nursing home in Chinook, MT
Sweet Memorial Nursing Home
125 Airport Rd, Chinook, MT 59523 · (406) 357-2549
★★★★★2
Below average
CMS overall star rating
CMS overall star rating
- Health inspections★★★★★2
- Staffing★★★★★4
- Quality measures★★★★★4
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Medicare Care Compare. We refresh our information from this source. About our data
Sweet Memorial Nursing Home at a glance
Sweet Memorial Nursing Home is a 42-bed non-profit nursing home in Chinook, Montana (Blaine County).
CMS gives it 2 out of 5 stars on its overall star rating, worse than the Montana average of 2.9.
Residents receive about 3.9 hours of nursing care per day (0.9 of them from registered nurses), close to the state average of 4 hours.
Its most recent standard health inspection (January 29, 2026) found 13 health citations. The Montana average is 11.1.
Federal regulators fined it 1 time in the past three years, totaling $28,243.
Nursing staff turnover is 51.1% per year (state average 54.8%).
Facility details
- Type
- Nursing home
- Ownership
- Non Profit - Corporation
- Beds
- 42
- Certified for
- Medicare and Medicaid
- Medicare-certified since
- September 1, 1989
- Resident/family council
- Resident
- County
- Blaine County
- CMS Certification Number
- 275127
Ratings
| Measure | This facility | Montana avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall star rating ⓘ (higher is better) | 2 / 5 | 2.9 / 5 | 3 / 5 | Worse |
| Health inspection rating ⓘ (higher is better) | 2 / 5 | 2.8 / 5 | 2.8 / 5 | Worse |
| Staffing rating ⓘ (higher is better) | 4 / 5 | 3.6 / 5 | 2.9 / 5 | Better |
| Quality measures rating ⓘ (higher is better) | 4 / 5 | 3 / 5 | 3.6 / 5 | Average |
| Long-stay quality rating (higher is better) | 4 / 5 | 2.8 / 5 | 3.8 / 5 | Average |
Staffing
| Measure | This facility | Montana avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total nurse staff hours per resident per day ⓘ (higher is better) | 3.95 hrs | 4.05 hrs | 3.86 hrs | Average |
| Registered nurse hours per resident per day (higher is better) | 0.95 hrs | 0.98 hrs | 0.69 hrs | Better |
| Nurse aide hours per resident per day (higher is better) | 2.95 hrs | 2.57 hrs | 2.32 hrs | Better |
| Weekend nurse staff hours per resident per day (higher is better) | 3.39 hrs | 3.59 hrs | 3.42 hrs | Average |
| Nursing staff turnover (yearly) (lower is better) | 51.1% | 54.8% | 45.8% | Worse |
| Registered nurse turnover (yearly) (lower is better) | 50% | 48.3% | 42.9% | Worse |
| Administrators who left in the past year (lower is better) | 0 | 0 | 1 | Better |
Inspections
| Measure | This facility | Montana avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Health citations in the most recent inspection (lower is better) | 13 | 11 | 9 | Worse |
| Citations from complaint investigations (latest cycle) (lower is better) | 0 | 4 | 3 | Better |
| Weighted health inspection score ⓘ (lower is better) | 101 | 104.7 | 80.6 | Worse |
Penalties
| Measure | This facility | Montana avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fines in the past 3 years (lower is better) | 1 | 2 | 1 | Worse |
| Total fines in the past 3 years (lower is better) | $28,243 | $55,610 | $30,972 | Better |
| All federal penalties in the past 3 years (lower is better) | 1 | 2 | 1 | Average |
Size
| Measure | This facility | Montana avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Certified beds | 42 | 85 | 107 | |
| Average residents per day | 36 | 57 | 86 | |
| Occupancy | 86.7% | 69.3% | 80.9% |
Long-stay residents
| Measure | This facility | Montana avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Long-stay residents with a fall causing major injury (lower is better) | 9.2% | 4.4% | 3.2% | Worse |
| Long-stay residents with pressure ulcers (lower is better) | 5.7% | 6.3% | 4.6% | Worse |
| Long-stay residents given antipsychotic medication (lower is better) | 9.1% | 20.4% | 15.4% | Better |
| Long-stay residents with a urinary tract infection (lower is better) | 2.9% | 2.9% | 1.6% | Worse |
| Long-stay residents with a catheter left in the bladder (lower is better) | 1.7% | 2.1% | 0.8% | Worse |
| Long-stay residents needing more help with daily activities (lower is better) | 14.3% | 18.7% | 13.9% | Average |
| Long-stay residents whose walking worsened (lower is better) | 12.6% | 17.2% | 14.1% | Better |
| Long-stay residents who lose too much weight (lower is better) | 12.2% | 6.2% | 5.2% | Worse |
| Long-stay residents with depressive symptoms (lower is better) | 5.9% | 5.6% | 12.8% | Better |
| Long-stay residents who were physically restrained (lower is better) | 3.5% | 0.6% | 0.1% | Worse |
| Long-stay residents given anti-anxiety or sleep medication (lower is better) | 31.4% | 15.8% | 19.5% | Worse |
| Long-stay residents with new or worse incontinence (lower is better) | 31% | 24.1% | 19% | Worse |
| Long-stay residents given a flu vaccine (higher is better) | 88.9% | 93.6% | 95.5% | Worse |
| Long-stay residents given a pneumonia vaccine (higher is better) | 90.1% | 96.5% | 93.6% | Average |
Short-stay residents
| Measure | This facility | Montana avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Short-stay residents given a pneumonia vaccine (higher is better) | 33.3% | 81.2% | 82% | Worse |
Inspection citations
State inspectors cited this home for 44 health deficiencies and 16 fire safety deficiencies in the inspection records CMS currently publishes. 1 citation involved actual harm.
