Explore Open Rooms

1 Contact details
2 What type of senior care service are you looking for?
3 What budget do you have in mind for senior care?
4 How soon do you need to find care?
5 Additional details

Thank you for your interest!

Our team will be in touch shortly to help with next steps.

Nursing Home in New Orleans

CMS overall rating Info 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.

Jo Ellen Smith Convalescent Center

Nursing Home in New Orleans

CMS overall rating Info 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.

Jo Ellen Smith Convalescent Center

4502 GENERAL MEYER AVENUE, NEW ORLEANS, LA 70131 View map
Overview of Jo Ellen Smith Convalescent Center
Jo Ellen Smith Living Center is a skilled nursing facility located in New Orleans, Louisiana. It offers a comprehensive continuum of care for adults recovering from serious illness, rehabilitation after injury, and skilled nursing care. The center emphasizes compassionate care and a warm, friendly atmosphere.
(504) 361-7923

Quality ratings

Measured by Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Overall rating Info 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.
3/5
Louisiana average: 2.2/5
Health Inspection Info 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.
4/5
Louisiana average: 2.6/5
Staffing Info 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.
1/5
Louisiana average: 2.0/5
Quality Measures Info 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.
3/5
Louisiana average: 2.0/5

Nursing care per resident

Info This shows how many total hours of nursing staff time are available per resident each day. Higher numbers usually mean more staff support.
3h 23m per day

This home provides 11% less nursing time per resident than the Louisiana average.

Louisiana average: 3h 49m per day

Capacity and availability

Medium-capacity home

Offers a balance of services and community atmosphere.

Total beds 108

This home usually has availability

Lower occupancy suggests more openings may be available.

Lower demand than the Louisiana average
Occupancy rate 69.5%
Residents per day (avg) 129
Occupancy rate
69.5%
Residents per day (avg)
129

Who this home usually serves

TYPE OF STAY

Mostly long-term care residents

Most residents stay for extended periods and receive ongoing daily care.

Might be optimal for
Long-term daily care Ongoing support needs

Breakdown by payment type

Medicare

35% of new residents, usually for short-term rehab.

Typical stay 3 - 4 months

Private pay

35% of new residents, often for short stays.

Typical stay 2 - 3 months

Medicaid

30% of new residents, often for long-term daily care.

Typical stay 1 years

Finances and operations

Privately-owned community
Home revenue
$13.8M
Profit
$1.4M
Privately-owned community
Home revenue
$13,810,536.00
Profit
$1,442,602.00
Payroll costs Info The portion of the home's budget spent on staff, including nurses, caregivers, and other employees who support care and operations.
$5.7M
41% of revenue
Other operating costs Info All remaining costs needed to run the home, such as food, utilities, building maintenance, supplies and administrative expenses.
$6.7M
Total costs $12.4M
Bed community size
108-bed community
A larger shared setting that may offer more common spaces and organized community services.

About this community

Occupancy

Occupancy rate
70%
In line with Louisiana average
Occupied beds
75 / 108
Average residents 89 per day

License details

Facility type
Medicare And Medicaid
County: Orleans

Additional licensing details

CMS Certification Number: 195204

Ownership & operating entity

Owner name: PRIORITY GROUP HOLDINGS, L.L.C.
Profit status: For profit - Corporation

Care Services

Nursing Services
Rehabilitation Services
Respite Care
Memory Care
Skilled Nursing
24-Hour Staffing

Amenities & Lifestyle

Free Wireless Internet Access
Hair And Nail Salon
Sunroom
Covered Patio
Elegant Dining Room
Private Dining Area
Courtyard

Programs & Activities

Activities
Residents receive a monthly activities calendar with scheduled events such as movies, musical performances, outings, and holiday parties.
Specific Programs
Short Term Rehabilitation, Skilled Nursing, Long Term Care, Outpatient Therapy, Dementia Care, Respite Care, Hospice/Palliative Care
Religious Services
Yes
Volunteer Programs
Yes

Dining & Nutrition

Food Description
Residents enjoy homemade favorites like meatloaf, fried catfish, and roast beef with gravy, along with salads, homemade soups, and plenty of vegetables.
Meals Included
Yes
Special Diets
Cardiac-healthy diet, Diabetic-friendly diet, Mechanical soft diet, Pureed diet, Oral supplemental diets available.
Contact Jo Ellen Smith Convalescent Center

Performance summary

Key indicators of commitment to quality care and safety.

Ratings

Overall Rating
3 / 5

Based on the Louisiana Department of Health, Health Standards Section surveys measuring health inspections, staffing, and quality measures.

