Life Care Center of Hixson

Nursing Home & Skilled Nursing · Hixson, TN

CMS overall rating

5798 Hixson Homeplace, Hixson, TN 37343 View map

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Life Care Center of Hixson accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay.

Calculator: See prices in your area

Life Care Center of Hixson accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay.

Overview of Life Care Center of Hixson

Life Care Center of Hixson is a 108-bed skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility in Hixson, Tennessee. It’s owned by North River Valley Operations, LLC, administered by Johnny Cerino, operating in Hamilton County since 1976, and recognized with a Best Nursing Home award. Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay are accepted. The facility is primarily a short-stay destination, with an average stay of 46 days and 77 percent occupancy above Tennessee’s average.
CMS grades Life Care Center of Hixson 4 stars, 31 percent above Tennessee’s average, with above-average scores across all four sub-categories. Health inspection performance runs 37 percent above the state average; 12 total health citations recorded across two inspections since 2018 compare favorably to Tennessee’s 15.4 average, with zero critical or serious findings. All citations were moderate and resulted from standard inspections. The per-inspection average of 6 citations sits higher than the 4.39 state mean, reflecting concentration in the two inspections on record rather than chronic noncompliance. No penalties imposed in the past three years. Meanwhile, staffing is a particular strength for short-stay residents. Physical therapist hours reach 13 minutes per resident daily, 160 percent above Tennessee’s 5 minutes average. RN hours at 52 minutes daily are 41 percent above the state average, and weekend RN coverage at 36 minutes daily is 50 percent above Tennessee’s 24 minutes benchmark. Short-stay quality measures are rated significantly above average: zero short-stay falls with major injury, a 66.9 percent community return rate (32 percent better than the state), and 5.1 percent ED visit rate (54 percent better than Tennessee’s 11.2 percent). Long-stay measures are rated below average, with notably elevated pressure ulcer rates at 11.3 percent against Tennessee’s 5.4 percent average, and hospitalization rates 56 percent above the state benchmark.
Amenities highlight an Alzheimer’s and dementia care program, a Community Re-Entry Program, a fine dining program, and landscaped grounds and courtyards.
Life Care Center of Hixson is a strong fit for Hamilton County families seeking post-acute rehabilitation, with standout therapy staffing and short-stay outcomes ranking among the better performers in the region. Families considering long-stay placement should ask about wound care protocols and clinical monitoring practices.

Facility Direct Line (423) 842-0049

Quality ratings

Measured by Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Staffing hours breakdown

Hours per resident per day — compared to state averages

Total nursing care / resident

3h 50m per day

vs avg

1 of 6 metrics below state avg

Standout metric Physical Therapist is +180% 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.	45m per day	▲ 22% State avg: 37m 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.	56m per day	▼ 14% State avg: 1h 5m 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.	2h 26m per day	▲ 13% State avg: 2h 9m 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.	3h 41m per day	▲ 10% State avg: 3h 21m 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.	14m per day	▲ 180% 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.	30m per day	▲ 25% State avg: 24m per day · National avg: 28m per day

Capacity and availability

46 days

108-bed community

A larger shared setting that may offer more common spaces and organized community services.

50 years in operation

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

Walk Score: 18 / 100

Car-dependent. Most errands require a car, with limited nearby walkable options.

BBB Rating: A+ (Not Accredited)

An independent rating from the Better Business Bureau based on factors such as complaint history, transparency, and business practices.
How BBB ratings work

About this community

Occupancy

Occupancy rate

77%

Higher than the Tennessee average: 71.6%

Occupied beds

83 / 108

Average occupied beds in Tennessee homes 82 beds

Best Nursing Home

Facility TypeNursing Home

IssuanceJuly 1, 1992

License Number00000104

CMS Certification Number445380

Life Care Center of Hixson is administered by Johnny Cerino.

Owner NameNorth River Valley Operations, LLC

Staffing

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

ContactMr. Brian Horvath, Executive Director (per BBB, record updated May 2026)

Rehabilitation Services

24-Hour Staffing

Alzheimer's & Dementia Care

Independent & Assisted Living

24-Hour Security And Fire Safety Systems

Beauty Salon And Barber Shop

Bedside And Bathroom Call Lights

Certified Dietitian

Community Re-Entry Program

Complimentary Wireless Internet

Daily Activity Schedule

Family/Resident Councils

Fine Dining Program

Flat-Screen Tvs

Flexible Visiting Hours

Full-Time

Certified Activity Director

Homelike Setting

Housekeeping And Laundry Services

Landscaped Grounds And Courtyards

Library

Non-Smoking Facility

Pet Visitors Allowed

Private And Semiprivate Rooms

Private Bathrooms

Religious Services

Patient/Family Education Program

Telephone And Cable Television Hookups

Transportation Services

Religious Services

Inspections since 2018

Total health inspections 2

State average N/A

Last Health inspection on Oct 2022

Total health citations

State average N/A

Citations per inspection

State average N/A

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

All 12 citations resulted from standard inspections.

