nursing home in Gothenburg, NE
Hilltop Estates
2520 Avenue M, Gothenburg, NE 69138 · (308) 537-7138
★★★★★2
Below average
CMS overall star rating
CMS overall star rating
- Health inspections★★★★★2
- Staffing★★★★★4
- Quality measures★★★★★3
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Medicare Care Compare. We refresh our information from this source. About our data
Hilltop Estates at a glance
Hilltop Estates is a 64-bed for-profit nursing home in Gothenburg, Nebraska (Dawson County).
CMS gives it 2 out of 5 stars on its overall star rating, worse than the Nebraska average of 2.8.
Residents receive about 4.1 hours of nursing care per day (0.7 of them from registered nurses), close to the state average of 4 hours.
Its most recent standard health inspection (June 16, 2026) found 8 health citations. The Nebraska average is 7.4.
It has not received a federal fine in the past three years.
Nursing staff turnover is 46.4% per year (state average 48.7%).
Facility details
- Type
- Nursing home
- Ownership
- For Profit - Corporation
- Beds
- 64
- Certified for
- Medicare and Medicaid
- Medicare-certified since
- July 2, 1995
- Resident/family council
- Resident
- County
- Dawson County
- CMS Certification Number
- 285163
Ratings
| Measure | This facility | Nebraska avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall star rating ⓘ (higher is better) | 2 / 5 | 2.8 / 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 | 3.2 / 5 | 2.9 / 5 | Better |
| Quality measures rating ⓘ (higher is better) | 3 / 5 | 3 / 5 | 3.6 / 5 | Worse |
| Long-stay quality rating (higher is better) | 3 / 5 | 2.9 / 5 | 3.8 / 5 | Worse |
| Short-stay (rehab) quality rating (higher is better) | 2 / 5 | 3.1 / 5 | 3.3 / 5 | Worse |
Staffing
| Measure | This facility | Nebraska avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total nurse staff hours per resident per day ⓘ (higher is better) | 4.11 hrs | 3.98 hrs | 3.86 hrs | Better |
| Registered nurse hours per resident per day (higher is better) | 0.73 hrs | 0.67 hrs | 0.69 hrs | Better |
| Nurse aide hours per resident per day (higher is better) | 2.69 hrs | 2.64 hrs | 2.32 hrs | Better |
| Weekend nurse staff hours per resident per day (higher is better) | 3.38 hrs | 3.48 hrs | 3.42 hrs | Average |
| Nursing staff turnover (yearly) (lower is better) | 46.4% | 48.7% | 45.8% | Average |
| Registered nurse turnover (yearly) (lower is better) | 22.2% | 44.1% | 42.9% | Better |
| Administrators who left in the past year (lower is better) | 0 | 1 | 1 | Better |
Inspections
| Measure | This facility | Nebraska avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Health citations in the most recent inspection (lower is better) | 8 | 7 | 9 | Better |
| Citations from complaint investigations (latest cycle) (lower is better) | 0 | 2 | 3 | Better |
| Weighted health inspection score ⓘ (lower is better) | 55 | 57.3 | 80.6 | Better |
Penalties
| Measure | This facility | Nebraska avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fines in the past 3 years (lower is better) | 0 | 0 | 1 | Better |
| Total fines in the past 3 years (lower is better) | $0 | $11,975 | $30,972 | Better |
| All federal penalties in the past 3 years (lower is better) | 0 | 1 | 1 | Better |
Size
| Measure | This facility | Nebraska avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Certified beds | 64 | 76 | 107 | |
| Average residents per day | 41 | 55 | 86 | |
| Occupancy | 64.4% | 73% | 80.9% |
Long-stay residents
| Measure | This facility | Nebraska avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Long-stay residents with a fall causing major injury (lower is better) | 9.4% | 4.5% | 3.2% | Worse |
| Long-stay residents with pressure ulcers (lower is better) | 3.1% | 4% | 4.6% | Better |
| Long-stay residents given antipsychotic medication (lower is better) | 28.7% | 20.7% | 15.4% | Worse |
| Long-stay residents with a urinary tract infection (lower is better) | 1.4% | 2.8% | 1.6% | Better |
| Long-stay residents with a catheter left in the bladder (lower is better) | 0% | 1.4% | 0.8% | Better |
| Long-stay residents needing more help with daily activities (lower is better) | 12.6% | 19% | 13.9% | Better |
| Long-stay residents whose walking worsened (lower is better) | 10% | 18.2% | 14.1% | Better |
| Long-stay residents who lose too much weight (lower is better) | 1.7% | 5.1% | 5.2% | Better |
| Long-stay residents with depressive symptoms (lower is better) | 0% | 4.3% | 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) | 20.5% | 19.3% | 19.5% | Average |
| Long-stay residents with new or worse incontinence (lower is better) | 19.8% | 25.9% | 19% | Average |
| Long-stay residents given a flu vaccine (higher is better) | 100% | 96.1% | 95.5% | Average |
| Long-stay residents given a pneumonia vaccine (higher is better) | 100% | 93% | 93.6% | Better |
Short-stay residents
| Measure | This facility | Nebraska avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Short-stay residents newly given antipsychotic medication (lower is better) | 2% | 2% | 1.6% | Worse |
| Short-stay residents given a pneumonia vaccine (higher is better) | 97.1% | 80.9% | 82% | Better |
Inspection citations
State inspectors cited this home for 15 health deficiencies and 12 fire safety deficiencies in the inspection records CMS currently publishes. None were rated as causing actual harm to residents.
