3/5
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.
3/5
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.
John Gaines owns Sandstone Heights Nursing Home, a smaller 36-bed skilled nursing community located in Little River, Kansas. The business office works within standard regional pathways for billing, accepting private pay, along with Medicare and Medicaid options. Earning a Walk Score of 22, the surrounding rural territory is car-dependent, meaning families and guests will generally need a vehicle to visit, though the location offers a quiet setting.
The facility maintains a current census of 22 residents, representing a 61 percent occupancy rate. Stays average about 232 days, reflecting a standard operational balance between long-term residential stays and temporary post-acute therapy tracks. Daily clinical needs are covered by a 24-hour nursing team that averages 5 hours and 29 minutes of direct care per resident each day, including 57 minutes from registered nurses.
This floor staff monitors recovery therapies and specialized clinical care, including fall prevention, resident supervision, and pressure ulcer treatments, which have been the focus of recent state compliance updates. Outside of clinical care, dietitians plan tailored meals where guests can join for a small fee, and the social calendar offers activities like Bible study, church services, sing-alongs, and barbecues.
Prospective residents can reach out to the administrative desk to coordinate an in-person property walk, view the bedroom layouts, and see the recreational areas. The front office manages these tours while answering direct questions regarding admission paperwork, open bed availability, arranged medical transportation, and current state inspection records.
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.
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.
| 57m per day | ▲ 34% State avg: 43m 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.
| 36m per day | ▼ 10% State avg: 40m 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 16m per day | ▼ 15% State avg: 2h 41m 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 33m per day | ■ Avg State avg: 3h 35m 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.
| 0m per day | ▼ 80% State avg: 2m 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.
| 50m per day | ▲ 67% State avg: 30m per day · National avg: 28m per day |
Average number of days residents stay at this facility, based on CMS cost report data. Shorter stays often reflect post-acute or rehab care; longer stays reflect long-term care.
Lower than the Kansas average: 79.5%Sandstone Heights Nursing Home is administered by Trey Look.
In Kansas, the Department for Aging and Disability Services, Survey and Certification Commission performs the unannounced inspections required for facility licensing and federal certification.
This scorecard compares key inspection, deficiency, and complaint metrics at this facility against the Kansas state average. Metrics rated ≥15% worse than average are highlighted in red; those ≥15% better are highlighted in green.
Deficiencies
| This Facility | KS Average | vs. KS Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Total deficiencies
Formal regulatory issues recorded by inspectors across all inspection types.
| 133 | 100 | This facility has 33% more total deficiencies than a typical Kansas assisted living residence (133 vs. KS avg 100).↑ 33% worse |
|
Deficiencies per year
Average deficiencies per year since 2012.
| 9.5 | 7.1 | This facility has 34% more deficiencies per year than a typical Kansas assisted living residence (9.5 vs. KS avg 7.1).↑ 34% worse |
An editor-reviewed summary of the themes and findings across this facility's recent inspection reports.
State average N/A
Last Health inspection on Mar 2025
State average N/A
State average N/A
Health citations are formal notices following inspections when they fail to comply with safety and care standards.
15 of 20 citations resulted from standard inspections; 1 of 20 resulted from complaint investigations; and 4 of 20 came from combined inspections (standard and complaint).
In line with State averageState average: N/A
In line with State averageState average: N/A
Corrected
Corrected
Corrected
Corrected
Reporting period: October 1 – December 31, 2025 (Q4 2025). Source: CMS Payroll-Based Journal report.
0% compared with State averageState average ratio: 0 : 0
0% compared with State averageState average: 0 hours
This data comes from the CMS Payroll-Based Journal report covering October 1 – December 31, 2025.
Manages medical care and health needs.
14 total: 6 full-time employees and 8 contractors.
14
Average shift length. Calculated as total hours divided by days worked and average staff per day.
9.6 hoursAssists with medical care and medications.
13 total: 3 full-time employees and 10 contractors.
13
Average shift length. Calculated as total hours divided by days worked and average staff per day.
9 hoursHelps with daily care and mobility.
54 total: 18 full-time employees and 36 contractors.
54
Average shift length. Calculated as total hours divided by days worked and average staff per day.
7.9 hours
This data comes from the CMS Payroll-Based Journal report covering October 1 – December 31, 2025.