Breakdown of citation severity (last 8 years)

Critical health citations

In line with State average

State average: N/A

Serious health citations

In line with State average

State average: N/A

0 critical citations State average: N/A

0 serious citations State average: N/A

12 moderate citations State average: N/A

0 minor citations State average: N/A

Citations history (last 8 years)

Quality of Care moderate citation Oct 12, 2022

Corrected

Care Planning moderate citation Oct 12, 2022

Corrected

Care Planning moderate citation Oct 12, 2022

Corrected

Care Planning moderate citation Oct 12, 2022

Corrected

Total staff 140

Employees 135

Contractors 5

Staff to resident ratio 1.69 : 1

0% compared with State average

State average ratio: 0 : 0

Avg staff/day 57

Average shift 8.2 hours

0% compared with State average

State average: 0 hours

Total staff hours (quarter) 43,055

Nursing staff breakdown

9.1 hours

9.4 hours

8.4 hours

Contractor staffing

221 contractor hours this quarter

Occupational Therapy Aide: 2 Occupational Therapy Assistant: 2 Medical Director: 1

Staff by category


Certified Nursing Assistant	54	0	54	19,284	92	100%	8.4
Licensed Practical Nurse	22	0	22	6,495	92	100%	9.4
Registered Nurse	15	0	15	3,516	92	100%	9.1
Clinical Nurse Specialist	4	0	4	1,943	74	80%	8.4
Speech Language Pathologist	6	0	6	1,907	83	90%	6.3
Respiratory Therapy Technician	6	0	6	1,846	79	86%	7.1
Physical Therapy Assistant	5	0	5	1,760	79	86%	7.4
Physical Therapy Aide	6	0	6	1,196	69	75%	6.9
Therapeutic Recreation Specialist	2	0	2	924	66	72%	7.8
RN Director of Nursing	2	0	2	895	67	73%	8.8
Qualified Social Worker	6	0	6	668	71	77%	7.1
Mental Health Service Worker	1	0	1	637	70	76%	9.1
Other Dietary Services Staff	3	0	3	571	83	90%	6.4
Administrator	1	0	1	528	66	72%	8
Nurse Practitioner	1	0	1	520	65	71%	8
Dental Services Staff	1	0	1	144	6	7%	24
Occupational Therapy Aide	0	2	2	130	19	21%	6.8
Occupational Therapy Assistant	0	2	2	57	6	7%	9.5
Medical Director	0	1	1	35	3	3%	11.5

54 Certified Nursing Assistant

% of Days 100%

22 Licensed Practical Nurse

% of Days 100%

15 Registered Nurse

% of Days 100%

4 Clinical Nurse Specialist

% of Days 80%

6 Speech Language Pathologist

% of Days 90%

6 Respiratory Therapy Technician

% of Days 86%

5 Physical Therapy Assistant

% of Days 86%

6 Physical Therapy Aide

% of Days 75%

2 Therapeutic Recreation Specialist

% of Days 72%

2 RN Director of Nursing

% of Days 73%

6 Qualified Social Worker

% of Days 77%

1 Mental Health Service Worker

% of Days 76%

3 Other Dietary Services Staff

% of Days 90%

1 Administrator

% of Days 72%

1 Nurse Practitioner

% of Days 71%

1 Dental Services Staff

% of Days 7%

2 Occupational Therapy Aide

% of Days 21%

2 Occupational Therapy Assistant

% of Days 7%

1 Medical Director

% of Days 3%

View All Staffing Data

No penalties in the past 3 years

No civil money penalties or payment denials were reported in the last 3 years.

