nursing home in Salida, CO
Columbine Care Center
530 W 16th St, Salida, CO 81201 · (719) 539-6112
★★★★★5
Much above average
CMS overall star rating
CMS overall star rating
- Health inspections★★★★★4
- Staffing★★★★★2
- Quality measures★★★★★5
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Medicare Care Compare. We refresh our information from this source. About our data
Columbine Care Center at a glance
Columbine Care Center is a 112-bed for-profit nursing home in Salida, Colorado (Chaffee County).
CMS gives it 5 out of 5 stars on its overall star rating, better than the Colorado average of 3.2.
Residents receive about 3.2 hours of nursing care per day (1 of them from registered nurses), worse than the state average of 3.7 hours.
Its most recent standard health inspection (April 16, 2026) found 2 health citations. The Colorado average is 8.7.
It has not received a federal fine in the past three years.
Nursing staff turnover is 71.4% per year (state average 47.1%).
Facility details
- Type
- Nursing home
- Ownership
- For Profit - Corporation
- Beds
- 112
- Certified for
- Medicare and Medicaid
- Chain / affiliated entity
- Life Care Centers of America
- Medicare-certified since
- December 1, 1985
- Resident/family council
- Resident
- County
- Chaffee County
- CMS Certification Number
- 065220
Ratings
| Measure | This facility | Colorado avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall star rating ⓘ (higher is better) | 5 / 5 | 3.2 / 5 | 3 / 5 | Better |
| Health inspection rating ⓘ (higher is better) | 4 / 5 | 2.7 / 5 | 2.8 / 5 | Better |
| Staffing rating ⓘ (higher is better) | 2 / 5 | 3.2 / 5 | 2.9 / 5 | Worse |
| Quality measures rating ⓘ (higher is better) | 5 / 5 | 4.1 / 5 | 3.6 / 5 | Better |
| Long-stay quality rating (higher is better) | 5 / 5 | 4.1 / 5 | 3.8 / 5 | Better |
| Short-stay (rehab) quality rating (higher is better) | 4 / 5 | 4 / 5 | 3.3 / 5 | Better |
Staffing
| Measure | This facility | Colorado avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total nurse staff hours per resident per day ⓘ (higher is better) | 3.24 hrs | 3.72 hrs | 3.86 hrs | Worse |
| Registered nurse hours per resident per day (higher is better) | 1.04 hrs | 0.82 hrs | 0.69 hrs | Better |
| Nurse aide hours per resident per day (higher is better) | 1.88 hrs | 2.21 hrs | 2.32 hrs | Worse |
| Weekend nurse staff hours per resident per day (higher is better) | 2.89 hrs | 3.29 hrs | 3.42 hrs | Worse |
| Nursing staff turnover (yearly) (lower is better) | 71.4% | 47.1% | 45.8% | Worse |
| Registered nurse turnover (yearly) (lower is better) | 65% | 44.6% | 42.9% | Worse |
| Administrators who left in the past year (lower is better) | 1 | 0 | 1 | Worse |
Inspections
| Measure | This facility | Colorado avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Health citations in the most recent inspection (lower is better) | 2 | 9 | 9 | Better |
| Citations from complaint investigations (latest cycle) (lower is better) | 0 | 2 | 3 | Better |
| Weighted health inspection score ⓘ (lower is better) | 22 | 74 | 80.6 | Better |
Penalties
| Measure | This facility | Colorado avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fines in the past 3 years (lower is better) | 0 | 1 | 1 | Better |
| Total fines in the past 3 years (lower is better) | $0 | $22,802 | $30,972 | Better |
| All federal penalties in the past 3 years (lower is better) | 0 | 1 | 1 | Better |
Size
| Measure | This facility | Colorado avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Certified beds | 112 | 94 | 107 | |
| Average residents per day | 51 | 75 | 86 | |
| Occupancy | 45.1% | 80.7% | 80.9% |
Long-stay residents
| Measure | This facility | Colorado avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Long-stay residents with a fall causing major injury (lower is better) | 3.9% | 3.4% | 3.2% | Worse |
| Long-stay residents with pressure ulcers (lower is better) | 0% | 3.4% | 4.6% | Better |
| Long-stay residents given antipsychotic medication (lower is better) | 5% | 20% | 15.4% | Better |
| Long-stay residents with a urinary tract infection (lower is better) | 1.1% | 1.4% | 1.6% | Better |
| Long-stay residents with a catheter left in the bladder (lower is better) | 0% | 0.6% | 0.8% | Better |
| Long-stay residents needing more help with daily activities (lower is better) | 17.7% | 13.4% | 13.9% | Worse |
| Long-stay residents whose walking worsened (lower is better) | 16.1% | 13.3% | 14.1% | Worse |
| Long-stay residents who lose too much weight (lower is better) | 4.7% | 4.7% | 5.2% | Better |
| Long-stay residents with depressive symptoms (lower is better) | 11% | 8.8% | 12.8% | Better |
| Long-stay residents who were physically restrained (lower is better) | 0% | 0.1% | 0.1% | Better |
| Long-stay residents given anti-anxiety or sleep medication (lower is better) | 5.1% | 11.5% | 19.5% | Better |
| Long-stay residents with new or worse incontinence (lower is better) | 22.8% | 21.2% | 19% | Worse |
| Long-stay residents given a flu vaccine (higher is better) | 100% | 94.7% | 95.5% | Average |
| Long-stay residents given a pneumonia vaccine (higher is better) | 95% | 93.5% | 93.6% | Average |
Short-stay residents
| Measure | This facility | Colorado avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Short-stay residents newly given antipsychotic medication (lower is better) | 0% | 1.6% | 1.6% | Better |