Total hours from contractors
2,216 contractor hours this quarter
This data comes from the CMS Payroll-Based Journal report covering October 1 – December 31, 2025.
| Certified Nursing Assistant | 18 | 36 | 54 | 4,523 | 92 | 100% | 7.9 |
| Registered Nurse | 6 | 8 | 14 | 1,541 | 90 | 98% | 9.6 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | 3 | 10 | 13 | 1,504 | 84 | 91% | 9 |
| Medication Aide/Technician | 6 | 11 | 17 | 1,203 | 85 | 92% | 8.4 |
| Nurse Practitioner | 1 | 0 | 1 | 530 | 69 | 75% | 7.7 |
| Other Dietary Services Staff | 1 | 0 | 1 | 522 | 65 | 71% | 8 |
| Administrator | 1 | 0 | 1 | 512 | 64 | 70% | 8 |
| Occupational Therapy Aide | 1 | 1 | 2 | 496 | 67 | 73% | 7.2 |
| Dental Services Staff | 1 | 0 | 1 | 479 | 61 | 66% | 7.9 |
| Therapeutic Recreation Specialist | 1 | 0 | 1 | 447 | 60 | 65% | 7.4 |
| Clinical Nurse Specialist | 1 | 0 | 1 | 340 | 49 | 53% | 6.9 |
| Speech Language Pathologist | 0 | 2 | 2 | 176 | 65 | 71% | 2.3 |
| Physical Therapy Aide | 0 | 2 | 2 | 155 | 65 | 71% | 2.4 |
| Physical Therapy Assistant | 0 | 2 | 2 | 38 | 23 | 25% | 1.6 |
| Respiratory Therapy Technician | 0 | 1 | 1 | 17 | 23 | 25% | 0.7 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant | 0 | 1 | 1 | 15 | 3 | 3% | 4.9 |
| Mental Health Service Worker | 0 | 2 | 2 | 12 | 3 | 3% | 4 |
| Qualified Social Worker | 0 | 1 | 1 | 12 | 23 | 25% | 0.5 |
| Medical Director | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 3% | 1 |
Includes penalties issued in 2024-2025
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)
105% higher than State averageState average: $44K
17% fewer fines than State averageState average: 2.4
Serious action where Medicare and/or Medicaid temporarily stops payments for new residents until issues are fixed.
1
200% more payment denials than State averageState average: 0.3
Penalties are imposed by CMS for violations of federal nursing home regulations.
3 penalties in the past 3 years
Multiple penalties were reported in the last 3 years.
Fines imposed for noncompliance, which can be assessed per day or per instance of violation.
Mar 13, 2025
Serious action where Medicare and/or Medicaid temporarily stops payments for new residents until issues are fixed.
Mar 13, 2025
Fines imposed for noncompliance, which can be assessed per day or per instance of violation.
Jan 16, 2024Last updated: Jan 2026
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.
9.9
5% better than State averageState average: 10.5
A composite score based on activities of daily living decline, walking ability decline, and incontinence.
21.4
In line with State averageState average: 20.7
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
18.2%
In line with State averageState average: 19.0%
Percent of long-stay residents whose ability to move independently worsened
18.5%
5% better than State averageState average: 19.4%
Percent of low risk long-stay residents who lose control of their bowels or bladder
27.4%
15% worse than State averageState average: 23.8%
Percent of long-stay residents experiencing one or more falls with major injury
9.1%
107% worse than State averageState average: 4.4%
Percent of long-stay high risk residents with pressure ulcers
3.8%
18% better than State averageState average: 4.6%
Percent of long-stay residents with a urinary tract infection
9.3%
197% worse than State averageState average: 3.1%
Percent of long-stay residents who lose too much weight
0.0%
100% better than State averageState average: 5.1%
Percent of long-stay residents who have depressive symptoms
0.0%
100% better than State averageState average: 5.2%
Percent of long-stay residents who received an antipsychotic medication
22.6%
34% worse than State averageState average: 16.9%
Percent of long-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the pneumococcal vaccine
100.0%
9% better than State averageState average: 91.9%
Percent of long-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the seasonal influenza vaccine
100.0%
5% better than State averageState average: 95.5%
Number of hospitalizations per 1,000 long-stay resident days.
3.82
108% worse than State averageState average: 1.84
Number of outpatient emergency department visits per 1,000 long-stay resident days.
