Total health inspections
3
Nebraska average 4.3
Last Health inspection on Sep 2025
Mostly short-term rehab stays
Most residents typically stay for a few weeks or months before returning home or moving on.
The Heritage at Meridian Gardens
Nursing Home, Assisted Living, Memory Care & Home Care · Nebraska, NE
CMS overall rating
The Overall CMS Rating is scored from 1 to 5 stars and combines results from health inspections, staffing levels, and quality measures. Health inspections carry the most weight. Staffing and quality scores can increase or decrease the final rating based on performance compared to state and national standards.
The Overall CMS Rating is scored from 1 to 5 stars and combines results from health inspections, staffing levels, and quality measures. Health inspections carry the most weight. Staffing and quality scores can increase or decrease the final rating based on performance compared to state and national standards.
The Heritage at Meridian Gardens
Nursing Home, Assisted Living, Memory Care & Home Care · Nebraska, NE
CMS overall rating
The Overall CMS Rating is scored from 1 to 5 stars and combines results from health inspections, staffing levels, and quality measures. Health inspections carry the most weight. Staffing and quality scores can increase or decrease the final rating based on performance compared to state and national standards.
The Overall CMS Rating is scored from 1 to 5 stars and combines results from health inspections, staffing levels, and quality measures. Health inspections carry the most weight. Staffing and quality scores can increase or decrease the final rating based on performance compared to state and national standards.
The Heritage at Meridian Gardens accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay.
The Heritage at Meridian Gardens in Columbus is a splendid destination offering top-tier assisted living and memory care services, ensuring unparalleled reliability. Within this nurturing community, residents experience a warm and loving atmosphere facilitated by a team of licensed and highly trained care staff. The well-lit apartments contribute to a pet-friendly environment, fostering a sense of comfort and companionship.
Elevating the overall experience, The Heritage at Meridian Gardens provides dining options that go beyond the ordinary. The community’s vibrant personality shines through in its array of events and intimate gatherings, creating a lively atmosphere for senior living. With thoughtfully designed floor plans radiating comfort, and amenities like a game room, movie theater, and a salon, making friends and unwinding becomes second nature in this delightful community.
Quality ratings
The Overall CMS Rating combines results from health inspections, staffing levels and quality measures. Health inspections carry the most weight. Staffing and quality scores can increase or decrease the final rating based on performance compared to state and national standards.
Based on the results of the facility's three most recent standard inspections and any complaint investigations. CMS reviews the number, scope, and severity of deficiencies, with more recent findings weighted more heavily.
Measures average nursing staff hours per resident per day, including Registered Nurses (RNs) and total nursing staff. Ratings are adjusted based on the level of care residents require and are compared to state and national benchmarks.
Based on clinical and physical health indicators reported to CMS, such as hospital readmissions, falls, pressure ulcers, and improvements in mobility. These measures reflect how well residents' health needs are being managed.
Staffing hours breakdown
Daily nursing hours per resident by staff type, reported to CMS. Higher is generally better — compare this facility to state and national averages to see where staffing stands.
Total nursing care / resident
This home is ranked 19th out of 117 homes in Nebraska. Total adjusted nursing hours per resident per day, combining RN, LPN, and aide time. CMS adjusts this for case-mix so facilities can be fairly compared.
This home is ranked 19th out of 117 homes in Nebraska. Total adjusted nursing hours per resident per day, combining RN, LPN, and aide time. CMS adjusts this for case-mix so facilities can be fairly compared.
5h 4m per day
Rank #19 / 117Nurse hours — State benchmarkedThis home is ranked 19th out of 117 homes in Nebraska. Shows adjusted nurse hours per resident per day benchmarked to the Nebraska average, with a ranking across 117 Nebraska SNFs. More hours mean more direct care. The national average is about 3.5 hrs; below 3.0 is a red flag.Click the rank badge to see the full State ranking.Click here to see the full State ranking.
vs Nebraska avg
+17%
Standout metric
Weekend Total Nursing is +12% above state avg
| Staff type | Hours / Day / Resident | vs state avg |
|---|---|---|
|
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.
| 4h 1m per day | ▲ 12% State avg: 3h 34m per day · National avg: 3h 25m per day |
Types of Care at The Heritage at Meridian Gardens
Assisted Living
Memory Care
Home Care
Capacity and availability
This home usually has availability
Occupancy rate
83.5%
Rank #66 / 194Occupancy rate — State benchmarkedThis home is ranked 66th out of 194 homes in Nebraska. Shows this facility's occupancy rate versus the Nebraska average, with its Statewide rank out of 194. Higher occupancy signals strong local demand and financial stability.Click the rank badge to see the full State ranking.Click here to see the full State ranking.
