nursing home in Kailua Kona, HI
Life Care Center of Kona
78-6957 Kamehameha III Road, Kailua Kona, HI 96740 · (808) 322-2790
★★★★★3
Average
CMS overall star rating
CMS overall star rating
- Health inspections★★★★★2
- Staffing★★★★★4
- Quality measures★★★★★5
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Medicare Care Compare. We refresh our information from this source. About our data
Life Care Center of Kona at a glance
Life Care Center of Kona is a 94-bed for-profit nursing home in Kailua Kona, Hawaii (Hawaii County).
CMS gives it 3 out of 5 stars on its overall star rating, worse than the Hawaii average of 3.7.
Residents receive about 3.8 hours of nursing care per day (1.2 of them from registered nurses), worse than the state average of 5 hours.
Its most recent standard health inspection (January 15, 2026) found 7 health citations. The Hawaii average is 9.2.
Federal regulators fined it 1 time in the past three years, totaling $27,612.
Nursing staff turnover is 38.5% per year (state average 36.4%).
Facility details
- Type
- Nursing home
- Ownership
- For Profit - Corporation
- Beds
- 94
- Certified for
- Medicare and Medicaid
- Chain / affiliated entity
- Life Care Centers of America
- Medicare-certified since
- October 23, 2001
- Resident/family council
- Resident
- County
- Hawaii County
- CMS Certification Number
- 125052
Ratings
| Measure | This facility | Hawaii avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall star rating ⓘ (higher is better) | 3 / 5 | 3.7 / 5 | 3 / 5 | Average |
| Health inspection rating ⓘ (higher is better) | 2 / 5 | 3 / 5 | 2.8 / 5 | Worse |
| Staffing rating ⓘ (higher is better) | 4 / 5 | 4.4 / 5 | 2.9 / 5 | Better |
| Quality measures rating ⓘ (higher is better) | 5 / 5 | 4.3 / 5 | 3.6 / 5 | Better |
| Long-stay quality rating (higher is better) | 5 / 5 | 4.3 / 5 | 3.8 / 5 | Better |
| Short-stay (rehab) quality rating (higher is better) | 5 / 5 | 4.3 / 5 | 3.3 / 5 | Better |
Staffing
| Measure | This facility | Hawaii avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total nurse staff hours per resident per day ⓘ (higher is better) | 3.77 hrs | 4.97 hrs | 3.86 hrs | Average |
| Registered nurse hours per resident per day (higher is better) | 1.18 hrs | 1.75 hrs | 0.69 hrs | Better |
| Nurse aide hours per resident per day (higher is better) | 2.06 hrs | 2.88 hrs | 2.32 hrs | Worse |
| Weekend nurse staff hours per resident per day (higher is better) | 3.29 hrs | 4.41 hrs | 3.42 hrs | Average |
| Nursing staff turnover (yearly) (lower is better) | 38.5% | 36.4% | 45.8% | Better |
| Registered nurse turnover (yearly) (lower is better) | 18.2% | 31.5% | 42.9% | Better |
| Administrators who left in the past year (lower is better) | 1 | 0 | 1 | Worse |
Inspections
| Measure | This facility | Hawaii avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Health citations in the most recent inspection (lower is better) | 7 | 9 | 9 | Better |
| Citations from complaint investigations (latest cycle) (lower is better) | 0 | 1 | 3 | Better |
| Weighted health inspection score ⓘ (lower is better) | 75 | 67.9 | 80.6 | Better |
Penalties
| Measure | This facility | Hawaii avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fines in the past 3 years (lower is better) | 1 | 1 | 1 | Worse |
| Total fines in the past 3 years (lower is better) | $27,612 | $19,339 | $30,972 | Better |
| All federal penalties in the past 3 years (lower is better) | 1 | 1 | 1 | Average |
Size
| Measure | This facility | Hawaii avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Certified beds | 94 | 101 | 107 | |
| Average residents per day | 60 | 82 | 86 | |
| Occupancy | 64% | 81.5% | 80.9% |
Long-stay residents
| Measure | This facility | Hawaii avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Long-stay residents with a fall causing major injury (lower is better) | 0% | 1.9% | 3.2% | Better |
| Long-stay residents with pressure ulcers (lower is better) | 3.3% | 3.4% | 4.6% | Better |
| Long-stay residents given antipsychotic medication (lower is better) | 22.2% | 11.9% | 15.4% | Worse |
| Long-stay residents with a urinary tract infection (lower is better) | 0.7% | 2.4% | 1.6% | Better |
| Long-stay residents with a catheter left in the bladder (lower is better) | 1.7% | 1% | 0.8% | Worse |
| Long-stay residents needing more help with daily activities (lower is better) | 10.4% | 16.8% | 13.9% | Better |
| Long-stay residents whose walking worsened (lower is better) | 10.9% | 20.4% | 14.1% | Better |
| Long-stay residents who lose too much weight (lower is better) | 12.5% | 4.9% | 5.2% | Worse |
| Long-stay residents with depressive symptoms (lower is better) | 4.5% | 1.2% | 12.8% | Better |
| Long-stay residents who were physically restrained (lower is better) | 0% | 0.3% | 0.1% | Better |
| Long-stay residents given anti-anxiety or sleep medication (lower is better) | 9.4% | 9.1% | 19.5% | Better |
| Long-stay residents with new or worse incontinence (lower is better) | 25.4% | 17.6% | 19% | Worse |
| Long-stay residents given a flu vaccine (higher is better) | 92.1% | 95.4% | 95.5% | Average |
| Long-stay residents given a pneumonia vaccine (higher is better) | 97.8% | 96.1% | 93.6% | Average |
Short-stay residents
| Measure | This facility | Hawaii avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Short-stay residents newly given antipsychotic medication (lower is better) | 2.5% | 1.4% | 1.6% | Worse |
| Short-stay residents given a flu vaccine (higher is better) | 71.8% | 84.7% | 79.8% | Worse |
| Short-stay residents given a pneumonia vaccine (higher is better) | 94.8% | 82.7% | 82% | Better |
Inspection citations
State inspectors cited this home for 36 health deficiencies and 8 fire safety deficiencies in the inspection records CMS currently publishes. 2 citations involved actual harm.
| Date | Citation | Severity | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 15, 2026 Fire safety | Ensure that testing and maintenance of electrical equipment is performed. Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies · Tag K0921 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected April 16, 2026 |