| Short-stay residents given a flu vaccine (higher is better) | 71.1% | 75.6% | 79.8% | Worse |
| Short-stay residents given a pneumonia vaccine (higher is better) | 63.2% | 76.4% | 82% | Worse |
Inspection citations
State inspectors cited this home for 16 health deficiencies and 23 fire safety deficiencies in the inspection records CMS currently publishes. None were rated as causing actual harm to residents.
| Date | Citation | Severity | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| April 16, 2026 Fire safety | Ensure heating and ventilation systems that have been properly installed according to the manufacturer's instructions. Services Deficiencies · Tag K0521 | F Potential harm, widespread | Deficient, Provider has no plan of correction |
| April 16, 2026 Fire safety | Add doors in an exit area that do not require the use of a key from the exit side unless in case of special locking arrangements. Egress Deficiencies · Tag K0222 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected June 25, 2026 |
| April 16, 2026 Fire safety | Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems. Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0353 | D Potential harm, isolated | Deficient, Provider has plan of correction |
| April 16, 2026 Standard | Give residents notice of Medicaid/Medicare coverage and potential liability for services not covered. Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0582 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected May 8, 2026 |
| April 16, 2026 Standard | Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights. Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0550 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected May 18, 2026 |
| October 12, 2023 Fire safety | Install emergency lighting that can last at least 1 1/2 hours. Egress Deficiencies · Tag K0291 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected December 15, 2023 |
| October 12, 2023 Fire safety | Have approved installation, maintenance and testing program for fire alarm systems. Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0345 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected December 15, 2023 |
| October 12, 2023 Fire safety | Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems. Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0353 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected March 31, 2024 |
| October 12, 2023 Fire safety | Install corridor and hallway doors that block smoke. Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0363 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected December 15, 2023 |
| October 12, 2023 Fire safety | Have simulated fire drills held at unexpected times. Miscellaneous Deficiencies · Tag K0712 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected December 15, 2023 |
| October 12, 2023 Fire safety | Ensure heating and ventilation systems that have been properly installed according to the manufacturer's instructions. Services Deficiencies · Tag K0521 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected December 15, 2023 |
| October 12, 2023 Fire safety | Have posted "No-smoking" signs in areas where smoking is not permitted or ashtrays provided where smoking was allowed. Miscellaneous Deficiencies · Tag K0741 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected December 15, 2023 |
| October 12, 2023 Fire safety | Ensure receptacles at patient bed locations and where general anesthesia is administered, are tested after initial installation, replacement or servicing. Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies · Tag K0914 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected December 15, 2023 |
| October 12, 2023 Fire safety | Have generator or other power source capable of supplying service within 10 seconds. Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies · Tag K0918 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected March 31, 2024 |
| October 12, 2023 Fire safety | Add doors in an exit area that do not require the use of a key from the exit side unless in case of special locking arrangements. Egress Deficiencies · Tag K0222 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected December 15, 2023 |
| October 12, 2023 Fire safety | Have proper fire barriers, ventilation and signs for the transfilling of oxygen. Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies · Tag K0927 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected December 15, 2023 |
| October 12, 2023 Fire safety | Ensure that special areas are constructed so that walls can resist fire for one hour or have an approved fire extinguishing system. Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0321 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected December 15, 2023 |
| October 12, 2023 Fire safety | Provide properly protected cooking facilities. Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0324 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected December 15, 2023 |
| October 12, 2023 Fire safety | Have properly installed electrical wiring and gas equipment. Services Deficiencies · Tag K0511 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected December 15, 2023 |
