nursing home in Lander, WY
Westward Heights Care Center
150 Caring Way, Lander, WY 82520 · (307) 332-5560
CMS overall star rating
- Health inspections★★★★★4
- 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
Westward Heights Care Center at a glance
Westward Heights Care Center is a 60-bed non-profit nursing home in Lander, Wyoming (Fremont County).
CMS gives it 4 out of 5 stars on its overall star rating, better than the Wyoming average of 2.9.
Residents receive about 3.7 hours of nursing care per day (1 of them from registered nurses), close to the state average of 3.9 hours.
Its most recent standard health inspection (March 27, 2025) found 3 health citations. The Wyoming average is 7.8.
It has not received a federal fine in the past three years.
Nursing staff turnover is 45.8% per year (state average 51.8%).
Facility details
- Type
- Nursing home
- Ownership
- Non Profit - Corporation
- Beds
- 60
- Certified for
- Medicare and Medicaid
- Medicare-certified since
- January 1, 1990
- Resident/family council
- Resident
- County
- Fremont County
- CMS Certification Number
- 535034
Ratings
| Measure | This facility | Wyoming 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 | 2.7 / 5 | 2.8 / 5 | Better |
| Staffing rating ⓘ (higher is better) | 4 / 5 | 3.6 / 5 | 2.9 / 5 | Better |
| Quality measures rating ⓘ (higher is better) | 4 / 5 | 3.3 / 5 | 3.6 / 5 | Average |
| Long-stay quality rating (higher is better) | 4 / 5 | 3.3 / 5 | 3.8 / 5 | Average |
| Short-stay (rehab) quality rating (higher is better) | 4 / 5 | 3.5 / 5 | 3.3 / 5 | Better |
Staffing
| Measure | This facility | Wyoming avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total nurse staff hours per resident per day ⓘ (higher is better) | 3.73 hrs | 3.87 hrs | 3.86 hrs | Average |
| Registered nurse hours per resident per day (higher is better) | 1.01 hrs | 0.94 hrs | 0.69 hrs | Better |
| Nurse aide hours per resident per day (higher is better) | 2.48 hrs | 2.43 hrs | 2.32 hrs | Better |
| Weekend nurse staff hours per resident per day (higher is better) | 3.21 hrs | 3.37 hrs | 3.42 hrs | Worse |
| Nursing staff turnover (yearly) (lower is better) | 45.8% | 51.8% | 45.8% | Average |
| Registered nurse turnover (yearly) (lower is better) | 46.7% | 44.1% | 42.9% | Worse |
| Administrators who left in the past year (lower is better) | 0 | 1 | 1 | Better |
Inspections
| Measure | This facility | Wyoming avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Health citations in the most recent inspection (lower is better) | 3 | 8 | 9 | Better |
| Citations from complaint investigations (latest cycle) (lower is better) | 1 | 4 | 3 | Better |
| Weighted health inspection score ⓘ (lower is better) | 16 | 66.5 | 80.6 | Better |
Penalties
| Measure | This facility | Wyoming 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 | $28,128 | $30,972 | Better |
| All federal penalties in the past 3 years (lower is better) | 0 | 1 | 1 | Better |
Size
| Measure | This facility | Wyoming avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Certified beds | 60 | 82 | 107 | |
| Average residents per day | 55 | 56 | 86 | |
| Occupancy | 91% | 70.7% | 80.9% |
Long-stay residents
| Measure | This facility | Wyoming avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Long-stay residents with a fall causing major injury (lower is better) | 6.6% | 4.7% | 3.2% | Worse |
| Long-stay residents with pressure ulcers (lower is better) | 2.4% | 4.6% | 4.6% | Better |
| Long-stay residents given antipsychotic medication (lower is better) | 3.6% | 21.8% | 15.4% | Better |
| Long-stay residents with a urinary tract infection (lower is better) | 1.1% | 3.1% | 1.6% | Better |
| Long-stay residents with a catheter left in the bladder (lower is better) | 0% | 1.5% | 0.8% | Better |
| Long-stay residents needing more help with daily activities (lower is better) | 17.5% | 16.8% | 13.9% | Worse |
| Long-stay residents whose walking worsened (lower is better) | 24.1% | 15.3% | 14.1% | Worse |
| Long-stay residents who lose too much weight (lower is better) | 2.4% | 5.9% | 5.2% | Better |
| Long-stay residents with depressive symptoms (lower is better) | 0.6% | 6.5% | 12.8% | Better |
| Long-stay residents who were physically restrained (lower is better) | 0% | 0.1% | 0.1% | Better |
| Long-stay residents given anti-anxiety or sleep medication (lower is better) | 13.5% | 15.4% | 19.5% | Better |
| Long-stay residents with new or worse incontinence (lower is better) | 19.2% | 22.7% | 19% | Average |
| Long-stay residents given a flu vaccine (higher is better) | 100% | 94.3% | 95.5% | Average |
| Long-stay residents given a pneumonia vaccine (higher is better) | 96.2% | 94.3% | 93.6% | Average |
Short-stay residents
| Measure | This facility | Wyoming avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Short-stay residents newly given antipsychotic medication (lower is better) | 0% | 1.2% | 1.6% | Better |
| Short-stay residents given a flu vaccine (higher is better) | 95.9% | 77% | 79.8% | Better |
| Short-stay residents given a pneumonia vaccine (higher is better) | 98.3% | 77% | 82% | Better |
Inspection citations
State inspectors cited this home for 9 health deficiencies and 9 fire safety deficiencies in the inspection records CMS currently publishes. None were rated as causing actual harm to residents.