| Date | Citation | Severity | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 16, 2026 Fire safety | Meet requirements for the installation and maintenance of electrical systems. Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies · Tag K0911 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected July 31, 2026 |
| June 16, 2026 Fire safety | Properly select, install, inspect, or maintain portable fire extinguishes. Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0355 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected July 31, 2026 |
| June 16, 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 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected July 31, 2026 |
| June 16, 2026 Standard | Ensure menus must meet the nutritional needs of residents, be prepared in advance, be followed, be updated, be reviewed by dietician, and meet the needs of the resident. Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · Tag F0803 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected July 31, 2026 |
| June 16, 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 July 31, 2026 |
| June 16, 2026 Standard | Ensure that residents are fully informed and understand their health status, care and treatments. Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0552 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected July 31, 2026 |
| June 16, 2026 Standard | Ensure each resident receives an accurate assessment. Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0641 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected July 31, 2026 |
| June 16, 2026 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 July 31, 2026 |
| June 16, 2026 Standard | Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program. Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0880 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected July 31, 2026 |
| June 16, 2026 Standard | Assess the resident when there is a significant change in condition Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0637 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected July 31, 2026 |
| June 16, 2026 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 July 31, 2026 |
| March 18, 2025 Fire safety | Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems. Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0353 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected April 1, 2025 |
| March 18, 2025 Fire safety | Implement emergency and standby power systems. Emergency Preparedness Deficiencies · Tag E0041 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected April 1, 2025 |
| March 18, 2025 Fire safety | Provide properly protected cooking facilities. Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0324 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected April 1, 2025 |
| March 18, 2025 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 April 1, 2025 |
| March 18, 2025 Fire safety | Have simulated fire drills held at unexpected times. Miscellaneous Deficiencies · Tag K0712 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected April 1, 2025 |
| March 18, 2025 Fire safety | Have proper medical gas storage and administration areas. Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies · Tag K0923 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected April 1, 2025 |
| March 18, 2025 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 April 1, 2025 |
| March 18, 2025 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 April 3, 2025 |
| March 18, 2025 Standard | Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program. Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0880 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected April 3, 2025 |
| March 18, 2025 Standard | Ensure medication error rates are not 5 percent or greater. Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0759 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected April 3, 2025 |
| March 18, 2025 Standard | Ensure each resident must receive and the facility must provide necessary behavioral health care and services. Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0740 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected April 3, 2025 |
| March 21, 2024 Fire safety | Install corridor and hallway doors that block smoke. Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0363 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected April 12, 2024 |
| March 21, 2024 Fire safety | Ensure proper usage of power strips and extension cords. Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies · Tag K0920 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected April 12, 2024 |
