Walker's paradise. Daily errands do not require a car, with many shops and services nearby.

BBB Rating: A+ (Not Accredited)

An independent rating from the Better Business Bureau based on factors such as complaint history, transparency, and business practices.
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About this community

Occupancy

Occupancy rate

100%

Higher than the Colorado average: 76.5%

Occupied beds

45 / 45

Average occupied beds in Colorado homes 72 beds

Facility TypeSkilled Nursing Facility (Medicare Only)

StatusActive

CMS Certification Number065373

Bear Creek Senior Living is administered by Christine Ann Swanson.

Owner NameStellar Bear Creek, LLC

Staffing

Key information about the people who lead and staff this community.

ContactMr. Tom Kubitschek, Marketing Director

Rehabilitation Services

Respite Care

Nursing Services

24-Hour Staffing

Chef-Prepared Dining

Beauty And Salon Services

Events And Outings

Library

Laundry And Linen Services

Housekeeping

Spiritual Services

Scheduled Transportation Services

Professionally-Led Fitness Programs

Activities

Since 2021 · 5 years of data 26 deficiencies

Inspection Scorecard This scorecard compares key inspection, deficiency, and complaint metrics at this facility against the Colorado state average. Metrics rated ≥15% worse than average are highlighted in red; those ≥15% better are highlighted in green.

Since 2021 vs. Colorado state average

Overall vs. CO average

Latest Inspection January 30, 2025 Complaint Investigation

Deficiencies Deficiencies are formal regulatory issues recorded during state inspections.	This Facility	CO Average	vs. CO Avg
Total deficiencies Formal regulatory issues recorded by inspectors across all inspection types.	26	30	This facility has 13% fewer total deficiencies than a typical Colorado assisted living residence (26 vs. CO avg 30).↓ 13% better
Deficiencies per year Average deficiencies per year since 2021.	5.2	6	This facility has 13% fewer deficiencies per year than a typical Colorado assisted living residence (5.2 vs. CO avg 6).↓ 13% better

Inspection Reports Summary An editor-reviewed summary of the themes and findings across this facility's recent inspection reports.

January 30, 2025 complaint investigation found failure to provide written discharge notice and denied a resident’s return after hospitalization, causing minimal harm to a few residents.
May 6, 2024 routine inspection identified four deficiencies including medication errors affecting three residents and failure to maintain Legionella water management and vaccine offering policies.
January 26, 2023 annual inspection cited four deficiencies with fall prevention failures causing injuries, unsafe enteral feeding, and expired medical supplies found in medication storage.

Show Inspection Reports

Inspections since 2021

Total health inspections 4

Colorado average 4.8

Last Health inspection on Jan 2025

Total health citations

Colorado average 24.8

Citations per inspection

3.25

Colorado average 5.2

Health citations are formal notices following inspections when they fail to comply with safety and care standards.

11 of 13 citations resulted from standard inspections; and 2 of 13 resulted from complaint investigations.

Breakdown of citation severity (last 5 years)

Critical health citations

100% better than Colorado average

Colorado average: 0.4

Serious health citations

5% better than Colorado average

Colorado average: 2.1

0 critical citations Colorado average: 0.4

2 serious citations Colorado average: 2.1

11 moderate citations Colorado average: 22.2

0 minor citations Colorado average: 0.2

Citations history (last 5 years)

Resident Rights moderate citation Jan 30, 2025

Corrected

Resident Rights moderate citation Jan 30, 2025

Corrected

Infection Control moderate citation May 06, 2024

Corrected

Infection Control moderate citation May 06, 2024

Corrected

Total staff 105

Employees 52

Contractors 53

Staff to resident ratio 3.39 : 1

80% more staff per resident than Colorado average

Avg staff/day 23

Average shift 6.9 hours

17% worse than Colorado average

Total staff hours (quarter) 14,645

Nursing staff breakdown

7.7 hours

9.4 hours

7 hours

Contractor staffing

1,864 contractor hours this quarter

Certified Nursing Assistant: 18 Registered Nurse: 9 Qualified Social Worker: 7 Physical Therapy Aide: 6 Respiratory Therapy Technician: 5 Physical Therapy Assistant: 4 Speech Language Pathologist: 2 Occupational Therapy Aide: 1 Medical Director: 1

