nursing home in Banner Elk, NC
Life Care Center of Banner Elk
185 Norwood Hollow Road, Banner Elk, NC 28604 · (828) 898-5136
CMS overall star rating
- Health inspections★★★★★4
- Staffing★★★★★3
- Quality measures★★★★★3
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Medicare Care Compare. We refresh our information from this source. About our data
Life Care Center of Banner Elk at a glance
Life Care Center of Banner Elk is a 118-bed for-profit nursing home in Banner Elk, North Carolina (Avery County).
CMS gives it 4 out of 5 stars on its overall star rating, better than the North Carolina average of 2.9.
Residents receive about 3.2 hours of nursing care per day (0.4 of them from registered nurses), worse than the state average of 3.9 hours.
Its most recent standard health inspection (August 6, 2025) found 3 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 17.6% per year (state average 49%).
Facility details
- Type
- Nursing home
- Ownership
- For Profit - Corporation
- Beds
- 118
- Certified for
- Medicare and Medicaid
- Chain / affiliated entity
- Life Care Centers of America
- Medicare-certified since
- October 1, 1981
- Resident/family council
- Resident
- County
- Avery County
- CMS Certification Number
- 345203
Ratings
| Measure | This facility | North Carolina avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall star rating ⓘ (higher is better) | 4 / 5 | 2.9 / 5 | 3 / 5 | Better |
| Health inspection rating ⓘ (higher is better) | 4 / 5 | 2.9 / 5 | 2.8 / 5 | Better |
| Staffing rating ⓘ (higher is better) | 3 / 5 | 2.7 / 5 | 2.9 / 5 | Average |
| Quality measures rating ⓘ (higher is better) | 3 / 5 | 3.3 / 5 | 3.6 / 5 | Worse |
| Long-stay quality rating (higher is better) | 4 / 5 | 3.4 / 5 | 3.8 / 5 | Average |
| Short-stay (rehab) quality rating (higher is better) | 3 / 5 | 3 / 5 | 3.3 / 5 | Average |
Staffing
| Measure | This facility | North Carolina avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total nurse staff hours per resident per day ⓘ (higher is better) | 3.18 hrs | 3.85 hrs | 3.86 hrs | Worse |
| Registered nurse hours per resident per day (higher is better) | 0.41 hrs | 0.62 hrs | 0.69 hrs | Worse |
| Nurse aide hours per resident per day (higher is better) | 1.67 hrs | 2.34 hrs | 2.32 hrs | Worse |
| Weekend nurse staff hours per resident per day (higher is better) | 2.96 hrs | 3.42 hrs | 3.42 hrs | Worse |
| Nursing staff turnover (yearly) (lower is better) | 17.6% | 49% | 45.8% | Better |
| Registered nurse turnover (yearly) (lower is better) | 28.6% | 45.6% | 42.9% | Better |
| Administrators who left in the past year (lower is better) | 0 | 1 | 1 | Better |
Inspections
| Measure | This facility | North Carolina avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Health citations in the most recent inspection (lower is better) | 3 | 5 | 9 | Better |
| Citations from complaint investigations (latest cycle) (lower is better) | 0 | 2 | 3 | Better |
| Weighted health inspection score ⓘ (lower is better) | 13 | 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 | 118 | 105 | 107 | |
| Average residents per day | 66 | 87 | 86 | |
| Occupancy | 55.7% | 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) | 8.6% | 3.5% | 3.2% | Worse |
| Long-stay residents with pressure ulcers (lower is better) | 2.1% | 5.5% | 4.6% | Better |
| Long-stay residents given antipsychotic medication (lower is better) | 28.6% | 14% | 15.4% | Worse |
| Long-stay residents with a urinary tract infection (lower is better) | 0.5% | 2.3% | 1.6% | Better |
| Long-stay residents with a catheter left in the bladder (lower is better) | 0% | 0.7% | 0.8% | Better |
| Long-stay residents needing more help with daily activities (lower is better) | 11.1% | 15.6% | 13.9% | Better |
| Long-stay residents whose walking worsened (lower is better) | 2.3% | 18.3% | 14.1% | Better |
| Long-stay residents who lose too much weight (lower is better) | 4% | 7.2% | 5.2% | Better |
| Long-stay residents with depressive symptoms (lower is better) | 20.1% | 5.9% | 12.8% | Worse |
| 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) | 24.6% | 21.3% | 19.5% | Worse |
| Long-stay residents with new or worse incontinence (lower is better) | 16.2% | 20.7% | 19% | Better |
| Long-stay residents given a flu vaccine (higher is better) | 100% | 94.1% | 95.5% | Average |
| Long-stay residents given a pneumonia vaccine (higher is better) | 100% | 92% | 93.6% | Better |
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) | 1.4% | 1.4% | 1.6% | Better |
| Short-stay residents given a flu vaccine (higher is better) | 92.4% | 78.1% | 79.8% | Better |
| Short-stay residents given a pneumonia vaccine (higher is better) | 91.7% | 80.6% | 82% | Better |
Inspection citations
State inspectors cited this home for 7 health deficiencies and 4 fire safety deficiencies in the inspection records CMS currently publishes. None were rated as causing actual harm to residents.
