nursing home in Rutherfordton, NC
Hilltop Health and Rehabilitation
188 Oscar Justice Road, Rutherfordton, NC 28139 · (828) 286-9001
CMS overall star rating
- Health inspections★★★★★4
- Staffing★★★★★1
- Quality measures★★★★★4
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Medicare Care Compare. We refresh our information from this source. About our data
Hilltop Health and Rehabilitation at a glance
Hilltop Health and Rehabilitation is a 80-bed for-profit nursing home in Rutherfordton, North Carolina (Rutherford County).
CMS gives it 3 out of 5 stars on its overall star rating, close to the North Carolina average of 2.9.
Residents receive about 3 hours of nursing care per day (0.3 of them from registered nurses), worse than the state average of 3.9 hours.
Its most recent standard health inspection (March 12, 2026) found 2 health citations. The North Carolina average is 4.7.
It has not received a federal fine in the past three years.
Nursing staff turnover is 61% per year (state average 49%).
Facility details
- Type
- Nursing home
- Ownership
- For Profit - Limited Liability Company
- Beds
- 80
- Certified for
- Medicare and Medicaid
- Chain / affiliated entity
- Ascent Healthcare Management
- Medicare-certified since
- December 13, 1972
- Resident/family council
- Resident
- County
- Rutherford County
- CMS Certification Number
- 345083
Ratings
| Measure | This facility | North Carolina avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall star rating ⓘ (higher is better) | 3 / 5 | 2.9 / 5 | 3 / 5 | Average |
| Health inspection rating ⓘ (higher is better) | 4 / 5 | 2.9 / 5 | 2.8 / 5 | Better |
| Staffing rating ⓘ (higher is better) | 1 / 5 | 2.7 / 5 | 2.9 / 5 | Worse |
| Quality measures rating ⓘ (higher is better) | 4 / 5 | 3.3 / 5 | 3.6 / 5 | Average |
| Long-stay quality rating (higher is better) | 5 / 5 | 3.4 / 5 | 3.8 / 5 | Better |
| Short-stay (rehab) quality rating (higher is better) | 4 / 5 | 3 / 5 | 3.3 / 5 | Better |
Staffing
| Measure | This facility | North Carolina avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total nurse staff hours per resident per day ⓘ (higher is better) | 3.05 hrs | 3.85 hrs | 3.86 hrs | Worse |
| Registered nurse hours per resident per day (higher is better) | 0.34 hrs | 0.62 hrs | 0.69 hrs | Worse |
| Nurse aide hours per resident per day (higher is better) | 1.96 hrs | 2.34 hrs | 2.32 hrs | Worse |
| Weekend nurse staff hours per resident per day (higher is better) | 2.71 hrs | 3.42 hrs | 3.42 hrs | Worse |
| Nursing staff turnover (yearly) (lower is better) | 61% | 49% | 45.8% | Worse |
| Registered nurse turnover (yearly) (lower is better) | 44.4% | 45.6% | 42.9% | Average |
| Administrators who left in the past year (lower is better) | 1 | 1 | 1 | Worse |
Inspections
| Measure | This facility | North Carolina avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Health citations in the most recent inspection (lower is better) | 2 | 5 | 9 | Better |
| Citations from complaint investigations (latest cycle) (lower is better) | 0 | 2 | 3 | Better |
| Weighted health inspection score ⓘ (lower is better) | 14 | 49.2 | 80.6 | Better |
Penalties
| Measure | This facility | North Carolina 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 | $36,617 | $30,972 | Better |
| All federal penalties in the past 3 years (lower is better) | 0 | 1 | 1 | Better |
Size
| Measure | This facility | North Carolina avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Certified beds | 80 | 105 | 107 | |
| Average residents per day | 73 | 87 | 86 | |
| Occupancy | 91% | 83.6% | 80.9% |
Long-stay residents
| Measure | This facility | North Carolina avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Long-stay residents with a fall causing major injury (lower is better) | 3.5% | 3.5% | 3.2% | Worse |
| Long-stay residents with pressure ulcers (lower is better) | 4.6% | 5.5% | 4.6% | Average |
| Long-stay residents given antipsychotic medication (lower is better) | 14.2% | 14% | 15.4% | Better |
| Long-stay residents with a urinary tract infection (lower is better) | 3.5% | 2.3% | 1.6% | Worse |
| Long-stay residents with a catheter left in the bladder (lower is better) | 0.3% | 0.7% | 0.8% | Better |
| Long-stay residents needing more help with daily activities (lower is better) | 5.6% | 15.6% | 13.9% | Better |
| Long-stay residents whose walking worsened (lower is better) | 5.7% | 18.3% | 14.1% | Better |
| Long-stay residents who lose too much weight (lower is better) | 13.3% | 7.2% | 5.2% | Worse |
| Long-stay residents with depressive symptoms (lower is better) | 4.2% | 5.9% | 12.8% | Better |
| Long-stay residents who were physically restrained (lower is better) | 0% | 0% | 0.1% | Better |
| Long-stay residents given anti-anxiety or sleep medication (lower is better) | 40.2% | 21.3% | 19.5% | Worse |
| Long-stay residents with new or worse incontinence (lower is better) | 24.5% | 20.7% | 19% | Worse |
| Long-stay residents given a flu vaccine (higher is better) | 80.8% | 94.1% | 95.5% | Worse |
| Long-stay residents given a pneumonia vaccine (higher is better) | 78.2% | 92% | 93.6% | Worse |
Short-stay residents
| Measure | This facility | North Carolina avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Short-stay residents newly given antipsychotic medication (lower is better) | 1.1% | 1.4% | 1.6% | Better |
| Short-stay residents given a flu vaccine (higher is better) | 73% | 78.1% | 79.8% | Worse |
| Short-stay residents given a pneumonia vaccine (higher is better) | 85.1% | 80.6% | 82% | Average |
Inspection citations
State inspectors cited this home for 12 health deficiencies and 14 fire safety deficiencies in the inspection records CMS currently publishes. 2 citations involved actual harm.