Ranked 27th (tied) of 161 homes in Louisiana

Health Inspection Rating
4 / 5

Based on the Louisiana Department of Health, Health Standards Section surveys measuring health inspection findings. Fewer deficiencies result in higher ratings.

Ranked 14th (tied) of 161 homes in Louisiana

Quality Measures Rating
3 / 5

Based on the Louisiana Department of Health, Health Standards Section surveys measuring resident health outcomes and care practices.

Ranked 15th (tied) of 157 homes in Louisiana

Staffing Rating
1 / 5

Based on the Louisiana Department of Health, Health Standards Section surveys measuring staffing levels, including hours of care provided per resident per day.

Ranked 106th (tied) of 161 homes in Louisiana

Health Inspection History

Inspections
Total health inspections 8

Louisiana average 6.5


Last Health inspection on Aug 2025

Total health citations 16

Louisiana average 25.7

Citations per inspection
2

Louisiana average 3.95


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

10 of 16 citations resulted from standard inspections; and 6 of 16 resulted from complaint investigations.

Breakdown of citation severity (last 3 years)
Critical Health citations More info 0
100% better than Louisiana average

Louisiana average: 1.1


Serious Health citations More info 0
100% better than Louisiana average

Louisiana average: 0.5

0 critical citations More info Louisiana average: 1.1

0 serious citations More info Louisiana average: 0.5

14 moderate citations More info Louisiana average: 23.7

2 minor citations More info Louisiana average: 0.4
Citations history (last 3 years)
Pharmacy moderate citation Info Issues related to medication management, including how drugs are stored, administered, and monitored. Aug 05, 2025
Corrected

Pharmacy moderate citation Info Issues related to medication management, including how drugs are stored, administered, and monitored. Mar 19, 2025
Corrected

Quality of Care moderate citation Info Issues related to how well residents receive appropriate treatment and support for their medical and daily care needs. Mar 19, 2025
Corrected

Care Planning moderate citation Info Issues related to creating and updating personalized care plans for residents based on their needs and conditions. Mar 19, 2025
Corrected

Compare Nursing Homes around New Orleans The information below is reported by the Louisiana Department of Health, Health Standards Section.

5 facilities compared · CMS & LA Dept. of Health data · Updated Apr 2026

Filter by care type
Jo Ellen Smith Convalescent 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.

NEW ORLEANS
180
69.5%
-3%
3.39
-52%
-18%
1
16
2.0
0
129
-
-
Fbgm, L.l.c.
$13.2M
$5.7M
42.8%
195204
-
Bayside Healthcare 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.

Gretna
151
57.1%
-20%
3.13
-12%
-24%
0
21
4.2
0
95
-
17
Hometown Healthcare Management
$8.4M
$3.7M
43.5%
195309
-
St. Margaret’s Family of Care
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.

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.

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.

New Orleans (Mid-City)
112
87.4%
+22%
4.17
-14%
+1%
0
38
6.3
0
97
A+
88
The St. Margaret's Daughters
$12.0M
$4.5M
37.3%
195437
Private / Semi-Private Rooms
Ferncrest Manor
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.

New Orleans (New Orleans East Area)
200
55.2%
-23%
2.44
+23%
-41%
3
74
5.3
6
114
A+
0
Nunez, Lexis
$9.7M
$5.0M
51.1%
195214
-
Audubon Retirement Village
-
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.

New Orleans (Audubon)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
0
0
0.0
0
-
-
73
-
-
-
-
-
Private Rooms

Places of interest near Jo Ellen Smith Convalescent Center

Address 12.6 miles from city center

Address 4502 GENERAL MEYER AVENUE, NEW ORLEANS, LA 70131

Calculate Travel Distance to Jo Ellen Smith Convalescent Center

Add your location

Address

Staffing Data (Q2 2025)

This data corresponds to Q2 2025 and is based on CMS Payroll-Based Journal.

Total staff 134
Employees 110
Contractors 24
Staff to resident ratio 1.00:1
36% worse than Louisiana average

Louisiana average ratio: 1.56:1

Avg staff/day 70
Average shift 8.2 hours
0% compared with Louisiana average

Louisiana average: 8.2 hours

Total staff hours (quarter) 52,276
Nursing staff breakdown
Registered Nurse

Manages medical care and health needs.

Total count 3
Average shift length Info Average shift length. Calculated as total hours divided by days worked and average staff per day. 9.8 hours

This role is partially covered by contractors.

Licensed Practical Nurse

Assists with medical care and medications.

Total count 34
Average shift length Info Average shift length. Calculated as total hours divided by days worked and average staff per day. 8.6 hours

No contractors work on this role.

Certified Nursing Assistant

Helps with daily care and mobility.

Total count 61
Average shift length Info Average shift length. Calculated as total hours divided by days worked and average staff per day. 7.8 hours

No contractors work on this role.

