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CMS (the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) is the federal agency that rates nursing home quality. Its Overall Rating runs from 1 to 5 stars, combining health inspections, staffing, and quality measures, with inspections weighted most heavily.
CMS (the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) is the federal agency that rates nursing home quality. Its Overall Rating runs from 1 to 5 stars, combining health inspections, staffing, and quality measures, with inspections weighted most heavily.
Azalea Health and Rehabilitation is an 89-bed skilled nursing and rehabilitation community at 300 Cedar Road in Metter, Georgia, operated as a voluntary nonprofit under administrator Lynis Howell. Licensed since November 1976 and accredited by The Joint Commission, the facility serves Candler County residents with 24-hour skilled nursing care, short-term rehabilitation, cardiac management, on-site dialysis, and Alzheimer’s and dementia care programs. It accepts Medicare and private pay.
CMS awards Azalea 5 stars overall — the highest rating — with 5-star scores in both Health Inspection and Staffing. Total nursing hours run 4 hours and 15 minutes per resident per day, 17% above the Georgia average of 3 hours and 37 minutes, placing the facility 26th among 190 Georgia skilled nursing facilities. Weekend registered nurse coverage is 75% above the state average, a meaningful indicator of consistent clinical oversight outside weekday hours. Quality Measures is rated at 3 stars, which is 33.6% below the Georgia average, partly caused by antipsychotic use rates and short-stay fall metrics.
The seven-year inspection record averages 3.1 deficiencies per year, 37% better than Georgia’s 4.9 average. The 2017 and 2018 cycles were largely clean, with only minor life safety citations in 2017 related to emergency lighting and sprinkler coverage. Both were corrected on follow-up.
The facility had no deficiency-bearing standard surveys from 2018 through early 2023. February 2023 produced the most concentrated cluster: five deficiencies across two reports, including a substantiated complaint for failure to timely notify a physician of a resident’s change in condition, a 5.71% medication error rate, and improper medication storage on one hall. All were corrected by March 2023.
The May 2024 cycle added eight life safety deficiencies (corridor obstruction, sprinkler maintenance, unsecured oxygen, wiring issues) and one administrative deficiency for a late discharge assessment. A July 2024 follow-up confirmed full correction. The most recent standard inspection in September 2025 cited nine deficiencies — four in pharmacy services, three in resident rights, and two serious citations in quality of care and care planning — all marked corrected. No fines, immediate jeopardy findings, or enforcement actions appear in any report.
On-site dialysis, cardiac management, and a dedicated Alzheimer’s and dementia care program sets Azalea apart from smaller rural peers. The Esteem Salons program — beautician and barber services for five days per week — reflects an attention to residents’ dignity. The facility’s AHCA Bronze Quality Award is another independent recognition.
Azalea Health and Rehabilitation is suited to seniors needing post-acute rehabilitation, dialysis-dependent care, cardiac monitoring, or memory care in a rural Candler County setting. The occupancy rate at 72%, below Georgia’s 78.1% average, which typically means shorter wait times for placement. Families should ask directly about the actions taken following the February 2023 complaint.
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 26th out of 190 homes in Georgia for nurse hours. 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.
| 39m per day | ▲ 34% State avg: 29m 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.
| 32m per day | ▼ 43% State avg: 56m 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 20m per day | ▲ 9% 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 4m per day | ■ Avg State avg: 3h 6m 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.
| 1m per day | ▼ 67% 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.
| 35m per day | ▲ 75% State avg: 20m per day · National avg: 28m per day |
Lower than the Georgia average: 78.1%Azalea Health and Rehabilitation is administrated by Lynis Howell.
In Georgia, the Department of Community Health, Healthcare Facility Regulation Division conducts unannounced inspections to ensure facilities adhere to state health and safety requirements.
This scorecard compares key inspection, citation, and complaint metrics at this facility against the Georgia state average. Metrics rated ≥15% worse than average are highlighted in red; those ≥15% better are highlighted in green.
Deficiencies
| This Facility | GA Average | vs. GA Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Total deficiencies
Formal regulatory issues recorded by inspectors across all inspection types.
| 31 | 21 | This facility has 48% more total deficiencies than a typical Georgia nursing home (31 vs. GA avg 21).↑ 48% worse |
|
Deficiencies per year
Average deficiencies per year since 2017.
| 3.4 | 2.3 | This facility has 48% more deficiencies per year than a typical Georgia nursing home (3.4 vs. GA avg 2.3).↑ 48% worse |
An editor-reviewed summary of the themes and findings across this facility's recent inspection reports.
Georgia average 3.4
Last Health inspection on Sep 2025
Georgia average 16.6
Georgia average 4.68
Health citations are formal notices following inspections when they fail to comply with safety and care standards.
8 of 9 citations resulted from standard inspections; and 1 of 9 came from combined inspections (standard and complaint).