Staff by category


Certified Nursing Assistant	24	18	42	5,903	92	100%	7
Registered Nurse	14	9	23	3,166	92	100%	7.7
Licensed Practical Nurse	3	0	3	1,043	83	90%	9.4
Occupational Therapy Aide	1	1	2	561	66	72%	6.8
Clinical Nurse Specialist	2	0	2	516	72	78%	7.2
Administrator	1	0	1	480	64	70%	7.5
Physical Therapy Assistant	0	4	4	466	71	77%	4.1
Nurse Practitioner	1	0	1	458	61	66%	7.5
Other Dietary Services Staff	1	0	1	439	61	66%	7.2
Physical Therapy Aide	0	6	6	386	68	74%	4.4
Speech Language Pathologist	0	2	2	355	67	73%	4.3
Dental Services Staff	2	0	2	322	42	46%	7.7
Respiratory Therapy Technician	0	5	5	231	62	67%	3.6
Nurse Aide in Training	2	0	2	193	24	26%	8
Qualified Social Worker	0	7	7	97	28	30%	3.3
Medication Aide/Technician	1	0	1	17	2	2%	8.7
Medical Director	0	1	1	12	3	3%	4

42 Certified Nursing Assistant

% of Days 100%

23 Registered Nurse

% of Days 100%

3 Licensed Practical Nurse

% of Days 90%

2 Occupational Therapy Aide

% of Days 72%

2 Clinical Nurse Specialist

% of Days 78%

1 Administrator

% of Days 70%

4 Physical Therapy Assistant

% of Days 77%

1 Nurse Practitioner

% of Days 66%

1 Other Dietary Services Staff

% of Days 66%

6 Physical Therapy Aide

% of Days 74%

2 Speech Language Pathologist

% of Days 73%

2 Dental Services Staff

% of Days 46%

5 Respiratory Therapy Technician

% of Days 67%

2 Nurse Aide in Training

% of Days 26%

7 Qualified Social Worker

% of Days 30%

1 Medication Aide/Technician

% of Days 2%

1 Medical Director

% of Days 3%

View All Staffing Data in Colorado Springs

Total fines amount $27K

33% lower than Colorado average

Colorado average: $40K

Number of fines 2

10% fewer fines than Colorado average

Colorado average: 2.2

Payment Denials 0

100% fewer payment denials than Colorado average

Colorado average: 0.3

Fines amount comparison

This facility $27K

Colorado average $40K

Penalty History

Penalties are imposed by CMS for violations of federal nursing home regulations.