| January 15, 2026 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 April 16, 2026 |
| January 15, 2026 Fire safety | Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems. Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0353 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected June 5, 2026 |
| January 15, 2026 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 May 25, 2026 |
| January 15, 2026 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 March 6, 2026 |
| January 15, 2026 Standard | Conduct and document a facility-wide assessment to determine what resources are necessary to care for residents competently during both day-to-day operations (including nights and weekends) and emergencies. Administration Deficiencies · Tag F0838 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected March 6, 2026 |
| January 15, 2026 Standard | Employ sufficient staff with the appropriate competencies and skills sets to carry out the functions of the food and nutrition service, including a qualified dietician. Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · Tag F0801 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected March 6, 2026 |
| January 15, 2026 Standard | Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program. Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0880 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected March 6, 2026 |
| January 15, 2026 Standard | Ensure each resident receives an accurate assessment. Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0641 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected March 6, 2026 |
| January 15, 2026 Standard | Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured. Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0656 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected March 6, 2026 |
| January 15, 2026 Standard | Honor the resident's right to request, refuse, and/or discontinue treatment, to participate in or refuse to participate in experimental research, and to formulate an advance directive. Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0578 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected March 6, 2026 |
| September 25, 2024 Fire safety | To conduct inspection, testing and maintenance of fire doors by qualified individuals. Miscellaneous Deficiencies · Tag K0761 | C No harm, widespread | Corrected February 24, 2025 |
| September 25, 2024 Standard | Observe each nurse aide's job performance and give regular training. Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies · Tag F0730 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected November 6, 2024 |
| September 25, 2024 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 6, 2024 |
| September 25, 2024 Complaint | Protect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody. Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · Tag F0600 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected November 6, 2024 |
| September 25, 2024 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 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected November 6, 2024 |
| September 25, 2024 Complaint | Timely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities. Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · Tag F0609 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected November 6, 2024 |
| September 25, 2024 Standard | Provide timely notification to the resident, and if applicable to the resident representative and ombudsman, before transfer or discharge, including appeal rights. Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0623 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected November 6, 2024 |
| September 25, 2024 Standard | Notify the resident or the resident’s representative in writing how long the nursing home will hold the resident’s bed in cases of transfer to a hospital or therapeutic leave. Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0625 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected November 6, 2024 |
| September 25, 2024 Standard | Develop and implement policies and procedures for flu and pneumonia vaccinations. Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0883 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected November 6, 2024 |
| September 25, 2024 Standard | Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program. Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0880 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected November 6, 2024 |
| September 25, 2024 Standard | Safeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards. Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0842 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected November 6, 2024 |
| September 25, 2024 Standard | Provide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist. Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0755 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected November 6, 2024 |
| September 25, 2024 Standard | Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents. Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0689 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected November 6, 2024 |
| September 25, 2024 Standard | Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured. Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0656 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected November 6, 2024 |
| September 25, 2024 Complaint | Respond appropriately to all alleged violations. Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · Tag F0610 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected November 6, 2024 |
| September 21, 2023 Fire safety | Conduct testing and exercise requirements. Emergency Preparedness Deficiencies · Tag E0039 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected October 13, 2023 |