100% better than Georgia averageGeorgia average: 0.7
300% worse than Georgia averageGeorgia average: 0.5
Corrected
Corrected
Corrected
Corrected
Reporting period: October 1 – December 31, 2025 (Q4 2025). Source: CMS Payroll-Based Journal report.
0% compared with Georgia average
6% worse than Georgia average
This data comes from the CMS Payroll-Based Journal report covering October 1 – December 31, 2025.
Manages medical care and health needs.
All 13 RN Staff are full-time employees. No contractors work on this role.
13
Average shift length. Calculated as total hours divided by days worked and average staff per day.
9.8 hoursAssists with medical care and medications.
All 9 LPN Staff are full-time employees. No contractors work on this role.
9
Average shift length. Calculated as total hours divided by days worked and average staff per day.
8.9 hoursHelps with daily care and mobility.
All 27 CNA Staff are full-time employees. No contractors work on this role.
27
Average shift length. Calculated as total hours divided by days worked and average staff per day.
7.4 hours
This data comes from the CMS Payroll-Based Journal report covering October 1 – December 31, 2025.
Total hours from contractors
62 contractor hours this quarter
This data comes from the CMS Payroll-Based Journal report covering October 1 – December 31, 2025.
| Certified Nursing Assistant | 27 | 0 | 27 | 8,487 | 92 | 100% | 7.4 |
| Medication Aide/Technician | 17 | 0 | 17 | 6,161 | 92 | 100% | 8 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | 9 | 0 | 9 | 3,159 | 92 | 100% | 8.9 |
| Registered Nurse | 13 | 0 | 13 | 2,759 | 92 | 100% | 9.8 |
| Nurse Aide in Training | 5 | 0 | 5 | 1,364 | 82 | 89% | 8 |
| Clinical Nurse Specialist | 2 | 0 | 2 | 925 | 68 | 74% | 7.8 |
| Mental Health Service Worker | 1 | 0 | 1 | 547 | 69 | 75% | 7.9 |
| Dietitian | 1 | 0 | 1 | 526 | 66 | 72% | 8 |
| Administrator | 1 | 0 | 1 | 508 | 64 | 70% | 7.9 |
| Nurse Practitioner | 1 | 0 | 1 | 496 | 62 | 67% | 8 |
| Speech Language Pathologist | 1 | 0 | 1 | 423 | 64 | 70% | 6.6 |
| Physical Therapy Aide | 1 | 0 | 1 | 226 | 55 | 60% | 4.1 |
| Physical Therapy Assistant | 5 | 0 | 5 | 98 | 30 | 33% | 3.2 |
| Respiratory Therapy Technician | 2 | 0 | 2 | 94 | 30 | 33% | 3.1 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant | 0 | 1 | 1 | 39 | 7 | 8% | 5.6 |
| Qualified Social Worker | 1 | 0 | 1 | 31 | 13 | 14% | 2.4 |
| Occupational Therapy Aide | 0 | 1 | 1 | 20 | 11 | 12% | 1.8 |
| Medical Director | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 3% | 1 |
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.
A composite score based on pressure ulcers, falls with injury, weight loss, walking ability decline, and activities of daily living decline.
7.2
30% better than Georgia averageGeorgia average: 10.3
A composite score based on activities of daily living decline, walking ability decline, and incontinence.
7.9
54% better than Georgia averageGeorgia average: 17.4
CMS star rating based on long-stay quality measure performance. 5 stars = significantly above average, 1 star = significantly below average.
Percent of long-stay residents whose need for help with daily activities has increased
3.9%
77% better than Georgia averageGeorgia average: 16.8%
Percent of long-stay residents whose ability to move independently worsened
11.9%
39% better than Georgia averageGeorgia average: 19.4%
Percent of low risk long-stay residents who lose control of their bowels or bladder
8.1%
50% better than Georgia averageGeorgia average: 16.1%
Percent of long-stay residents experiencing one or more falls with major injury
3.8%
19% worse than Georgia averageGeorgia average: 3.2%
Percent of long-stay high risk residents with pressure ulcers
8.8%
40% worse than Georgia averageGeorgia average: 6.3%
Percent of long-stay residents with a urinary tract infection
1.3%
49% better than Georgia averageGeorgia average: 2.5%
Percent of long-stay residents who lose too much weight
7.6%
27% worse than Georgia averageGeorgia average: 6.0%
Percent of long-stay residents who have depressive symptoms
0.0%
100% better than Georgia averageGeorgia average: 8.7%
Percent of long-stay residents who received an antipsychotic medication
32.3%
69% worse than Georgia averageGeorgia average: 19.1%
Percent of long-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the pneumococcal vaccine
100.0%
9% better than Georgia averageGeorgia average: 91.5%
Percent of long-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the seasonal influenza vaccine
100.0%
5% better than Georgia averageGeorgia average: 95.0%
CMS star rating based on short-stay quality measure performance. 5 stars = much above average, 1 star = much below average.