| Date | Citation | Severity | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 22, 2026 Complaint | Ensure the transfer/discharge meets the resident's needs/preferences and that the resident is prepared for a safe transfer/discharge. Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0627 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected June 29, 2026 |
| March 27, 2025 Fire safety | Ensure heating and ventilation systems that have been properly installed according to the manufacturer's instructions. Services Deficiencies · Tag K0521 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected April 22, 2025 |
| March 27, 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 7, 2025 |
| March 27, 2025 Fire safety | Have approved installation, maintenance and testing program for fire alarm systems. Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0345 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected April 22, 2025 |
| March 27, 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 17, 2025 |
| March 27, 2025 Standard | Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program. Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0880 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected April 16, 2025 |
| March 27, 2025 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 April 16, 2025 |
| January 14, 2025 Complaint | 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 November 19, 2024 |
| January 14, 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 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected August 9, 2024 |
| January 11, 2024 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 February 9, 2024 |
| January 11, 2024 Fire safety | Have approved installation, maintenance and testing program for fire alarm systems. Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0345 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected February 9, 2024 |
| January 11, 2024 Standard | Provide safe, appropriate dialysis care/services for a resident who requires such services. Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0698 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected February 9, 2024 |
| January 11, 2024 Standard | Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program. Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0880 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected February 9, 2024 |
| November 3, 2022 Fire safety | Have approved installation, maintenance and testing program for fire alarm systems. Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0345 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected December 16, 2022 |
| November 3, 2022 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 December 18, 2022 |
| November 3, 2022 Fire safety | Provide properly protected cooking facilities. Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0324 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected December 18, 2022 |
| November 3, 2022 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 1, 2022 |
| November 3, 2022 Standard | Ensure staff are vaccinated for COVID-19 Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0888 | C No harm, widespread | Corrected December 1, 2022 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| WESTWARD HEIGHTS CORP Organization | 5% or greater direct ownership interest | 100% | 11/03/1971 |
| VETTER, ELDORA Individual | 5% or greater indirect ownership interest | 50% | 10/01/2009 |
| VETTER, JACK Individual | 5% or greater indirect ownership interest | 50% | 10/01/2009 |
| KIMBER, JEFF Individual | corporate director | NOT APPLICABLE | 07/01/2022 |
| SMITH, AMY Individual | corporate director | NOT APPLICABLE | 07/01/2022 |
| BAKER, BETTY Individual | corporate officer | NOT APPLICABLE | 10/01/2009 |
| CONE, LUCY Individual | corporate officer | NOT APPLICABLE | 04/01/2015 |
| HUBBLE, LAUREN Individual | corporate officer | NOT APPLICABLE | 07/01/2022 |
| MCKEE, DEAN Individual | corporate officer | NOT APPLICABLE | 07/01/2022 |
| NAGY, ROBERT Individual | corporate officer | NOT APPLICABLE | 10/01/2009 |
| STUHR, BRIAN Individual | corporate officer | NOT APPLICABLE | 07/01/2017 |
| KORELL, NATALIE Individual | operational/managerial control | NOT APPLICABLE | 04/01/2015 |
| VETTER HEALTH SERVICES, INC. Organization | operational/managerial control | NOT APPLICABLE | 10/01/2009 |
Other nursing homes near Westward Heights Care Center
Mountain View Skilled Nursing Community at Wlrc
8204 Wyoming State Highway 789, Lander, WY 82520 · 1.1 mi
Government · 40 beds
- Abuse citation
★★★★★2Below average- ★★★★★4Above average
Wind River Rehabilitation and Wellness
1002 Forest Dr, Riverton, WY 82501 · 22.3 mi
For-profit · 81 beds · Part of Evergreen Healthcare Group
- New owner (last 12 months)
★★★★★2Below average
Frequently asked questions
What is Westward Heights Care Center's rating?
Westward Heights Care Center has 4 out of 5 stars on the CMS overall star rating. The average for Wyoming nursing homes is 2.9 stars.
How many inspection citations did Westward Heights Care Center receive?
Its most recent standard health inspection found 3 citations, compared with a Wyoming average of 7.8. Every citation is listed on this page with its severity.
Does Westward Heights Care Center 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 Westward Heights Care Center?
It is non profit - corporation. The ownership section on this page lists the owners and managers reported to CMS.
Where is Westward Heights Care Center and how do I contact it?
Westward Heights Care Center is at 150 Caring Way, Lander, WY 82520. Phone: (307) 332-5560.
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.