| October 12, 2023 Standard | Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards. Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · Tag F0812 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected November 24, 2023 |
| October 12, 2023 Standard | Designate a qualified infection preventionist to be responsible for the infection prevent and control program in the nursing home. Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0882 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected November 6, 2023 |
| October 12, 2023 Standard | Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program. Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0880 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected November 17, 2023 |
| October 12, 2023 Standard | Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality. Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0658 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected November 6, 2023 |
| October 12, 2023 Standard | Provide care by qualified persons according to each resident's written plan of care. Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0659 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected November 6, 2023 |
| October 12, 2023 Standard | Provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed. Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0695 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected November 6, 2023 |
| October 20, 2022 Fire safety | Ensure heating and ventilation systems that have been properly installed according to the manufacturer's instructions. Services Deficiencies · Tag K0521 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected November 26, 2022 |
| October 20, 2022 Fire safety | Have exits that are accessible at all times. Egress Deficiencies · Tag K0271 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected March 11, 2023 |
| October 20, 2022 Fire safety | Install corridor and hallway doors that block smoke. Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0363 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected March 9, 2023 |
| October 20, 2022 Fire safety | Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems. Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0353 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected March 9, 2023 |
| October 20, 2022 Fire safety | Provide properly protected cooking facilities. Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0324 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected March 11, 2023 |
| October 20, 2022 Fire safety | Ensure that special areas are constructed so that walls can resist fire for one hour or have an approved fire extinguishing system. Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0321 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected February 18, 2023 |
| October 20, 2022 Standard | Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards. Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · Tag F0812 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected November 27, 2022 |
| October 20, 2022 Standard | Ensure drugs and biologicals used in the facility are labeled in accordance with currently accepted professional principles; and all drugs and biologicals must be stored in locked compartments, separately locked, compartments for controlled drugs. Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0761 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected December 1, 2022 |
| October 20, 2022 Standard | Ensure staff are vaccinated for COVID-19 Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0888 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected November 27, 2022 |
| October 20, 2022 Standard | Honor the resident's right to a safe, clean, comfortable and homelike environment, including but not limited to receiving treatment and supports for daily living safely. Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0584 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected November 27, 2022 |
| October 20, 2022 Standard | Provide activities to meet all resident's needs. Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0679 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected November 27, 2022 |
| October 20, 2022 Standard | Provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed. Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0695 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected November 27, 2022 |
| October 20, 2022 Standard | Develop and implement policies and procedures for flu and pneumonia vaccinations. Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0883 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected November 27, 2022 |
| October 20, 2022 Standard | Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals. Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0684 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected December 22, 2022 |
Severity letters follow the CMS scope-and-severity grid: A–C no actual harm with potential for minimal harm; D–F potential for more than minimal harm; G–I actual harm; J–L immediate jeopardy to resident health or safety. How to read inspection citations.
Fines and payment denials
CMS reports no federal fines or payment denials in the past three years.