Avg. Length of Stay
70 days
117-bed community Rank #47 / 228Bed count — State benchmarkedThis home is ranked 47th out of 228 homes in Nebraska. Shows this facility's certified or reported bed count compared to other Nebraska SNFs. Larger communities may offer more amenities, programs, and on-site services for residents and families.Click the rank badge to see the full State ranking.Click here to see the full State ranking.
A larger shared setting that may offer more common spaces and organized community services.
Walk Score: 23 / 100 Rank #239 / 298Walk Score — State benchmarkedThis home is ranked 239th out of 298 homes in Nebraska. Shows how walkable this facility's neighborhood is compared to the average Walk Score across Nebraska SNFs. Higher scores benefit residents, families, and staff.Click the rank badge to see the full State ranking.Click here to see the full State ranking.
Car-dependent. Most errands require a car, with limited nearby walkable options.
About this community
Facility TypeAssisted Living Facilities
StatusActive
CountyPlatte
License NumberALF310
The Heritage at Meridian Gardens is administrated by Joshua Stoddard.
Fax(402) 562-4594
Inspection History
In Nebraska, the Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Public Health conducts regular inspections to ensure nursing and assisted living facilities meet state and federal standards.
Since 2014 · 12 years of data
Read the full inspection reports for this facility, including detailed findings and corrective actions.
Show Inspection ReportsHealth Inspection History
Inspections
Total health citations
14
Rank #47 / 122Health citations — State benchmarkedThis home is ranked 47th out of 122 homes in Nebraska. Shows this facility's total health deficiency citations benchmarked to the Nebraska State average, with a ranking across all 122 NE SNFs. Lower citation counts earn a better rank.Click the rank badge to see the full State ranking.Click here to see the full State ranking.
Nebraska average 18.2
Citations per inspection
4.67
Rank #82 / 122Citations per inspection — State benchmarkedThis home is ranked 82nd out of 122 homes in Nebraska. Shows average deficiency citations per CMS inspection for this facility versus the Nebraska mean across 122 SNFs with citation data. Lower is better.Click the rank badge to see the full State ranking.Click here to see the full State ranking.
Nebraska average 4.19
Health citations are formal notices following inspections when they fail to comply with safety and care standards.
13 of 14 citations resulted from standard inspections; and 1 of 14 came from combined inspections (standard and complaint).
Breakdown of citation severity (last 3 years)
Critical health citations
0
100% better than Nebraska averageNebraska average: 0.2
Serious health citations
0
100% better than Nebraska averageNebraska average: 0.5
Citations history (last 3 years)
Nursing Services moderate citation
Sep 11, 2025
Corrected
Quality of Care moderate citation
Sep 11, 2025
Corrected
Care Planning moderate citation
Sep 11, 2025
Corrected
Pharmacy moderate citation
Aug 29, 2024
Corrected
Staffing Data
Reporting period: October 1 – December 31, 2025 (Q4 2025). Source: CMS Payroll-Based Journal report.
Total staff
123
Employees
109
Contractors
14
Staff to resident ratio
1.66:1
18% worse than Nebraska average
Avg staff/day
53
Average shift
7.5 hours
0% compared with Nebraska average
Total staff hours (quarter)
36,619
Nursing staff breakdown
Q4 2025 · Oct 1 – Dec 31
This data comes from the CMS Payroll-Based Journal report covering October 1 – December 31, 2025.
Registered Nurse
Manages medical care and health needs.
RN Staff
8
Average shift length
Average shift length. Calculated as total hours divided by days worked and average staff per day.
9.9 hours
Average shift length. Calculated as total hours divided by days worked and average staff per day.
9.9 hoursNo contractors work on this role.
Licensed Practical Nurse
Assists with medical care and medications.
LPN Staff
12
Average shift length
Average shift length. Calculated as total hours divided by days worked and average staff per day.
9.1 hours
Average shift length. Calculated as total hours divided by days worked and average staff per day.
9.1 hoursNo contractors work on this role.
Certified Nursing Assistant
Helps with daily care and mobility.
CNA Staff
58
Average shift length
Average shift length. Calculated as total hours divided by days worked and average staff per day.
7.1 hours
Average shift length. Calculated as total hours divided by days worked and average staff per day.