Contractor staffing

Total hours from contractors

16.6%

8,653 contractor hours this quarter

Physical Therapy Aide: 6 Speech Language Pathologist: 5 Qualified Social Worker: 4 Respiratory Therapy Technician: 2 Physical Therapy Assistant: 2 RN Director of Nursing: 1 Registered Nurse: 1 Medical Director: 1 Occupational Therapy Aide: 1 Occupational Therapy Assistant: 1
Staff by category
Certified Nursing Assistant 61 0 61 23,618 91 100% 7.8
Licensed Practical Nurse 34 0 34 12,750 91 100% 8.6
RN Director of Nursing 5 1 6 3,076 79 87% 9.5
Physical Therapy Aide 0 6 6 2,481 65 71% 9.5
Speech Language Pathologist 0 5 5 2,355 73 80% 7.8
Qualified Social Worker 0 4 4 1,290 65 71% 8
Respiratory Therapy Technician 0 2 2 1,173 66 73% 9.7
Physical Therapy Assistant 0 2 2 1,146 65 71% 10.5
Other Dietary Services Staff 3 0 3 923 90 99% 7.5
Registered Nurse 2 1 3 821 67 74% 9.8
Clinical Nurse Specialist 1 0 1 596 65 71% 9.2
Mental Health Service Worker 1 0 1 512 64 70% 8
Nurse Practitioner 1 0 1 480 60 66% 8
Dietitian 1 0 1 463 64 70% 7.2
Administrator 1 0 1 432 54 59% 8
Occupational Therapy Aide 0 1 1 80 16 18% 5
Medical Director 0 1 1 56 14 15% 4
Occupational Therapy Assistant 0 1 1 24 3 3% 8
61 Certified Nursing Assistant
% of Days 100%
34 Licensed Practical Nurse
% of Days 100%
6 RN Director of Nursing
% of Days 87%
6 Physical Therapy Aide
% of Days 71%
5 Speech Language Pathologist
% of Days 80%
4 Qualified Social Worker
% of Days 71%
2 Respiratory Therapy Technician
% of Days 73%
2 Physical Therapy Assistant
% of Days 71%
3 Other Dietary Services Staff
% of Days 99%
3 Registered Nurse
% of Days 74%
1 Clinical Nurse Specialist
% of Days 71%
1 Mental Health Service Worker
% of Days 70%
1 Nurse Practitioner
% of Days 66%
1 Dietitian
% of Days 70%
1 Administrator
% of Days 59%
1 Occupational Therapy Aide
% of Days 18%
1 Medical Director
% of Days 15%
1 Occupational Therapy Assistant
% of Days 3%

Facility Characteristics

Source: CMS Long-Term Care Facility Characteristics (Data as of Jan 2026)

Total census
134 residents
Residents by payment source
Medicare
14 residents (10.4%)
Medicaid
103 residents (76.9%)
Private pay or other
17 residents (12.7%)
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.

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 Info A composite score based on pressure ulcers, falls with injury, weight loss, walking ability decline, and activities of daily living decline. 5.2
56% better than Louisiana average

Louisiana average: 11.7

Functional decline score Info A composite score based on activities of daily living decline, walking ability decline, and incontinence. 8.5
58% better than Louisiana average

Louisiana average: 20.4

Long-stay resident measures
Need for Help with Daily Activities Increased Info Percent of long-stay residents whose need for help with daily activities has increased 9.9%
52% better than Louisiana average

Louisiana average: 20.5%

Walking Ability Worsened Info Percent of long-stay residents whose ability to move independently worsened 9.8%
58% better than Louisiana average

Louisiana average: 23.5%

Low Risk Residents with Bowel/Bladder Incontinence Info Percent of low risk long-stay residents who lose control of their bowels or bladder 5.7%
66% better than Louisiana average

Louisiana average: 17.1%

Falls with Major Injury Info Percent of long-stay residents experiencing one or more falls with major injury 1.6%
53% better than Louisiana average

Louisiana average: 3.5%

High Risk Residents with Pressure Ulcers Info Percent of long-stay high risk residents with pressure ulcers 4.3%
33% better than Louisiana average

Louisiana average: 6.4%

Urinary Tract Infection Info Percent of long-stay residents with a urinary tract infection 0.0%
100% better than Louisiana average

Louisiana average: 2.7%

Lost Too Much Weight Info Percent of long-stay residents who lose too much weight 0.5%
91% better than Louisiana average

Louisiana average: 5.1%

Depressive Symptoms Info Percent of long-stay residents who have depressive symptoms 2.2%
38% worse than Louisiana average

