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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.
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.
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 39th out of 172 homes in Tennessee. 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.
| 52m per day | ▲ 41% 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.
| 47m per day | ▼ 28% 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 19m per day | ▲ 8% 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 32m per day | ▲ 6% 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.
| 13m per day | ▲ 160% 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.
| 36m per day | ▲ 50% State avg: 24m per day · National avg: 28m per day |
Higher than the Tennessee average: 71.6%Life Care Center of Hixson is administrated by Johnny Cerino.
Key information about the people who lead and staff this community.
In Tennessee, the Department of Health, Division of Health Care Facilities performs unannounced inspections and investigations to ensure facilities provide high-quality resident care.
Tennessee average 3.5
Last Health inspection on Oct 2022
Tennessee average 15.4
Tennessee average 4.39
Health citations are formal notices following inspections when they fail to comply with safety and care standards.
All 12 citations resulted from standard inspections.
100% better than Tennessee averageTennessee average: 1.1
100% better than Tennessee averageTennessee average: 0.6
Corrected
Corrected
Corrected
Corrected
Reporting period: October 1 – December 31, 2025 (Q4 2025). Source: CMS Payroll-Based Journal report.
0% compared with Tennessee average
0% compared with Tennessee average
This data comes from the CMS Payroll-Based Journal report covering October 1 – December 31, 2025.
Manages medical care and health needs.
Average shift length. Calculated as total hours divided by days worked and average staff per day.
9.1 hoursNo contractors work on this role.
Assists with medical care and medications.
Average shift length. Calculated as total hours divided by days worked and average staff per day.
9.4 hoursNo contractors work on this role.
Helps with daily care and mobility.
Average shift length. Calculated as total hours divided by days worked and average staff per day.
8.4 hoursNo contractors work on this role.
This data comes from the CMS Payroll-Based Journal report covering October 1 – December 31, 2025.
Total hours from contractors
221 contractor hours this quarter
This data comes from the CMS Payroll-Based Journal report covering October 1 – December 31, 2025.
| 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 |
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.
17.8
70% worse than Tennessee averageTennessee average: 10.5
A composite score based on activities of daily living decline, walking ability decline, and incontinence.
31.3
60% worse than Tennessee averageTennessee average: 19.5
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
21.1%
32% worse than Tennessee averageTennessee average: 16.0%
Percent of long-stay residents whose ability to move independently worsened
45.2%
108% worse than Tennessee averageTennessee average: 21.7%
Percent of low risk long-stay residents who lose control of their bowels or bladder
27.7%
33% worse than Tennessee averageTennessee average: 20.7%
Percent of long-stay residents experiencing one or more falls with major injury
4.0%
9% worse than Tennessee averageTennessee average: 3.7%
Percent of long-stay high risk residents with pressure ulcers
11.3%
109% worse than Tennessee averageTennessee average: 5.4%
Percent of long-stay residents with a urinary tract infection
0.0%
100% better than Tennessee averageTennessee average: 2.1%
Percent of long-stay residents who lose too much weight
7.4%
17% worse than Tennessee averageTennessee average: 6.3%
Percent of long-stay residents who have depressive symptoms
0.7%
93% better than Tennessee averageTennessee average: 11.0%
Percent of long-stay residents who received an antipsychotic medication
32.0%
94% worse than Tennessee averageTennessee average: 16.5%
Percent of long-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the pneumococcal vaccine
100.0%
11% better than Tennessee averageTennessee average: 89.9%
Percent of long-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the seasonal influenza vaccine
97.8%
In line with Tennessee averageTennessee average: 94.5%
Number of hospitalizations per 1,000 long-stay resident days.
2.47
56% worse than Tennessee averageTennessee average: 1.58
Number of outpatient emergency department visits per 1,000 long-stay resident days.
1.46
7% better than Tennessee averageTennessee average: 1.57
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
99.6%
25% better than Tennessee averageTennessee average: 79.7%
Percent of short-stay residents who newly received an antipsychotic medication
1.9%
14% worse than Tennessee averageTennessee average: 1.7%
Percent of short-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the seasonal influenza vaccine
91.6%
15% better than Tennessee averageTennessee average: 79.8%
Percentage of short-stay residents who were re-hospitalized after their nursing home admission.
19.5%
12% better than Tennessee averageTennessee average: 22.2%
Percentage of short-stay residents who had an outpatient emergency department visit.
5.1%
54% better than Tennessee averageTennessee average: 11.2%
Percentage of SNF residents who experience falls with major injury during their stay.
0.0%
100% better than Tennessee averageTennessee average: 0.8%
Percentage of residents at or above expected ability to care for themselves at discharge.
67.3%
25% better than Tennessee averageTennessee average: 53.7%
Rate of successful return to home or community from a skilled nursing facility.
66.9%
32% better than Tennessee averageTennessee average: 50.6%
Quality measures are calculated from Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessments. For most measures, lower percentages indicate better care quality.
37% of new residents, usually for short-term rehab.
60% of new residents, often for short stays.
2% of new residents, often for long-term daily care.
Source: CMS Long-Term Care Facility Characteristics (Data as of Jan 2026)
Total residents
83Residents meet regularly to discuss policies, care quality, and activities
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 Life Care Center of Hixson 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 #41 / 176Payroll — State benchmarkedThis home is ranked 41st out of 176 homes in Tennessee. Shows total annual staff payroll benchmarked to the Tennessee 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.
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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Life Care Center of Hixson is located in Hixson, Tennessee.
Here are the financial assistance programs available to residents in Tennessee.
Life Care Center of Hixson is in the Hixson neighborhood of Hixson.
The legal owner and operator of Life Care Center of Hixson is North River Valley Operations, LLC.
Life Care Center of Hixson has a walk score of 18. Car-dependent. Most errands require a car, with limited nearby walkable options.
According to TN state health department records, Life Care Center of Hixson's license number is 00000104.
Life Care Center of Hixson's occupancy is 77%.
Johnny Cerino is the administrator of Life Care Center of Hixson.
Life Care Center of Hixson has 108 beds.
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