1 penalty in the past 3 years

Jan 30, 2025 · $7K

Civil Money Penalty Jan 30, 2025

$7K

Last updated: Jan 2026

High-risk clinical events score 9.6

6% worse than Colorado average

Colorado average: 9.0

Functional decline score 21.6

15% worse than Colorado average

Colorado average: 18.8

Long-stay resident measures

Above average Colorado avg: 3.9

Need for Help with Daily Activities Increased 27.3%

70% worse than Colorado average

Colorado average: 16.0%

Walking Ability Worsened 9.4%

45% better than Colorado average

Colorado average: 17.0%

Low Risk Residents with Bowel/Bladder Incontinence 28.2%

21% worse than Colorado average

Colorado average: 23.2%

Falls with Major Injury 3.1%

6% better than Colorado average

Colorado average: 3.3%

High Risk Residents with Pressure Ulcers 1.5%

61% better than Colorado average

Colorado average: 3.9%

Urinary Tract Infection 2.2%

55% worse than Colorado average

Colorado average: 1.4%

Lost Too Much Weight 6.7%

28% worse than Colorado average

Colorado average: 5.2%

Depressive Symptoms 4.7%

34% better than Colorado average

Colorado average: 7.2%

Antipsychotic Use 10.2%

46% better than Colorado average

Colorado average: 18.8%

Pneumococcal Vaccine 78.1%

16% worse than Colorado average

Colorado average: 93.3%

Influenza Vaccine 88.9%

6% worse than Colorado average

Colorado average: 94.7%

Short-stay resident measures

Below average Colorado avg: 2.7

Pneumococcal Vaccine 20.1%

74% worse than Colorado average

Colorado average: 76.6%

Antipsychotic medication increase 2.5%

80% worse than Colorado average

Colorado average: 1.4%

Influenza Vaccine 25.6%

66% worse than Colorado average

Colorado average: 75.6%

Re-hospitalized after SNF stay 30.1%

48% worse than Colorado average

Colorado average: 20.3%

Emergency department visits 16.4%

28% worse than Colorado average

Colorado average: 12.8%

Falls with major injury 0.0%

100% better than Colorado average

Colorado average: 0.8%

Ability to care for self at discharge 62.2%

16% better than Colorado average

Colorado average: 53.7%

Successful return to home or community 62.2%

23% better than Colorado average

Colorado average: 50.6%

Breakdown by payment type

Medicare

22% of new residents, usually for short-term rehab.

Typical stay 27 days

Private pay

76% of new residents, often for short stays.

Typical stay 6 - 7 months

Medicaid

2% of new residents, often for long-term daily care.

Typical stay 2 years

Total residents 31

Medicare

9.7% of residents

Private pay or other

90.3% of residents

Programs & Services

Residents Group

Residents meet regularly to discuss policies, care quality, and activities

CCRC

Part of a Continuing Care Retirement Community offering multiple care levels

Active Resident Council

Organized group of residents that meets regularly to discuss facility policies, quality of life, and activities.

Financial Trends

Historical financial and operational data for Bear Creek Senior Living from 2011–2023, based on CMS SNF Cost Reports.

Occupancy Rate 240.5% ↓ 9.4pp vs 2022

Net Patient Income -$879.2K ↑ ~$647.4K vs 2022

Payroll Costs $6.6M ↑ ~$544.4K vs 2022

Operating Margin -7.6% ↑ 7.5pp vs 2022

Metric	2011	2012	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023
Occupancy %	87.4%	87.6%	67.7%	75.8%	79.7%	76.3%	76.1%	73.7%	40.1%	55.5%	237.2%	249.9%	240.5%
Beds	168	168	182	182	182	182	182	182	182	182	45	45	45
Net Income	-$314,957	-$72,224	-$1,540,312	-$872,004	-$308,657	-$799,053	-$50,120	-$1,228,455	-$2,345,281	-$1,587,315	-$1,900,683	-$1,537,515	-$843,498
Gross Revenue	$11,692,509	$12,839,718	$11,032,423	$11,336,230	$10,279,730	$5,810,368	$5,983,052	$4,003,399	$8,280,395	$7,720,724	$8,565,784	$13,300,427	$12,785,321
Operating Expenses	$10,294,492	$10,860,754	$10,728,999	$10,165,754	$9,581,065	$9,592,049	$9,880,988	$9,957,087	$9,730,021	$9,669,160	$10,239,189	$11,674,153	$12,512,786
Net Patient Income	-$440,054	-$220,595	-$1,543,935	-$941,598	-$329,092	-$855,790	-$363,976	-$2,847,007	-$2,078,230	-$2,024,151	-$1,782,523	-$1,526,560	-$879,175
Net Patient Revenue	$9,854,438	$10,640,159	$9,185,064	$9,224,156	$9,251,973	$8,736,259	$9,517,012	$7,110,080	$7,651,791	$7,645,009	$8,456,666	$10,147,593	$11,633,611
Payroll Costs	$4,022,901	$4,165,765	$4,073,034	$4,592,689	$5,133,754	$4,841,579	$4,706,683	$4,558,074	$5,068,984	$5,048,556	$5,187,684	$6,059,878	$6,604,255
Operating Margin %	-4.5%	-2.1%	-16.8%	-10.2%	-3.6%	-9.8%	-3.8%	-40.0%	-27.2%	-26.5%	-21.1%	-15.0%	-7.6%
Medicare %	7.8%	8.1%	8.7%	6.3%	6.1%	5.1%	4.7%	3.6%	4.8%	4.8%	12.3%	5.6%	3.7%
Medicaid %	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	2.1%	0.0%	9.2%
Private %	92.2%	91.9%	91.3%	93.7%	93.9%	94.9%	95.3%	96.4%	95.2%	95.2%	85.6%	94.4%	87.1%
Net Patient Revenue/Day	$193	$197	$204	$535	$175	$172	$188	$145	$288	$207	$217	$247	$294
Cost/Day	$201	$202	$239	$590	$181	$189	$195	$203	$366	$262	$263	$284	$317
Avg Length of Stay	57.7 days	41.0 days	44.9 days	34.0 days	34.5 days	39.2 days	54.2 days	40.0 days	165.8 days	39.6 days	85.5 days	67.7 days	44.3 days