Louisiana average: 1.6%

Antipsychotic Use Info Percent of long-stay residents who received an antipsychotic medication 16.9%
17% better than Louisiana average

Louisiana average: 20.4%

Pneumococcal Vaccine Info Percent of long-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the pneumococcal vaccine 100.0%
9% better than Louisiana average

Louisiana average: 91.5%

Influenza Vaccine Info Percent of long-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the seasonal influenza vaccine 99.2%
5% better than Louisiana average

Louisiana average: 94.9%

Short-stay resident measures
Pneumococcal Vaccine Info Percent of short-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the pneumococcal vaccine 99.3%
20% better than Louisiana average

Louisiana average: 82.5%

Antipsychotic medication increase Info Percent of short-stay residents who newly received an antipsychotic medication 4.7%
50% worse than Louisiana average

Louisiana average: 3.1%

Influenza Vaccine Info Percent of short-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the seasonal influenza vaccine 94.9%
25% better than Louisiana average

Louisiana average: 76.2%

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 (Data as of Jan 2026)

Total fines amount $5K
95% lower than Louisiana average

Louisiana average: $103K

Number of fines 1
51% fewer fines than Louisiana average

Louisiana average: 2.0

Payment Denials Info Serious action where Medicare and/or Medicaid temporarily stops payments for new residents until issues are fixed. 0
100% fewer payment denials than Louisiana average

Louisiana average: 0.3

Fines amount comparison
Fines amount comparison
This facility $5K
Louisiana average $103K
Penalty History

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

Civil Money Penalty Info Fines imposed for noncompliance, which can be assessed per day or per instance of violation. Mar 23, 2023
$5K

Last updated: Jan 2026

Guides for Better Senior Living

Care Cost Calculator: See Prices in Your Area

Nursing Home Data Explorer

Don’t Wait Too Long: 7 Red Flag Signs Your Parent Needs Assisted Living Now

The True Cost of Assisted Living in 2025 – And How Families Are Paying For It

Understanding Senior Living Costs: Pricing Models, Discounts & Financial Assistance

Financial Aid for Louisiana Seniors

Get financial aid guidance

Community Choices Waiver

Louisiana Medicaid Community Choices

Age 65+ or 21+ with disability, Louisiana resident, Medicaid- eligible, nursing home-level care need.

~$2,829/month (300% FBR, individual).

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

High demand in urban areas.

Louisiana Elderly and Disabled Adults Program

LA EDA Program

Age 60+, Louisiana resident, at risk of nursing home.

~$1,800/month (varies).

$5,000 (individual).

Limited funding; rural focus.

Long Term-Personal Care Services (LT-PCS)

Louisiana Medicaid Long Term-Personal Care Services

Age 65+ or disabled, Louisiana resident, Medicaid-eligible, needs ADL assistance.

$943/month (individual), $1,415/month (couple).

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

Medically Needy Spend-Down option available.

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

Louisiana PACE

Age 55+, Louisiana resident, Medicare/Medicaid-eligible, nursing home-level care need, safe community living possible.

No strict limit; Medicaid portion $2,901/month max.

$2,000 (individual) for Medicaid; none for Medicare-only.

Limited centers (e.g., Baton Rouge, Lafayette).

Adult Day Health Care (ADHC) Waiver

Louisiana Medicaid Adult Day Health Care Waiver

Age 65+ or 22-64 with disabilities, Louisiana resident, Medicaid-eligible, nursing home-level care need.

$2,901/month (300% FBR, individual).

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

Includes transitional support from nursing homes.

Aged, Blind, and Disabled (ABD) Medicaid

Louisiana Medicaid Aged, Blind, and Disabled Program

Age 65+, blind, or disabled, Louisiana resident, Medicaid-eligible.

$943/month (individual), $1,415/month (couple).

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

Medically Needy Spend-Down available.

Louisiana Elderly Protective Services (EPS)

Louisiana Governor’s Office of Elderly Affairs - Elderly Protective Services

Age 60+, Louisiana resident, experiencing abuse/neglect/exploitation.

No strict limit; prioritizes low-income.

None specified.

Focus on urban and rural elder abuse cases.

Senior Rx Program

Louisiana Senior Rx (Prescription Assistance)

Age 65+, Louisiana resident, no/low prescription coverage.

Varies by linked program; ~$30,000/year suggested.

None specified.

Bridges gaps in Medicare Part D coverage.

Veterans Aid and Attendance (A&A) Benefit

Louisiana VA Aid and Attendance (Federal/State Coordination)

Wartime veteran or spouse, age 65+ or disabled, needs ADL help, Louisiana resident.

Net income minus medical expenses < $1,984/month (individual with A&A).

~$155,356 (2025 net worth limit).

High veteran population in rural areas.