| Date | Citation | Severity | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 29, 2026 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 22, 2026 |
| January 29, 2026 Fire safety | Have approved installation, maintenance and testing program for fire alarm systems. Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0345 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected February 19, 2026 |
| January 29, 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 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected February 19, 2026 |
| January 29, 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 February 19, 2026 |
| January 29, 2026 Standard | Provide enough food/fluids to maintain a resident's health. Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0692 | G Actual harm, isolated | Corrected March 15, 2026 |
| January 29, 2026 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 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected March 15, 2026 |
| January 29, 2026 Standard | Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program. Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0880 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected March 15, 2026 |
| January 29, 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 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected March 15, 2026 |
| January 29, 2026 Standard | Prevent the use of unnecessary psychotropic medications or use medications that may restrain a resident's ability to function. Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · Tag F0605 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected March 15, 2026 |
| January 29, 2026 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 March 15, 2026 |
| January 29, 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 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected February 20, 2026 |
| January 29, 2026 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 March 15, 2026 |
| January 29, 2026 Standard | Ensure each resident’s drug regimen must be free from unnecessary drugs. Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0757 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected March 15, 2026 |
| January 29, 2026 Standard | Provide routine and 24-hour emergency dental care for each resident. Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0790 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected March 15, 2026 |
| January 29, 2026 Standard | Provide or get specialized rehabilitative services as required for a resident. Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0825 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected March 15, 2026 |
| January 29, 2026 Standard | Ensure that each resident is free from the use of physical restraints, unless needed for medical treatment. Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · Tag F0604 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected March 15, 2026 |
| January 29, 2026 Standard | Provide the appropriate treatment and services to a resident who displays or is diagnosed with dementia. Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0744 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected March 15, 2026 |
| August 7, 2025 Complaint | 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 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected September 11, 2025 |
| August 7, 2025 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 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected September 5, 2025 |
| August 7, 2025 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 September 5, 2025 |
| August 7, 2025 Complaint | 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 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected September 4, 2025 |
| August 7, 2025 Complaint | Respond appropriately to all alleged violations. Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · Tag F0610 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected September 5, 2025 |
| August 7, 2025 Complaint | Provide medically-related social services to help each resident achieve the highest possible quality of life. Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0745 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected August 28, 2025 |
| December 5, 2024 Fire safety | Have power receptacles that are properly grounded. Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies · Tag K0912 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected December 30, 2024 |
| December 5, 2024 Fire safety | Install emergency lighting that can last at least 1 1/2 hours. Egress Deficiencies · Tag K0291 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected December 24, 2024 |
| December 5, 2024 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 December 24, 2024 |
| December 5, 2024 Fire safety | Provide exit doors that are held open by devices that will automatically close on the activation of a fire alarm or smoke detector. Egress Deficiencies · Tag K0223 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected December 24, 2024 |
| December 5, 2024 Fire safety | Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems. Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0353 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected December 24, 2024 |
| December 5, 2024 Fire safety | Meet requirements for the installation and maintenance of electrical systems. Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies · Tag K0911 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected January 10, 2025 |
| December 5, 2024 Complaint | Respond appropriately to all alleged violations. Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · Tag F0610 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected December 24, 2024 |
| December 5, 2024 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 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected January 10, 2025 |
| December 5, 2024 Standard | Ensure medication error rates are not 5 percent or greater. Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0759 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected January 6, 2025 |
| December 5, 2024 Complaint | Administer the facility in a manner that enables it to use its resources effectively and efficiently. Administration Deficiencies · Tag F0835 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected December 24, 2024 |
| December 5, 2024 Standard | Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program. Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0880 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected December 24, 2024 |
| December 5, 2024 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 January 10, 2025 |
| December 5, 2024 Standard | Implement gradual dose reductions(GDR) and non-pharmacological interventions, unless contraindicated, prior to initiating or instead of continuing psychotropic medication; and PRN orders for psychotropic medications are only used when the medication is necessary and PRN use is limited. Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0758 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected December 24, 2024 |