Finances and operations

Based on CMS SNF Cost Report for fiscal year ending in 12/2023.

Net patient revenue

$11.6M

Net patient income

-$879.2K

For-profit Operated by a single business entity.

Net patient revenue

$11.6M

Net patient income

-$879.2K

Other income

$35.7K

Payroll costs

$6.6M 56.8% of net patient revenue

Other operating costs

$5.9M

Total costs

$12.5M

TYPE OF STAY

Primarily short stays

Residents typically stay for brief periods, with frequent admissions and discharges throughout the year.

Most new residents arrive under private pay (76% of admissions), and a typical private pay stay runs around 6 - 7 months.

Coverage residents most often arrive under.

Medicare 22%

Private pay 76%

Medicaid 2%

Coverage residents most often leave under.

Medicare 20%

Private pay 76%

Medicaid 4%

0.0 miles from city center Estimated distance in miles from Colorado Springs's city center to Bear Creek Senior Living's address, calculated via Google Maps.

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The information below is reported by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Health Facilities Division.


Bear Creek Senior Living	AL NH MC	Colorado Springs (Downtown)	-	45 Facility 45 CO AVG 76 Rank #372 / 533	A+	95 Facility 95 CO AVG 51 Rank #7 / 872	-
Liberty Heights	AL IL MC NH RC	Colorado Springs (Northgate)	-	60 Facility 60 CO AVG 76 Rank #303 / 533	-	40 Facility 40 CO AVG 51 Rank #574 / 872	Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Colonial Health and Rehab Center	AL NH	Colorado Springs (Northeast Colorado Springs)	-	80 Facility 80 CO AVG 76 Rank #237 / 533	A+	65 Facility 65 CO AVG 51 Rank #301 / 872	-
Sunny Vista Living Center	AL IL MC NH	Colorado Springs (Downtown)	-	116 Facility 116 CO AVG 76 Rank #97 / 533	A+	95 Facility 95 CO AVG 51 Rank #7 / 872	-
Medallion Post Acute Rehabilitation	AL IL MC NH	Colorado Springs (Downtown)	-	60 Facility 60 CO AVG 76 Rank #303 / 533	-	95 Facility 95 CO AVG 51 Rank #7 / 872	-

Nursing Home Explorer

Elderly, Blind, and Disabled Waiver

Colorado Medicaid EBD Waiver

Age 65+ or disabled

General Colorado resident, Medicaid- eligible, nursing home-level care need.

Income Limits (2025) ~$2,829/month 300% FBR, individual

Asset Limits $2,000 (individual), $3,000 (couple).

Requires level-of-care assessment by case manager.

Benefits

Personal care (5-7 hours/day) Respite care (up to 240 hours/year) Adult day care ($65/day) Home modifications ($1,500 avg.)

Old Age Pension (OAP) Health Care Program

Colorado OAP

Age 60+

General Colorado resident.

Income Limits ~$1,215/month individual

Asset Limits $2,000 individual

Supplements SSI; limited medical coverage.

Benefits

Cash (~$100-$800/month) Limited in-home care (2-3 hours/week) Medical assistance

Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)

Colorado Medicaid PACE

Age 55+

General Colorado resident, nursing home-level care need, safe with PACE support.