| March 21, 2024 Standard | Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program. Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0880 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected April 12, 2024 |
| March 21, 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 April 12, 2024 |
| March 21, 2024 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 April 12, 2024 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| BARTRUFF, CRAIG Individual | 5% or greater direct ownership interest | — | 10/19/2009 |
| K C HEALTH CARE ENTERPRISES INC Organization | 5% or greater direct ownership interest | — | 02/15/1995 |
| BAHE, SCOTT Individual | adp of the snf | NOT APPLICABLE | 03/15/1998 |
| BARTRUFF, CRAIG Individual | adp of the snf | NOT APPLICABLE | 03/15/1995 |
| DONNER, TIFFANY Individual | adp of the snf | NOT APPLICABLE | 11/11/2016 |
| FAMILY PHYSICAL THERAPY & SPORTS CENTER Organization | adp of the snf | NOT APPLICABLE | 03/05/2025 |
| FLATWATER BANK Organization | adp of the snf | NOT APPLICABLE | 03/05/2025 |
| K C HEALTH CARE ENTERPRISES INC Organization | adp of the snf | NOT APPLICABLE | 03/15/1995 |
| KEY REHABILITATION INC Organization | adp of the snf | NOT APPLICABLE | 02/24/2025 |
| LUMINATE HCC LLC Organization | adp of the snf | NOT APPLICABLE | 02/21/2025 |
| OSBORN, SHIRLEY Individual | adp of the snf | NOT APPLICABLE | 05/01/2019 |
| S. DOUGLAS KUCERA, CPA Organization | adp of the snf | NOT APPLICABLE | 02/24/2025 |
| STODDARD, EMILY Individual | adp of the snf | NOT APPLICABLE | 02/24/2025 |
| WEICKER, RACHEL Individual | adp of the snf | NOT APPLICABLE | 08/23/2021 |
| BAHE, SCOTT Individual | corporate officer | NOT APPLICABLE | 03/15/1998 |
| BAHE, SCOTT Individual | operational/managerial control | NOT APPLICABLE | 03/15/1998 |
| BARTRUFF, CRAIG Individual | operational/managerial control | NOT APPLICABLE | 03/15/1995 |
| DONNER, TIFFANY Individual | operational/managerial control | NOT APPLICABLE | 11/11/2016 |
| FAMILY PHYSICAL THERAPY & SPORTS CENTER Organization | operational/managerial control | NOT APPLICABLE | 12/01/2021 |
| FLATWATER BANK Organization | operational/managerial control | NOT APPLICABLE | 01/01/1995 |
| KEY REHABILITATION INC Organization | operational/managerial control | NOT APPLICABLE | 01/01/2024 |
| LUMINATE HCC LLC Organization | operational/managerial control | NOT APPLICABLE | 12/01/2023 |
| OSBORN, SHIRLEY Individual | operational/managerial control | NOT APPLICABLE | 05/01/2019 |
| S. DOUGLAS KUCERA, CPA Organization | operational/managerial control | NOT APPLICABLE | 01/01/2005 |
| STODDARD, EMILY Individual | operational/managerial control | NOT APPLICABLE | 02/24/2025 |
| WEICKER, RACHEL Individual | operational/managerial control | NOT APPLICABLE | 08/23/2021 |
Other nursing homes near Hilltop Estates
Emerald Nursing & Rehab Cozad
318 West 18th Street, Cozad, NE 69130 · 9.9 mi
For-profit · 67 beds · Part of Emerald Healthcare
★★★★★1Much below averageCallaway Good Life Center, INC
600 West Kimball Street, Callaway, NE 68825 · 26.6 mi
Non-profit · 38 beds
★★★★★1Much below averageElwood Care Center
607 Smith Avenue, Elwood, NE 68937 · 28.9 mi
Government · 43 beds
- CMS high performer
★★★★★5Much above averageAdept Nursing & Rehab of North Platte
510 Centennial Circle, North Platte, NE 69101 · 34.5 mi
For-profit · 94 beds · Part of Avid Healthcare Group
★★★★★2Below averageAccura Healthcare of North Platte
2900 West E Street, North Platte, NE 69101 · 36.2 mi
For-profit · 71 beds · Part of Accura Healthcare
★★★★★4Above averageLinden Court
4000 West Philip Avenue, North Platte, NE 69101 · 36.6 mi
Non-profit · 135 beds · Part of Vetter Senior Living
★★★★★2Below average
Frequently asked questions
What is Hilltop Estates's rating?
Hilltop Estates has 2 out of 5 stars on the CMS overall star rating. The average for Nebraska nursing homes is 2.8 stars.
How many inspection citations did Hilltop Estates receive?
Its most recent standard health inspection found 8 citations, compared with a Nebraska average of 7.4. Every citation is listed on this page with its severity.
Does Hilltop Estates 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 Hilltop Estates?
It is for profit - corporation. The ownership section on this page lists the owners and managers reported to CMS.
Where is Hilltop Estates and how do I contact it?
Hilltop Estates is at 2520 Avenue M, Gothenburg, NE 69138. Phone: (308) 537-7138.
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.