Owners and managers
Individuals and organizations reported to CMS as owning or operating this nursing home.
| Name | Role | Share | Since |
|---|---|---|---|
| ARNETT, DAVID Individual | adp of the snf | NOT APPLICABLE | 02/28/2025 |
| LIFE CARE CENTERS OF AMERICA, INC. Organization | adp of the snf | NOT APPLICABLE | 01/31/2006 |
| MUHLBAUER, ANNELIESE Individual | adp of the snf | NOT APPLICABLE | 03/30/2026 |
| PRESTON, FORREST Individual | adp of the snf | NOT APPLICABLE | 01/31/2006 |
| FLETCHER, TODD Individual | corporate director | NOT APPLICABLE | 05/01/2021 |
| LAY, LISA Individual | corporate director | NOT APPLICABLE | 04/24/2017 |
| PRESTON, AUBREY Individual | corporate director | NOT APPLICABLE | 03/06/2025 |
| SWANKER, RICHARD Individual | corporate director | NOT APPLICABLE | 01/01/2022 |
| ZIEGLER, JAMES Individual | corporate director | NOT APPLICABLE | 09/18/2001 |
| CROSS, CINDY Individual | corporate officer | NOT APPLICABLE | 04/21/1994 |
| FLETCHER, TODD Individual | corporate officer | NOT APPLICABLE | 11/02/2020 |
| HENRY, TERRY Individual | corporate officer | NOT APPLICABLE | 08/16/1999 |
| LAY, LISA Individual | corporate officer | NOT APPLICABLE | 02/09/2018 |
| PRESTON, AUBREY Individual | corporate officer | NOT APPLICABLE | 03/06/2025 |
| SWANKER, RICHARD Individual | corporate officer | NOT APPLICABLE | 04/01/2011 |
| THURMOND, JOAN Individual | corporate officer | NOT APPLICABLE | 09/22/2000 |
| ZIEGLER, JAMES Individual | corporate officer | NOT APPLICABLE | 08/16/1999 |
| PRESTON, FORREST Individual | direct ownership interest | NOT APPLICABLE | 01/06/1976 |
| CROSS, CINDY Individual | individual is an owner, partner or trustee of any adp of the snf | NOT APPLICABLE | 07/14/2026 |
| BOHNEN, DAWN Individual | managing control - governing body | NOT APPLICABLE | 04/28/2024 |
| MUHLBAUER, ANNELIESE Individual | managing control - governing body | NOT APPLICABLE | 02/23/2026 |
| SCHMIDT, DEREK Individual | managing control - governing body | NOT APPLICABLE | 10/18/2012 |
| ARNETT, DAVID Individual | operational/managerial control | NOT APPLICABLE | 11/01/2016 |
| BOHNEN, DAWN Individual | operational/managerial control | NOT APPLICABLE | 04/28/2024 |
| FLETCHER, TODD Individual | operational/managerial control | NOT APPLICABLE | 05/01/2021 |
| LAY, LISA Individual | operational/managerial control | NOT APPLICABLE | 04/24/2017 |
| LIFE CARE CENTERS OF AMERICA, INC. Organization | operational/managerial control | NOT APPLICABLE | 05/21/1993 |
| MUHLBAUER, ANNELIESE Individual | operational/managerial control | NOT APPLICABLE | 02/23/2026 |
| PRESTON, AUBREY Individual | operational/managerial control | NOT APPLICABLE | 03/06/2025 |
| SCHMIDT, DEREK Individual | operational/managerial control | NOT APPLICABLE | 10/18/2012 |
| SWANKER, RICHARD Individual | operational/managerial control | NOT APPLICABLE | 01/01/2022 |
| ZIEGLER, JAMES Individual | operational/managerial control | NOT APPLICABLE | 09/18/2001 |
Frequently asked questions
What is Columbine Care Center's rating?
Columbine Care Center has 5 out of 5 stars on the CMS overall star rating. The average for Colorado nursing homes is 3.2 stars.
How many inspection citations did Columbine Care Center receive?
Its most recent standard health inspection found 2 citations, compared with a Colorado average of 8.7. Every citation is listed on this page with its severity.
Does Columbine Care Center accept Medicare and Medicaid?
CMS lists it as certified for: Medicare and Medicaid. Call the facility to confirm bed availability and whether it accepts your specific plan.
Who owns Columbine Care Center?
It is for profit - corporation and part of Life Care Centers of America. The ownership section on this page lists the owners and managers reported to CMS.
Where is Columbine Care Center and how do I contact it?
Columbine Care Center is at 530 W 16th St, Salida, CO 81201. Phone: (719) 539-6112.
About this data
Ratings and measures come from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Medicare Care Compare. They're based on state inspections, patient surveys and facility reports, and they describe the past. Facilities change, so visit in person and confirm details directly. About our data · Spotted an error? Let us know.