Income Limits (2025) ~$2,829/month 300% FBR

Asset Limits $2,000 (individual), $3,000 (couple).

Limited to specific regions (e.g., Denver, Pueblo).

Benefits

All-inclusive care—personal care (5-7 hours/day) Meals Transportation Therapy Medical visits

Home Care Allowance (HCA)

Colorado Home Care Allowance (HCA)

Age —

General Seniors typically 65+, Age 5+ with disability, Colorado resident, financial/functional need.

Income Limits (2025) ~$1,004/month individual, stricter than waivers

Asset Limits $2,000 (individual), $3,000 (couple).

Must need help with ADLs; not Medicaid-waiver eligible.

Benefits

Personal care (~4-6 hours/day, paid to provider) E.g. Bathing Dressing

What neighborhood is Bear Creek Senior Living in?

Bear Creek Senior Living is in the Downtown neighborhood of COLORADO SPRINGS.

Who is the owner of Bear Creek Senior Living?

Bear Creek Senior Living is legally operated by Stellar Bear Creek, Llc, and administered by Christine Ann Swanson.

Is Bear Creek Senior Living in a walkable area?

Bear Creek Senior Living has a walk score of 95. Walker's paradise. Daily errands do not require a car, with many shops and services nearby.

What is the occupancy rate at Bear Creek Senior Living?

Bear Creek Senior Living's occupancy is 100%.

Does Bear Creek Senior Living operate as a for-profit or non-profit?

Bear Creek Senior Living is registered as a for-profit in CO.

Who is the administrator of Bear Creek Senior Living?

Christine Ann Swanson is the administrator of Bear Creek Senior Living.

How many beds does Bear Creek Senior Living have?

Bear Creek Senior Living has 45 beds.

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Bear Creek Senior Living

Overview of Bear Creek Senior Living

Quality ratings

Staffing hours breakdown

Capacity and availability

About this community

Occupancy

License Details

Ownership & Operating Entity

Staffing

Leadership

Therapy & Rehabilitation

Staffing & Medical

Amenities & Lifestyle

Contact Bear Creek Senior Living

Inspection History

Inspection Scorecard This scorecard compares key inspection, deficiency, and complaint metrics at this facility against the Colorado state average. Metrics rated ≥15% worse than average are highlighted in red; those ≥15% better are highlighted in green.

Deficiencies Deficiencies are formal regulatory issues recorded during state inspections.

Inspection Reports Summary An editor-reviewed summary of the themes and findings across this facility's recent inspection reports.

Health Inspection History

Inspections since 2021

Breakdown of citation severity (last 5 years)

Citations history (last 5 years)

Staffing Data

Nursing staff breakdown

Registered Nurse

Licensed Practical Nurse

Certified Nursing Assistant

Contractor staffing

Staff by category

42 Certified Nursing Assistant

23 Registered Nurse

3 Licensed Practical Nurse

2 Occupational Therapy Aide

2 Clinical Nurse Specialist

1 Administrator

4 Physical Therapy Assistant

1 Nurse Practitioner

1 Other Dietary Services Staff

6 Physical Therapy Aide

2 Speech Language Pathologist

2 Dental Services Staff

5 Respiratory Therapy Technician

2 Nurse Aide in Training

7 Qualified Social Worker

1 Medication Aide/Technician

1 Medical Director

Penalties and fines

Fines amount comparison

Fines amount comparison

Penalty History

Quality of care over time

Long-stay resident measures

Short-stay resident measures

Breakdown by payment type

Medicare

Private pay

Medicaid

Facility Characteristics

Programs & Services

Residents Group

CCRC

Active Resident Council

Financial Trends

Financial Performance

Payroll & Labor Costs

Payer Mix (percentage)

Finances and operations

Who this home usually serves

Primarily short stays

Admissions

Discharges

Places of interest near Bear Creek Senior Living

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Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Colorado

Elderly, Blind, and Disabled Waiver

Old Age Pension (OAP) Health Care Program

Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)

Home Care Allowance (HCA)

Financial Assistance for
Assisted Living in Colorado