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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.
Avantara Watertown is one-of-a-kind superior care that creates an atmosphere of comfort and security for a distinct living focused on relaxation and recovery. As one of South Dakota’s most trusted rehabilitative homes, there is a merit of an incomparable level of care that provoke quality service delivered by only the best team of professionals who offer tailored personal care plans for each unique individual; with that merit comes a two-time recognition as the ‘Best Nursing Homes – Long-Term Care’ by the U.S. News and World Report. Avantara Watertown has the privilege of maximizing advanced medical services that lead to an enhanced caliber of life.
The areas of excellence are found in the range of an array of specialized services such as; cardiac care, bariatric care, G-tube, IV therapy, orthopedic care, oncology care, stroke recovery, wound care, and memory care. The list of accommodations extends to the comprehensive care plan physical therapy equipment, a team of full-time therapists on-site, and a home assessment completed.
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.
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.
This home is ranked 31st out of 57 homes in South Dakota. 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.
| 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 10m per day | ▲ 46% State avg: 48m 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.
| 16m per day | ▼ 45% State avg: 29m 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 11m per day | ▼ 17% State avg: 2h 37m per day · National avg: 2h 21m 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 2m per day | ▼ 9% State avg: 3h 19m 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.
| 2m per day | ▼ 33% State avg: 3m 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.
| 45m per day | ▲ 45% State avg: 31m per day · National avg: 29m per day |
Higher than the South Dakota average: 79.9%Avantara Watertown is administrated by Lynna Speier.
In South Dakota, the Department of Health, Office of Health Care Facilities Licensure is the state agency responsible for conducting unannounced surveys and monitoring facility quality.
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.
These measures show how residents usually do over time at this home, based on health outcomes and preventive care.
CMS star rating based on long-stay quality measure performance. 5 stars = significantly above average, 1 star = significantly below average.
Number of hospitalizations per 1,000 long-stay resident days.
1.78
18% worse than South Dakota averageSouth Dakota average: 1.51
Number of outpatient emergency department visits per 1,000 long-stay resident days.
2.03
10% worse than South Dakota averageSouth Dakota average: 1.85
CMS star rating based on short-stay quality measure performance. 5 stars = much above average, 1 star = much below average.
Percentage of short-stay residents who were re-hospitalized after their nursing home admission.
13.1%
39% better than South Dakota averageSouth Dakota average: 21.5%
Percentage of short-stay residents who had an outpatient emergency department visit.
14.6%
25% worse than South Dakota averageSouth Dakota average: 11.7%
Percentage of SNF residents who experience falls with major injury during their stay.
0.0%
100% better than South Dakota averageSouth Dakota average: 0.8%
Percentage of residents at or above expected ability to care for themselves at discharge.
40.5%
25% worse than South Dakota averageSouth Dakota average: 53.7%
Rate of successful return to home or community from a skilled nursing facility.
41.8%
17% worse than South Dakota averageSouth Dakota average: 50.6%
Quality measures are calculated from Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessments. For most measures, lower percentages indicate better care quality.
62% of new residents, usually for short-term rehab.
27% of new residents, often for short stays.
11% of new residents, often for long-term daily care.
The portion of the home's budget spent on staff, including nurses, caregivers, and other employees who support care and operations.
Rank #32 / 55Payroll — State benchmarkedThis home is ranked 32nd out of 55 homes in South Dakota. Shows total annual staff payroll benchmarked to the South Dakota 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.
All remaining costs needed to run the home, such as food, utilities, building maintenance, supplies and administrative expenses.
Most residents typically stay for a few weeks or months before returning home or moving on.
0.7 miles from city center
Estimated distance in miles from Watertown's city center to Avantara Watertown's address, calculated via Google Maps.
— 0.75 miles to nearest hospital (Prairie Lakes Specialty Clinic)
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Avantara Watertown is located in Watertown, South Dakota.
Here are the financial assistance programs available to residents in South Dakota.
The information below is reported by the South Dakota Department of Health, Office of Health Care Facilities Licensure.
| Avantara Watertown |
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. | Watertown | 51 | 90.2% | +13% | 3.58 | +52% | -18% | $12.7k | 7 | 1.4 | 1 | 46 | 85 | Lynna Speier | $7.9M | $3.2M | 40.1% | 435068 | ||||
| Jenkin`s Living Center |
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. | Watertown | 110 | 70.1% | -12% | 4.44 | -20% | +2% | $53.1k | 25 | 4.2 | 3 | 69 | 85 | Doug Austin | $17.2M | $8.1M | 47.3% | 435036 |
Avantara Watertown is in the 4th Avenue Northeast neighborhood of Watertown.
Avantara Watertown has a walk score of 69. Moderately walkable. Some errands can be accomplished on foot, with a mix of nearby amenities.
According to SD state health department records, Avantara Watertown's license number is 10704.
According to SD state health department records, Avantara Watertown's license expires on June 30, 2026.
Avantara Watertown's occupancy is 90%.
Lynna Speier is the administrator of Avantara Watertown.
Avantara Watertown has 51 beds.
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