High-risk clinical events score 17.8

70% worse than State average

State average: 10.5

Functional decline score 31.3

60% worse than State average

State average: 19.5

Long-stay resident measures

Below average State avg: 3.7

Need for Help with Daily Activities Increased 21.1%

32% worse than State average

State average: 16.0%

Walking Ability Worsened 45.2%

108% worse than State average

State average: 21.7%

Low Risk Residents with Bowel/Bladder Incontinence 27.7%

33% worse than State average

State average: 20.7%

Falls with Major Injury 4.0%

9% worse than State average

State average: 3.7%

High Risk Residents with Pressure Ulcers 11.3%

109% worse than State average

State average: 5.4%

Urinary Tract Infection 0.0%

100% better than State average

State average: 2.1%

Lost Too Much Weight 7.4%

17% worse than State average

State average: 6.3%

Depressive Symptoms 0.7%

93% better than State average

State average: 11.0%

Antipsychotic Use 32.0%

94% worse than State average

State average: 16.5%

Pneumococcal Vaccine 100.0%

11% better than State average

State average: 89.9%

Influenza Vaccine 97.8%

In line with State average

State average: 94.5%

Hospitalizations per 1,000 days 2.47

56% worse than State average

State average: 1.58

ED visits per 1,000 days 1.46

7% better than State average

State average: 1.57

Short-stay resident measures

Significantly above average State avg: 3.4

Pneumococcal Vaccine 99.6%

25% better than State average

State average: 79.7%

Antipsychotic medication increase 1.9%

14% worse than State average

State average: 1.7%

Influenza Vaccine 91.6%

15% better than State average

State average: 79.8%

Re-hospitalized after SNF stay 19.5%

12% better than State average

State average: 22.2%

Emergency department visits 5.1%

54% better than State average

State average: 11.2%

Falls with major injury 0.0%

100% better than State average

State average: 0.8%

Ability to care for self at discharge 67.3%

25% better than State average

State average: 53.7%

Successful return to home or community 66.9%

32% better than State average

State average: 50.6%

Breakdown by payment type

Medicare

37% of new residents, usually for short-term rehab.

Typical stay 1 - 2 months

Private pay

60% of new residents, often for short stays.

Typical stay 1 - 2 months

Medicaid

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

Typical stay 1 - 2 years

Total residents 83

Medicare

32.5% of residents

Medicaid

30.1% of residents

Private pay or other

37.3% of residents

Programs & Services

Residents Group

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

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 Life Care Center of Hixson from 2012–2024, based on CMS SNF Cost Reports.

Key figures below are for fiscal year ending in 08/2024.

Occupancy Rate 77.1% ↑ 4.5pp vs 2023

Net Patient Income $1.1M ↑ ~$1.0M vs 2023

Payroll Costs $7.9M ↑ ~$801.9K vs 2023

Operating Margin 7.8% ↑ 7.4pp vs 2023

Metric	2012	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023	2024
Occupancy %	70.9%	87.8%	85.2%	81.2%	72.4%	69.0%	66.3%	71.1%	68.9%	62.2%	70.4%	72.7%	77.1%
Beds	108	108	108	108	108	108	108	108	108	108	108	108	108
Net Income	-$1,181,016	-$282,614	-$740,185	-$684,049	$1,013,711	$536,026	$3,062	-$303,451	$272,748	-$452,577	$731,661	$621,296	$1,159,157
Gross Revenue	$14,603,099	$18,595,466	$17,731,172	$16,732,380	$15,886,257	$15,904,324	$15,119,796	$15,244,983	$13,156,411	$12,736,180	$15,055,814	$15,849,972	$18,598,535
Operating Expenses	$11,606,420	$13,472,035	$13,230,582	$12,492,168	$10,456,655	$10,394,363	$10,624,151	$11,213,874	$10,782,025	$10,261,832	$10,444,366	$11,172,099	$12,688,553
Net Patient Income	-$1,206,622	-$301,980	-$753,030	-$691,843	$1,007,236	$529,385	-$1,043	-$314,071	-$472,592	-$1,112,747	-$26,408	$49,041	$1,077,472
Net Patient Revenue	$10,399,798	$13,170,055	$12,477,552	$11,800,325	$11,463,891	$10,923,748	$10,623,108	$10,899,803	$10,309,433	$9,149,085	$10,417,958	$11,221,140	$13,766,025
Payroll Costs	$6,596,742	$7,268,039	$7,003,277	$6,541,347	$6,394,750	$6,494,582	$6,701,958	$6,887,049	$6,596,003	$6,396,364	$6,685,191	$7,138,720	$7,940,645
Operating Margin %	-11.6%	-2.3%	-6.0%	-5.9%	8.8%	4.9%	0.0%	-2.9%	-4.6%	-12.2%	-0.3%	0.4%	7.8%
Medicare %	54.4%	60.6%	57.4%	52.5%	53.6%	53.0%	47.9%	42.7%	36.3%	34.8%	31.3%	30.8%	29.5%
Medicaid %	26.9%	19.1%	15.0%	13.0%	12.8%	10.6%	12.7%	17.6%	24.4%	26.4%	27.1%	26.3%	24.8%
Private %	17.4%	20.2%	27.6%	34.5%	33.6%	36.4%	39.3%	39.7%	39.3%	38.9%	41.7%	42.9%	45.7%
Net Patient Revenue/Day	$371	$380	$372	$369	$401	$402	$407	$389	$379	$373	$375	$392	$451
Cost/Day	$414	$389	$394	$390	$365	$382	$407	$400	$396	$418	$376	$390	$416
Avg Length of Stay	42.6 days	47.6 days	49.6 days	40.3 days	37.6 days	34.2 days	46.8 days	71.3 days	43.9 days	50.0 days	59.0 days	47.4 days	45.9 days