| December 5, 2024 Standard | Develop and implement policies and procedures for flu and pneumonia vaccinations. Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0883 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected December 24, 2024 |
| December 5, 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 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected December 24, 2024 |
| December 5, 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 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected December 31, 2024 |
| December 5, 2024 Standard | Create and put into place a plan for meeting the resident's most immediate needs within 48 hours of being admitted Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0655 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected December 30, 2024 |
| December 5, 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 January 10, 2025 |
| December 5, 2024 Standard | Provide appropriate foot care. Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0687 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected January 10, 2025 |
| December 6, 2023 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 January 26, 2024 |
| December 6, 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 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected December 27, 2023 |
| December 6, 2023 Fire safety | Keep aisles, corridors, and exits free of obstruction in case of emergency. Egress Deficiencies · Tag K0211 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected December 27, 2023 |
| December 6, 2023 Fire safety | Install corridor and hallway doors that block smoke. Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0363 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected December 27, 2023 |
| December 6, 2023 Fire safety | Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems. Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0353 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected December 27, 2023 |
| December 6, 2023 Fire safety | Meet requirements for the installation and maintenance of electrical systems. Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies · Tag K0911 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected December 27, 2023 |
| December 6, 2023 Standard | Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program. Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0880 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected December 27, 2023 |
| December 6, 2023 Standard | Implement a program that monitors antibiotic use. Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0881 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected December 27, 2023 |
| December 6, 2023 Complaint | Respond appropriately to all alleged violations. Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · Tag F0610 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected January 5, 2024 |
| December 6, 2023 Complaint | Ensure that each resident is free from the use of physical restraints, unless needed for medical treatment. Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · Tag F0604 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected January 5, 2024 |
| December 6, 2023 Complaint | 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 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected December 27, 2023 |
| December 6, 2023 Complaint | 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 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected December 27, 2023 |
| December 6, 2023 Complaint | Create and put into place a plan for meeting the resident's most immediate needs within 48 hours of being admitted Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0655 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected December 27, 2023 |
| December 6, 2023 Complaint | 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 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected December 27, 2023 |
| December 6, 2023 Standard | Ensure each resident receives an accurate assessment. Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0641 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected December 27, 2023 |
| December 6, 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 December 27, 2023 |
| December 6, 2023 Standard | Provide appropriate care for residents who are continent or incontinent of bowel/bladder, appropriate catheter care, and appropriate care to prevent urinary tract infections. Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0690 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected December 27, 2023 |
| December 6, 2023 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 December 27, 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 $28,243 in fines.
| Date | Penalty | Amount / length |
|---|---|---|
| February 5, 2026 | Fine | $28,243 |
Owners and managers
Individuals and organizations reported to CMS as owning or operating this nursing home.
| Name | Role | Share | Since |
|---|---|---|---|
| NESSLAR, HEATHER Individual | adp of the snf | NOT APPLICABLE | 07/29/2014 |
| ROBERTSON, CARLEY Individual | adp of the snf | NOT APPLICABLE | 06/01/2013 |
| SHACKELFORD, REBECCA Individual | adp of the snf | NOT APPLICABLE | 12/02/2019 |
| FRIEDE, DANNY Individual | corporate director | NOT APPLICABLE | 01/01/2008 |
| OVERCAST, DENNY Individual | corporate director | NOT APPLICABLE | 01/01/2009 |
| KLEINJAN, ARTHUR Individual | corporate officer | NOT APPLICABLE | 01/01/1984 |
| KLEINJAN, ARTHUR Individual | managing control - governing body | NOT APPLICABLE | 01/01/1984 |
| NESSLAR, HEATHER Individual | operational/managerial control | NOT APPLICABLE | 07/29/2014 |
| ROBERTSON, CARLEY Individual | operational/managerial control | NOT APPLICABLE | 06/01/2013 |
| SHACKELFORD, REBECCA Individual | operational/managerial control | NOT APPLICABLE | 12/02/2019 |
Other nursing homes near Sweet Memorial Nursing Home
Northern Montana Care Center
24 13th St, Havre, MT 59501 · 20.5 mi
Non-profit · 135 beds
- CMS high performer
★★★★★5Much above average
Frequently asked questions
What is Sweet Memorial Nursing Home's rating?
Sweet Memorial Nursing Home has 2 out of 5 stars on the CMS overall star rating. The average for Montana nursing homes is 2.9 stars.
How many inspection citations did Sweet Memorial Nursing Home receive?
Its most recent standard health inspection found 13 citations, compared with a Montana average of 11.1. Every citation is listed on this page with its severity.
Does Sweet Memorial Nursing Home 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 Sweet Memorial Nursing Home?
It is non profit - corporation. The ownership section on this page lists the owners and managers reported to CMS.
Where is Sweet Memorial Nursing Home and how do I contact it?
Sweet Memorial Nursing Home is at 125 Airport Rd, Chinook, MT 59523. Phone: (406) 357-2549.
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.