7.1 hoursNo contractors work on this role.
Contractor staffing
Q4 2025 · Oct 1 – Dec 31
This data comes from the CMS Payroll-Based Journal report covering October 1 – December 31, 2025.
Total hours from contractors
6.5%
2,366 contractor hours this quarter
Respiratory Therapy Technician: 4
Physical Therapy Assistant: 4
Speech Language Pathologist: 3
Physical Therapy Aide: 1
Qualified Social Worker: 1
Medical Director: 1
Staff by category
Q4 2025 · Oct 1 – Dec 31
This data comes from the CMS Payroll-Based Journal report covering October 1 – December 31, 2025.
| Certified Nursing Assistant | 58 | 0 | 58 | 16,129 | 92 | 100% | 7.1 |
| Medication Aide/Technician | 17 | 0 | 17 | 6,149 | 92 | 100% | 7.9 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | 12 | 0 | 12 | 4,951 | 92 | 100% | 9.1 |
| Clinical Nurse Specialist | 5 | 0 | 5 | 1,874 | 67 | 73% | 7.8 |
| Registered Nurse | 8 | 0 | 8 | 1,697 | 88 | 96% | 9.9 |
| Other Dietary Services Staff | 4 | 0 | 4 | 1,430 | 89 | 97% | 6.6 |
| Dental Services Staff | 3 | 0 | 3 | 967 | 66 | 72% | 7.9 |
| Speech Language Pathologist | 0 | 3 | 3 | 791 | 66 | 72% | 6.7 |
| Respiratory Therapy Technician | 0 | 4 | 4 | 586 | 69 | 75% | 5.3 |
| Administrator | 1 | 0 | 1 | 528 | 66 | 72% | 8 |
| Nurse Practitioner | 1 | 0 | 1 | 528 | 66 | 72% | 8 |
| Physical Therapy Assistant | 0 | 4 | 4 | 479 | 65 | 71% | 7.2 |
| Physical Therapy Aide | 0 | 1 | 1 | 354 | 62 | 67% | 5.7 |
| Qualified Social Worker | 0 | 1 | 1 | 144 | 37 | 40% | 3.9 |
| Medical Director | 0 | 1 | 1 | 13 | 26 | 28% | 0.5 |
58 Certified Nursing Assistant
% of Days
100%
17 Medication Aide/Technician
% of Days
100%
12 Licensed Practical Nurse
% of Days
100%
5 Clinical Nurse Specialist
% of Days
73%
8 Registered Nurse
% of Days
96%
4 Other Dietary Services Staff
% of Days
97%
3 Dental Services Staff
% of Days
72%
3 Speech Language Pathologist
% of Days
72%
4 Respiratory Therapy Technician
% of Days
75%
1 Administrator
% of Days
72%
1 Nurse Practitioner
% of Days
72%
4 Physical Therapy Assistant
% of Days
71%
1 Physical Therapy Aide
% of Days
67%
1 Qualified Social Worker
% of Days
40%
1 Medical Director
% of Days
28%
Penalties and fines
Federal penalties imposed by CMS for regulatory violations, including civil money penalties (fines) and denials of payment for new Medicare/Medicaid admissions.
Source: CMS Penalties Database
No penalties in the past 3 years
No civil money penalties or payment denials were reported in the last 3 years.
Quality of care over time
These measures show how residents usually do over time at this home, based on health outcomes and preventive care.
High-risk clinical events score
A composite score based on pressure ulcers, falls with injury, weight loss, walking ability decline, and activities of daily living decline.
13.5
A composite score based on pressure ulcers, falls with injury, weight loss, walking ability decline, and activities of daily living decline.
13.5
20% worse than Nebraska averageNebraska average: 11.3
Functional decline score
A composite score based on activities of daily living decline, walking ability decline, and incontinence.
25.8
A composite score based on activities of daily living decline, walking ability decline, and incontinence.