| Date | Citation | Severity | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 12, 2026 Fire safety | Use approved construction type or materials. Construction Deficiencies · Tag K0161 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected July 31, 2026 |
| March 12, 2026 Fire safety | Have properly installed electrical wiring and gas equipment. Services Deficiencies · Tag K0511 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected July 31, 2026 |
| March 12, 2026 Fire safety | Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems. Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0353 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected July 31, 2026 |
| March 12, 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 July 31, 2026 |
| March 12, 2026 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 April 1, 2026 |
| March 12, 2026 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 April 1, 2026 |
| January 9, 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 May 7, 2025 |
| January 9, 2025 Fire safety | Have properly installed electrical wiring and gas equipment. Services Deficiencies · Tag K0511 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected May 7, 2025 |
| January 9, 2025 Fire safety | Ensure proper usage of power strips and extension cords. Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies · Tag K0920 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected May 7, 2025 |
| January 9, 2025 Fire safety | Install corridor and hallway doors that block smoke. Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0363 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected May 7, 2025 |
| January 9, 2025 Fire safety | Keep aisles, corridors, and exits free of obstruction in case of emergency. Egress Deficiencies · Tag K0211 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected May 7, 2025 |
| January 9, 2025 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 May 7, 2025 |
| January 9, 2025 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 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected May 7, 2025 |
| January 9, 2025 Fire safety | Ensure heating and ventilation systems that have been properly installed according to the manufacturer's instructions. Services Deficiencies · Tag K0521 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected May 7, 2025 |
| January 9, 2025 Standard | Provide activities to meet all resident's needs. Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0679 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected January 22, 2025 |
| January 9, 2025 Standard | Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program. Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0880 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected January 22, 2025 |
| September 13, 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 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected December 8, 2023 |
| September 13, 2023 Fire safety | Use approved construction type or materials. Construction Deficiencies · Tag K0161 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected December 8, 2023 |
| September 13, 2023 Complaint | Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights. Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0550 | G Actual harm, isolated | Corrected September 18, 2023 |
| September 13, 2023 Standard | Reasonably accommodate the needs and preferences of each resident. Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0558 | G Actual harm, isolated | Corrected September 18, 2023 |
| September 13, 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 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected September 18, 2023 |
| September 13, 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 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected September 18, 2023 |
| September 13, 2023 Standard | Ensure that residents are free from significant medication errors. Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0760 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected September 18, 2023 |
| September 13, 2023 Standard | Ensure a licensed pharmacist perform a monthly drug regimen review, including the medical chart, following irregularity reporting guidelines in developed policies and procedures. Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0756 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected September 18, 2023 |
| September 13, 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 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected September 18, 2023 |
| September 13, 2023 Standard | Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program. Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0880 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected September 18, 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 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| PUNZELL, STEVEN Individual | adp of the snf | NOT APPLICABLE | 04/10/2025 |
| SUMMERLIN, WESLEY Individual | adp of the snf | NOT APPLICABLE | 05/01/2025 |
| FRIEDMAN, YISROEL Individual | operational/managerial control | NOT APPLICABLE | 01/01/2024 |
| SUMMERLIN, WESLEY Individual | operational/managerial control | NOT APPLICABLE | 01/01/2024 |
Other nursing homes near Hilltop Health and Rehabilitation
Oak Grove Healthcare
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★★★★★4Above averageWillow Ridge of Nc
237 Tryon Road, Rutherfordton, NC 28139 · 4.1 mi
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★★★★★2Below averageFair Haven of Forest City, LLC
830 Bethany Church Road, Forest City, NC 28043 · 7.7 mi
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★★★★★4Above averageFair Haven Home INC
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- CMS high performer
★★★★★5Much above averageDeer Park Health and Rehabilitation
306 Deer Park Road, Nebo, NC 28761 · 16.8 mi
For-profit · 140 beds · Part of Brighton Healthcare
- Special Focus candidate
- Abuse citation
★★★★★1Much below averageWillowbrooke Court Sc Ctr at Tryon Estates
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Non-profit · 16 beds · Part of Acts Retirement-Life Communities
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Frequently asked questions
What is Hilltop Health and Rehabilitation's rating?
Hilltop Health and Rehabilitation has 3 out of 5 stars on the CMS overall star rating. The average for North Carolina nursing homes is 2.9 stars.
How many inspection citations did Hilltop Health and Rehabilitation receive?
Its most recent standard health inspection found 2 citations, compared with a North Carolina average of 4.7. Every citation is listed on this page with its severity.
Does Hilltop Health and Rehabilitation 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 Health and Rehabilitation?
It is for profit - limited liability company and part of Ascent Healthcare Management. The ownership section on this page lists the owners and managers reported to CMS.
Where is Hilltop Health and Rehabilitation and how do I contact it?
Hilltop Health and Rehabilitation is at 188 Oscar Justice Road, Rutherfordton, NC 28139. Phone: (828) 286-9001.
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.