Finances and operations

Based on CMS SNF Cost Report for fiscal year ending in 08/2024.

Net patient revenue

$13.8M

Net patient income

$1.1M

For-profit Corporation

Net patient revenue

$13.8M

Net patient income

$1.1M

Other income

$81.7K

Payroll costs

$7.9M 57.7% of net patient revenue

Other operating costs

$4.7M

Total costs

$12.7M

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 (60% of admissions), and a typical private pay stay runs around 1 - 2 months.

Coverage residents most often arrive under.

Medicare 37%

Private pay 60%

Medicaid 2%

Coverage residents most often leave under.

Medicare 36%

Private pay 60%

Medicaid 4%

1.5 miles from city center Estimated distance in miles from Hixson's city center to Life Care Center of Hixson's address, calculated via Google Maps.

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The information below is reported by the Tennessee Department of Health, Division of Health Care Facilities.


The Heritage at Brentwood	NH AL IL MC SNF	Brentwood	-	66	A+	7	1 Bed / 2 Bed / 3 Bed
Kirby Pines	NH AL IL MC SNF	Memphis	-	120	-	31	1 Bed / 2 Bed
Ben Atchley Tennessee State Veterans‘ Home	NH SNF	Knoxville	-	140	-	7	-
The Health Center at Standifer Place	NH ADC AL HC HOS IL MC SNF	Chattanooga (Walker Road)	-	125	A+	38	-
Life Care Center of Hixson	NH SNF	Hixson	-	108	A+	18	-

Nursing Home Explorer

Who is the owner of Life Care Center of Hixson?

Life Care Center of Hixson is legally operated by North River Valley Operations, LLC, and administered by Johnny Cerino.

Is Life Care Center of Hixson in a walkable area?

Life Care Center of Hixson has a walk score of 18. Car-dependent. Most errands require a car, with limited nearby walkable options.

What is the license number of Life Care Center of Hixson?

According to TN state health department records, Life Care Center of Hixson's license number is 00000104.

What is the occupancy rate at Life Care Center of Hixson?

Life Care Center of Hixson's occupancy is 77%.

Does Life Care Center of Hixson operate as a for-profit or non-profit?

Life Care Center of Hixson is registered as a for-profit in TN.

Who is the administrator of Life Care Center of Hixson?

Johnny Cerino is the administrator of Life Care Center of Hixson.

How many beds does Life Care Center of Hixson have?

Life Care Center of Hixson has 108 beds.

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Life Care Center of Hixson

Overview of Life Care Center of Hixson

Quality ratings

Staffing hours breakdown

Capacity and availability

About this community

Occupancy

Awards

License Details

Ownership & Operating Entity

Staffing

Leadership

Therapy & Rehabilitation

Staffing & Medical

Additional Services

Amenities & Lifestyle

Contact Life Care Center of Hixson

Health Inspection History

Inspections since 2018

Breakdown of citation severity (last 8 years)

Citations history (last 8 years)

Staffing Data

Nursing staff breakdown

Registered Nurse

Licensed Practical Nurse

Certified Nursing Assistant

Contractor staffing

Staff by category

54 Certified Nursing Assistant

22 Licensed Practical Nurse

15 Registered Nurse

4 Clinical Nurse Specialist

6 Speech Language Pathologist

6 Respiratory Therapy Technician

5 Physical Therapy Assistant

6 Physical Therapy Aide

2 Therapeutic Recreation Specialist

2 RN Director of Nursing

6 Qualified Social Worker

1 Mental Health Service Worker

3 Other Dietary Services Staff

1 Administrator

1 Nurse Practitioner

1 Dental Services Staff

2 Occupational Therapy Aide

2 Occupational Therapy Assistant

1 Medical Director

Penalties and fines

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

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 Life Care Center of Hixson

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