25.8
11% worse than Nebraska averageNebraska average: 23.3
Long-stay resident measures
Need for Help with Daily Activities Increased
Percent of long-stay residents whose need for help with daily activities has increased
21.7%
Percent of long-stay residents whose need for help with daily activities has increased
21.7%
In line with Nebraska averageNebraska average: 20.8%
Walking Ability Worsened
Percent of long-stay residents whose ability to move independently worsened
25.7%
Percent of long-stay residents whose ability to move independently worsened
25.7%
16% worse than Nebraska averageNebraska average: 22.1%
Low Risk Residents with Bowel/Bladder Incontinence
Percent of low risk long-stay residents who lose control of their bowels or bladder
30.0%
Percent of low risk long-stay residents who lose control of their bowels or bladder
30.0%
11% worse than Nebraska averageNebraska average: 26.9%
Falls with Major Injury
Percent of long-stay residents experiencing one or more falls with major injury
3.8%
Percent of long-stay residents experiencing one or more falls with major injury
3.8%
17% better than Nebraska averageNebraska average: 4.5%
High Risk Residents with Pressure Ulcers
Percent of long-stay high risk residents with pressure ulcers
9.3%
Percent of long-stay high risk residents with pressure ulcers
9.3%
117% worse than Nebraska averageNebraska average: 4.3%
Urinary Tract Infection
Percent of long-stay residents with a urinary tract infection
0.9%
Percent of long-stay residents with a urinary tract infection
0.9%
72% better than Nebraska averageNebraska average: 3.1%
Lost Too Much Weight
Percent of long-stay residents who lose too much weight
7.3%
Percent of long-stay residents who lose too much weight
7.3%
35% worse than Nebraska averageNebraska average: 5.4%
Depressive Symptoms
Percent of long-stay residents who have depressive symptoms
0.5%
Percent of long-stay residents who have depressive symptoms
0.5%
89% better than Nebraska averageNebraska average: 4.4%
Antipsychotic Use
Percent of long-stay residents who received an antipsychotic medication
12.7%
Percent of long-stay residents who received an antipsychotic medication
12.7%
36% better than Nebraska averageNebraska average: 19.8%
Pneumococcal Vaccine
Percent of long-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the pneumococcal vaccine
100.0%
Percent of long-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the pneumococcal vaccine
100.0%
7% better than Nebraska averageNebraska average: 93.2%
Influenza Vaccine
Percent of long-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the seasonal influenza vaccine
100.0%
Percent of long-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the seasonal influenza vaccine
100.0%
In line with Nebraska averageNebraska average: 96.1%
Short-stay resident measures
Pneumococcal Vaccine
Percent of short-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the pneumococcal vaccine
95.1%
Percent of short-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the pneumococcal vaccine
95.1%
18% better than Nebraska averageNebraska average: 80.7%
Antipsychotic medication increase
Percent of short-stay residents who newly received an antipsychotic medication
0.9%
Percent of short-stay residents who newly received an antipsychotic medication
0.9%
62% better than Nebraska averageNebraska average: 2.4%
Influenza Vaccine
Percent of short-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the seasonal influenza vaccine
94.9%
Percent of short-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the seasonal influenza vaccine
94.9%
25% better than Nebraska averageNebraska average: 75.9%
Quality measures are calculated from Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessments. For most measures, lower percentages indicate better care quality.
Breakdown by payment type
Medicare
56% of new residents, usually for short-term rehab.
Typical stay
1 months
Private pay
36% of new residents, often for short stays.
Typical stay
2 - 3 months
Medicaid
8% of new residents, often for long-term daily care.
Typical stay
7 - 8 months
Facility Characteristics
Source: CMS Long-Term Care Facility Characteristics (Data as of Jan 2026)
Total residents
74
Medicare
14
18.9% of residents
Medicaid
19
25.7% of residents
Private pay or other
41
55.4% 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.
Data sourced from CMS Long-Term Care Facility Characteristics quarterly report. Payer mix reflects the current resident census by primary payment source.
Financial Trends
Historical financial and operational data for The Heritage at Meridian Gardens based on CMS SNF Cost Reports.
Occupancy Rate
83.5%
↑ 14.8pp vs 2023
Net Income
-$219.1K
↑ ~$526.9K vs 2023
Total Payroll
$6.5M
↑ ~$1.0M vs 2023
Profit Margin
-2.1%
↑ 6.4pp vs 2023
Finances and operations
Voluntary non-profit community
Home revenue
$10.7M
Operating deficit
-$219.1K
Voluntary non-profit community
Home revenue
$10.7M Rank #25 / 120Revenue — State benchmarkedThis home is ranked 25th out of 120 homes in Nebraska. Shows this facility's annual revenue compared to the Nebraska SNF average. Higher revenue generally means more resources for staffing and capital — read alongside Payroll %.Click the rank badge to see the full State ranking.Click here to see the full State ranking.
Operating deficit
-$219.1K
Payroll costs
The portion of the home's budget spent on staff, including nurses, caregivers, and other employees who support care and operations.