| September 21, 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 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected October 13, 2023 |
| September 21, 2023 Fire safety | Have proper medical gas storage and administration areas. Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies · Tag K0923 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected October 13, 2023 |
| September 21, 2023 Standard | Ensure that nurses and nurse aides have the appropriate competencies to care for every resident in a way that maximizes each resident's well being. Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies · Tag F0726 | G Actual harm, isolated | Corrected October 23, 2023 |
| September 21, 2023 Standard | Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents. Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0689 | G Actual harm, isolated | Corrected October 23, 2023 |
| September 21, 2023 Standard | Set up an ongoing quality assessment and assurance group to review quality deficiencies and develop corrective plans of action. Administration Deficiencies · Tag F0867 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected October 23, 2023 |
| September 21, 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 October 23, 2023 |
| September 21, 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 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected October 23, 2023 |
| September 21, 2023 Standard | Provide enough nursing staff every day to meet the needs of every resident; and have a licensed nurse in charge on each shift. Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies · Tag F0725 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected October 23, 2023 |
| September 21, 2023 Standard | Immediately tell the resident, the resident's doctor, and a family member of situations (injury/decline/room, etc.) that affect the resident. Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0580 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected October 23, 2023 |
| September 21, 2023 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 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected October 23, 2023 |
| September 21, 2023 Standard | Provide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable. Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0677 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected October 23, 2023 |
| September 21, 2023 Standard | Develop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals. Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0657 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected October 23, 2023 |
| September 21, 2023 Standard | Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured. Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0656 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected October 23, 2023 |
| September 21, 2023 Standard | Encode each resident’s assessment data and transmit these data to the State within 7 days of assessment. Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0640 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected October 23, 2023 |
| September 21, 2023 Complaint | Notify the resident or the resident’s representative in writing how long the nursing home will hold the resident’s bed in cases of transfer to a hospital or therapeutic leave. Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0625 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected October 23, 2023 |
| September 21, 2023 Complaint | Provide timely notification to the resident, and if applicable to the resident representative and ombudsman, before transfer or discharge, including appeal rights. Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0623 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected October 23, 2023 |
| September 21, 2023 Standard | Observe each nurse aide's job performance and give regular training. Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies · Tag F0730 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected October 23, 2023 |
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 1 federal penalty in the past three years, including $27,612 in fines.
| Date | Penalty | Amount / length |
|---|---|---|
| September 21, 2023 | Fine | $27,612 |
Owners and managers
Individuals and organizations reported to CMS as owning or operating this nursing home.
| Name | Role | Share | Since |
|---|---|---|---|
| LAY, LISA Individual | 5% or greater direct ownership interest | 25% | 08/01/2020 |
| SWANKER, RICHARD Individual | 5% or greater direct ownership interest | 25% | 01/01/2011 |
| CROSS, CINDY Individual | corporate officer | NOT APPLICABLE | 05/29/2001 |
| LAY, LISA Individual | corporate officer | NOT APPLICABLE | 08/01/2020 |
| PRESTON, FORREST Individual | corporate officer | NOT APPLICABLE | 05/29/2001 |
| SWANKER, RICHARD Individual | corporate officer | NOT APPLICABLE | 04/01/2011 |
| THURMOND, JOAN Individual | corporate officer | NOT APPLICABLE | 05/29/2001 |
| LIFE CARE CENTERS OF AMERICA, INC. Organization | operational/managerial control | NOT APPLICABLE | 08/28/2001 |
| EDER, MEREDITH Individual | w-2 managing employee | NOT APPLICABLE | 03/01/2020 |
Frequently asked questions
What is Life Care Center of Kona's rating?
Life Care Center of Kona has 3 out of 5 stars on the CMS overall star rating. The average for Hawaii nursing homes is 3.7 stars.
How many inspection citations did Life Care Center of Kona receive?
Its most recent standard health inspection found 7 citations, compared with a Hawaii average of 9.2. Every citation is listed on this page with its severity.
Does Life Care Center of Kona 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 Life Care Center of Kona?
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 Life Care Center of Kona and how do I contact it?
Life Care Center of Kona is at 78-6957 Kamehameha III Road, Kailua Kona, HI 96740. Phone: (808) 322-2790.
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.