Percent of short-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the pneumococcal vaccine
97.3%
21% better than Georgia averageGeorgia average: 80.6%
Percent of short-stay residents who newly received an antipsychotic medication
1.2%
45% better than Georgia averageGeorgia average: 2.2%
Percent of short-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the seasonal influenza vaccine
95.8%
23% better than Georgia averageGeorgia average: 78.2%
Percentage of short-stay residents who were re-hospitalized after their nursing home admission.
22.0%
9% better than Georgia averageGeorgia average: 24.2%
Percentage of short-stay residents who had an outpatient emergency department visit.
12.8%
5% worse than Georgia averageGeorgia average: 12.2%
Percentage of SNF residents who experience falls with major injury during their stay.
3.1%
306% worse than Georgia averageGeorgia average: 0.8%
Percentage of residents at or above expected ability to care for themselves at discharge.
14.3%
73% worse than Georgia averageGeorgia average: 53.7%
Rate of successful return to home or community from a skilled nursing facility.
53.4%
6% better than Georgia averageGeorgia average: 50.6%
Quality measures are calculated from Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessments. For most measures, lower percentages indicate better care quality.
17% of new residents, usually for short-term rehab.
83% of new residents, often for short stays.
Source: CMS Long-Term Care Facility Characteristics (Data as of Jan 2026)
Total residents
65Residents meet regularly to discuss policies, care quality, and activities
State-approved Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program on-site
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.
Historical financial and operational data for Azalea Health and Rehabilitation based on CMS SNF Cost Reports.
The portion of the home's budget spent on staff, including nurses, caregivers, and other employees who support care and operations.
Rank #145 / 185Payroll — State benchmarkedThis home is ranked 145th out of 185 homes in Georgia for payroll. Shows total annual staff payroll benchmarked to the Georgia 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.
Residents typically stay for brief periods, with frequent admissions and discharges throughout the year.
0.0 miles from city center
Estimated distance in miles from Metter's city center to Azalea Health and Rehabilitation's address, calculated via Google Maps.
Add your location
Azalea Health and Rehabilitation is located in METTER, Georgia.
Here are the financial assistance programs available to residents in Georgia.
The information below is reported by the Georgia Department of Community Health, Healthcare Facility Regulation Division.
| Azalea Health and Rehabilitation |
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. | Metter | 89
Facility
89
GA AVG
88
Rank
#299 / 672 | 71.9% | -8% | 4.25 | +65% | +19% | $0 | 9 | 4.5 | 2 | 67 | - |
60
Facility
60
GA AVG
39
Rank
#200 / 873 | Lynis Howell | $6.0M | $3.6M | 59.4% | 115642 | ||||
| Cedar Valley Nursing & Rehabilitation 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.
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. | Cedartown | 100
Facility
100
GA AVG
88
Rank
#194 / 672 | 78.0% | 0% | 3.57 | +3% | 0% | $0 | 3 | 1.0 | - | 78 | - |
63
Facility
63
GA AVG
39
Rank
#168 / 873 | Rhonda Blankenship | $11.4M | $2.4M | 21.3% | 115436 | ||||
| Spring Harbor |
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.
IL Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.
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 | 60
Facility
60
GA AVG
88
Rank
#455 / 672 | 71.4% | -9% | 5.70 | -35% | +60% | $0 | 9 | 3.0 | - | 32 | - |
3
Facility
3
GA AVG
39
Rank
#812 / 873 | Maurice S Hill | $23.0M | $5.8M | 25.3% | 115716 | ||||
| Cumming Health and Rehab |
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.
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.
RC Respite Care Short-term temporary care — days to weeks — to give family caregivers a break. Full care provided during the stay. Often used after hospitalization or to trial a facility before a permanent placement decision. | Cumming | 87
Facility
87
GA AVG
88
Rank
#308 / 672 | 100.0% | +28% | 4.70 | +110% | +32% | $0 | 7 | 3.5 | - | 87 | - |
32
Facility
32
GA AVG
39
Rank
#510 / 873 | - | $10.8M | $5.0M | 46.2% | 115551 | ||||
| Chestnut Ridge Nursing and Rehabilitation |
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. | Cumming (Samaritan Drive) | 150
Facility
150
GA AVG
88
Rank
#69 / 672 | 90.0% | +15% | 3.15 | -2% | -12% | $15.6k | 30 | 6.0 | 4 | 135 | C+ |
29
Facility
29
GA AVG
39
Rank
#548 / 873 | - | $20.0M | $2.8M | 14% | 115423 |
Azalea Health and Rehabilitation has a walk score of 60. Moderately walkable. Some errands can be accomplished on foot, with a mix of nearby amenities.
Azalea Health and Rehabilitation's occupancy is 72%.
The team at Azalea Health and Rehabilitation can be reached at [email protected].
Lynis Howell is the administrator of Azalea Health and Rehabilitation.
Azalea Health and Rehabilitation has 89 beds.
Yes — there are 8 photos of Azalea Health and Rehabilitation in the photo gallery on this page.
Azalea Health and Rehabilitation is located at 300 CEDAR ROAD.
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