Rank #19 / 120Payroll — State benchmarkedThis home is ranked 19th out of 120 homes in Nebraska. Shows total annual staff payroll benchmarked to the Nebraska average. Higher payroll investment relative to peers often signals better staffing and less reliance on cheaper contract labor.Click the rank badge to see the full State ranking.Click here to see the full State ranking.
$6.5M
The portion of the home's budget spent on staff, including nurses, caregivers, and other employees who support care and operations.
Rank #19 / 120Payroll — State benchmarkedThis home is ranked 19th out of 120 homes in Nebraska. Shows total annual staff payroll benchmarked to the Nebraska average. Higher payroll investment relative to peers often signals better staffing and less reliance on cheaper contract labor.Click the rank badge to see the full State ranking.Click here to see the full State ranking.
Other operating costs
All remaining costs needed to run the home, such as food, utilities, building maintenance, supplies and administrative expenses.
$4.4M
All remaining costs needed to run the home, such as food, utilities, building maintenance, supplies and administrative expenses.
Total costs
$10.9M
What does this home offer?
Minimum Age: 55 Years Old
Pets Allowed
Room Sizes: 470 / 1010 sq. ft
Housing Options: 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Building Type: Apartments
Transportation Services
Fitness and Recreation
Who this home usually serves
Show admissions and discharges
TYPE OF STAY
Living Spaces & Floor Plans for The Heritage at Meridian Gardens
Mc 356Sf
Newmg Mc Studio 266
Al 1010Sf
Al 902Sf
Newmg Al Onebedden 705
Newmg Al Onebedonebath Steb 560
Newmg Al Studio 470
Places of interest near The Heritage at Meridian Gardens
2.8 miles from city center
Estimated distance in miles from Columbus's city center to The Heritage at Meridian Gardens's address, calculated via Google Maps.
— 0.2 miles to nearest hospital (Columbus Community Hospital)
Calculate Travel Distance to The Heritage at Meridian Gardens
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Financial Assistance for
Nursing Home in Nebraska
The Heritage at Meridian Gardens is located in Columbus, Nebraska.
Here are the financial assistance programs available to residents in Nebraska.
Compare Nursing Home around Columbus
The information below is reported by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Public Health.
Filter by care type
| The Heritage at Meridian Gardens |
NH Nursing Home Licensed facility providing 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. Staffed by RNs, LPNs, and CNAs. Inspected and star-rated annually by CMS. Accepts Medicare (short-term rehab) and Medicaid (long-term care).
AL Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.
HC Home Care Professional care delivered in the person's own home — from companionship and errands to skilled nursing and therapy. Allows seniors to age in place. Medicare covers skilled home health when medically necessary.
MC Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk. | Columbus | 117 | 83.5% | +19% | 5.07 | -32% | +14% | $0 | 14 | 4.7 | - | 74 | - | 23 | Raven Schmid | $10.7M | $6.5M | 60.6% | 285291 | ||||
| Emerald Columbus |
NH Nursing Home Licensed facility providing 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. Staffed by RNs, LPNs, and CNAs. Inspected and star-rated annually by CMS. Accepts Medicare (short-term rehab) and Medicaid (long-term care).
AL Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.
MC Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk. | Columbus (40Th Avenue) | 145 | 56.6% | -20% | 3.78 | -37% | -15% | $0 | 20 | 3.3 | - | 82 | A+ | 57 | Columbus Operations LLC | $11.3M | $6.1M | 54% | 285092 |
Frequently Asked Questions about The Heritage at Meridian Gardens
Is The Heritage at Meridian Gardens in a walkable area?
The Heritage at Meridian Gardens has a walk score of 23. Car-dependent. Most errands require a car, with limited nearby walkable options.
What is the license number of The Heritage at Meridian Gardens?
According to NE state health department records, The Heritage at Meridian Gardens's license number is ALF310.
Who is the administrator of The Heritage at Meridian Gardens?
Joshua Stoddard is the administrator of The Heritage at Meridian Gardens.
How many beds does The Heritage at Meridian Gardens have?
The Heritage at Meridian Gardens has 117 beds.
What is the phone number of The Heritage at Meridian Gardens?
(402) 835-4396 will put you in contact with the team at The Heritage at Meridian Gardens.
What county is The Heritage at Meridian Gardens located in?
The Heritage at Meridian Gardens is in Platte County.
Is The Heritage at Meridian Gardens Medicare or Medicaid certified?
Yes — The Heritage at Meridian Gardens is a CMS-certified provider of Medicare and Medicaid.
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