| Date | Citation | Severity | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| August 6, 2025 Standard | Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program. Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0880 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected August 22, 2025 |
| August 6, 2025 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 August 22, 2025 |
| August 6, 2025 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 August 22, 2025 |
| August 21, 2024 Standard | Provide activities to meet all resident's needs. Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0679 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected September 12, 2024 |
| August 21, 2024 Standard | Honor the resident's right to organize and participate in resident/family groups in the facility. Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0565 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected September 12, 2024 |
| August 21, 2024 Standard | Try different approaches before using a bed rail. If a bed rail is needed, the facility must (1) assess a resident for safety risk; (2) review these risks and benefits with the resident/representative; (3) get informed consent; and (4) Correctly install and maintain the bed rail. Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0700 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected September 12, 2024 |
| May 24, 2023 Fire safety | Ensure smoke barriers are constructed to a 1 hour fire resistance rating. Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0372 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected August 1, 2023 |
| May 24, 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 August 1, 2023 |
| May 24, 2023 Fire safety | Have properly installed electrical wiring and gas equipment. Services Deficiencies · Tag K0511 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected August 1, 2023 |
| May 24, 2023 Fire safety | Keep aisles, corridors, and exits free of obstruction in case of emergency. Egress Deficiencies · Tag K0211 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected August 1, 2023 |
| May 24, 2023 Standard | Provide appropriate care for a resident to maintain and/or improve range of motion (ROM), limited ROM and/or mobility, unless a decline is for a medical reason. Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0688 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected June 12, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| BARKER, JOSEPH Individual | adp of the snf | NOT APPLICABLE | 03/10/2025 |
| KILPATRICK, LYNN Individual | adp of the snf | NOT APPLICABLE | 03/10/2025 |
| LIFE CARE CENTERS OF AMERICA, INC. Organization | adp of the snf | NOT APPLICABLE | 03/10/2025 |
| PRESTON, FORREST Individual | adp of the snf | NOT APPLICABLE | 08/31/2000 |
| CROSS, CINDY Individual | corporate officer | NOT APPLICABLE | 09/30/2015 |
| HENRY, TERRY Individual | corporate officer | NOT APPLICABLE | 09/30/2015 |
| LAY, LISA Individual | corporate officer | NOT APPLICABLE | 02/09/2018 |
| SWANKER, RICHARD Individual | corporate officer | NOT APPLICABLE | 09/30/2015 |
| THURMOND, JOAN Individual | corporate officer | NOT APPLICABLE | 09/30/2015 |
| DEVELOPERS INVESTMENT COMPANY INC Organization | direct ownership interest | NOT APPLICABLE | 08/24/2015 |
| PRESTON, FORREST Individual | indirect ownership interest | NOT APPLICABLE | 08/24/2015 |
| KILPATRICK, LYNN Individual | managing control - governing body | NOT APPLICABLE | 12/18/2013 |
| LAWS, BRANDY Individual | managing control - governing body | NOT APPLICABLE | 01/20/2025 |
| SOLOMON, JENNIFER Individual | managing control - governing body | NOT APPLICABLE | 05/01/2019 |
| BARKER, JOSEPH Individual | operational/managerial control | NOT APPLICABLE | 09/01/2022 |
| DEVELOPERS INVESTMENT COMPANY INC Organization | operational/managerial control | NOT APPLICABLE | 08/24/2015 |
| FLETCHER, TODD Individual | operational/managerial control | NOT APPLICABLE | 12/13/2024 |
| KILPATRICK, LYNN Individual | operational/managerial control | NOT APPLICABLE | 12/18/2013 |
| LAWS, BRANDY Individual | operational/managerial control | NOT APPLICABLE | 01/20/2025 |
| LIFE CARE CENTERS OF AMERICA, INC. Organization | operational/managerial control | NOT APPLICABLE | 09/30/2015 |
| PRESTON, AUBREY Individual | operational/managerial control | NOT APPLICABLE | 12/13/2024 |
| SOLOMON, JENNIFER Individual | operational/managerial control | NOT APPLICABLE | 05/01/2019 |
| ZIEGLER, JAMES Individual | operational/managerial control | NOT APPLICABLE | 12/13/2024 |
Other nursing homes near Life Care Center of Banner Elk
The Foley Center at Chestnut Ridge
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★★★★★2Below averageThe Waters of Roan Highlands,llc
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★★★★★5Much above averageGlenbridge Health and Rehabilitation
211 Milton Brown Heirs Road, Boone, NC 28607 · 12.7 mi
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★★★★★1Much below averageThe Greens at Spruce Pines
218 Laurel Creek Court, Spruce Pine, NC 28777 · 20.6 mi
For-profit · 127 beds · Part of Cch Healthcare
★★★★★3AverageLenoir Health and Rehabilitation Center
322 Nuway Circle, Lenoir, NC 28645 · 21.9 mi
For-profit · 120 beds · Part of Lifeworks Rehab
★★★★★1Much below averageHibriten Mountain Nursing and Rehabilitation
2030 Harper Avenue NW, Lenoir, NC 28645 · 22.8 mi
Non-profit · 100 beds · Part of Avardis Health
- Abuse citation
★★★★★1Much below average
Frequently asked questions
What is Life Care Center of Banner Elk's rating?
Life Care Center of Banner Elk has 4 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 Life Care Center of Banner Elk receive?
Its most recent standard health inspection found 3 citations, compared with a North Carolina average of 4.7. Every citation is listed on this page with its severity.
Does Life Care Center of Banner Elk 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 Banner Elk?
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 Banner Elk and how do I contact it?
Life Care Center of Banner Elk is at 185 Norwood Hollow Road, Banner Elk, NC 28604. Phone: (828) 898-5136.
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.