5.92
174% worse than State averageState average: 2.16
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
96.5%
28% better than State averageState average: 75.6%
Percent of short-stay residents who newly received an antipsychotic medication
16.1%
644% worse than State averageState average: 2.2%
Percentage of SNF residents who experience falls with major injury during their stay.
8.7%
1030% worse than State averageState average: 0.8%
Percentage of residents at or above expected ability to care for themselves at discharge.
15.0%
72% worse than State averageState average: 53.7%
Quality measures are calculated from Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessments. For most measures, lower percentages indicate better care quality.
20% of new residents, usually for short-term rehab.
62% of new residents, often for short stays.
18% of new residents, often for long-term daily care.
Source: CMS Long-Term Care Facility Characteristics (Data as of Jan 2026)
Total residents
22Residents 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 Sandstone Heights Nursing Home from 2011–2023, based on CMS SNF Cost Reports.
Key figures below are for fiscal year ending in 12/2023.
Based on CMS SNF Cost Report for fiscal year ending in 12/2023.
Net patient revenue — what the home actually collects for resident care, after contractual allowances, bad debt and discounts are subtracted from its gross charges (CMS cost report, Worksheet G-3). It covers resident care only; money the home earns from other sources is shown separately as "Other income."
Net patient income: net patient revenue minus the home's total operating expenses. A positive figure means it earns more from resident care than it spends to deliver it; a negative figure means the opposite. It excludes non-operating "other income."
Net patient revenue — what the home actually collects for resident care, after contractual allowances, bad debt and discounts are subtracted from its gross charges (CMS cost report, Worksheet G-3). It covers resident care only; money the home earns from other sources is shown separately as "Other income."
Net patient income: net patient revenue minus the home's total operating expenses. A positive figure means it earns more from resident care than it spends to deliver it; a negative figure means the opposite. It excludes non-operating "other income."
Money the home earns outside of resident care — such as investments, grants, rentals and other non-operating sources (CMS cost report, Worksheet G-3). It is tracked separately from net patient revenue: it is not part of that figure, and it is not included in net patient income.
Staff salaries plus wage-related costs — benefits such as payroll taxes, health insurance and retirement — from the home's own accounting records (CMS cost report, Worksheet A). Contract or agency labor is counted separately, under other operating costs.
Payroll as a share of revenue: staff salaries and wage-related benefits divided by net patient revenue. A higher figure means more of each revenue dollar goes to staff pay.
Everything it costs to run the home apart from payroll — food, utilities, supplies, maintenance, contract labor and administration. Calculated as total operating expense minus payroll (staff salaries and wage-related benefits).
The home's total operating expense for the year — all the costs of running it, salaries included (CMS cost report, Worksheet G-3).
Residents typically stay for brief periods, with frequent admissions and discharges throughout the year.
Most new residents arrive under private pay (62% of admissions), and a typical private pay stay runs around 5 - 6 months.
Coverage residents most often arrive under.
Coverage residents most often leave under.
0.0 miles from city center
Estimated distance in miles from Little River's city center to Sandstone Heights Nursing Home's address, calculated via Google Maps.
Add your location
The information below is reported by the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services.
| Ascension Living Via Christi Village McLean | NH AL IL MC SNF | Wichita (Indian Hills) | - | 95 | - | 47 | Studio / 1 Bed |
| Meadowlark Hills Retirement Community | NH HC IL SNF | Manhattan (Meadowlark Road) | - | 134 | - | 28 | 1 Bed / 2 Bed / 3 Bed |
| Brookdale Rosehill | NH AL SNF | Shawnee | - | 92 | A+ | 54 | Studio / 1 Bed |
| Sandstone Heights Nursing Home | NH AL IL SNF | Little River | - | 36 | - | 22 | - |
| Homestead of Osawatomie | NH AL | Osawatomie | - | 40 | - | 13 | Suite |
Sandstone Heights Nursing Home is legally operated by Rice County Hospital Dist 2, and administered by Trey Look.
Sandstone Heights Nursing Home has a walk score of 22. Car-dependent. Most errands require a car, with limited nearby walkable options.
According to KS state health department records, Sandstone Heights Nursing Home's license number is 175509.
Sandstone Heights Nursing Home's occupancy is 61%.
Sandstone Heights Nursing Home is registered as a non-profit in KS.
Trey Look is the administrator of Sandstone Heights Nursing Home.
Sandstone Heights Nursing Home has 36 beds.
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
