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Nursing HomeMedicaid Investigative

Chatuge Regional Nursing Home

Below-average Medicare ratings — review the inspection history and ask the administrator about recent corrections before visiting.

386 Belaire Drive, Hiawassee, GA 30546112 bedsLicensed & Active
1/5
Medicare
Inspection
Quality
Staffing
Google rating
3.7/5

based on 7 Google reviews

5
4
3
2
1
Chatuge Regional Nursing Home Nursing Home in Hiawassee, GA — Street View
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3/ 10
moderate Risk

Quality Concerns Identified

Medicare inspection and quality data reveal areas that families should carefully evaluate before choosing this facility.

  • Low overall rating (1/5 stars)
  • Above-median deficiencies (6 vs median 5.0)

Bottom 25% in GA · Below recommended RN staffing · $64,214 in fines

Source: Medicare data

What this means for your family

While some long-term residents report a positive experience, the facility faces serious allegations regarding understaffing and communication failures. We strongly recommend that families visit in person to observe staffing ratios and test the facility's responsiveness to phone calls before making a decision.

Google Reviews

Google Reviews

7 reviews on Google
Chatuge Regional Nursing Home receives highly polarized feedback, with some residents praising the staff and long-term environment, while others report severe neglect and communication failures. Families express significant concern regarding understaffing and the facility's responsiveness to basic care needs like feeding and hydration. Prospective families should weigh the positive experiences of long-term residents against the critical reports of inadequate care during rehabilitation stays.

Quality Themes

Tap a score for details
FoodN/AStaff4.0Clean2.0ActivitiesN/AMedsN/AMemoryN/AComms1.0ValueN/A

Strengths

  • Supportive environment for long-term residents
  • Positive experiences reported by long-term residents
  • Compassionate staff interactions mentioned by some

Concerns

  • Understaffing and lack of proper training (mentioned by 2 reviewers)
  • Poor communication and failure to answer phones (mentioned by 2 reviewers)

Rating Trends

Tap a year to see what changed

2343.02023(2)3.02024(2)5.02025(2)4.02026(1)

Distribution · 7 analyzed

5
4
4
1
3
0
2
0
1
2

How They Respond to Reviews

0%response rate

Questions for Your Tour

  • 1Given the recent feedback regarding communication, what is the best way for our family to stay in regular contact with the nursing staff and receive updates on our loved one's care?
  • 2We noticed the facility has had some recent staffing challenges; what specific steps are you taking to ensure consistent, high-quality care for residents throughout the day and night?
  • 3With cleanliness being a priority for us, could you walk us through your current housekeeping schedule and how you maintain the living spaces for residents?
  • 4Can you share how the staff is currently being trained to ensure they feel supported and equipped to provide the compassionate care that long-term residents value?
  • 5What does a typical day look like for residents here, and how do you encourage participation in activities that keep them engaged and social?
  • 6In the event of a medical emergency, what is your facility's protocol for notifying family members and coordinating with local emergency services?

Personalized based on this facility's data


Key Review Excerpts

This is the 3rd nursing home I have been in and is by far the best one I have been in.

Long-term resident · 2025★★★★★

The staff is NOT properly trained. They are under staffed and do NOT provide the care patience need. My mother witnessed horrible conditions and care for my grandmother.

Family member of rehab patient · 2023★★★★★

They don't even answer their phone bless your heart if you put your loved one there

General observer · 2024☆☆☆☆
Source: 7 Google reviews

Staffing

Staffing Hours

per resident/day · Medicare 2026
RN Hours
0.57hrs
76%
Registered nurses for medical care
Total Nursing
3.18hrs
77%
All nurses + aides combined
Staff Turnover
43%
Lower is better (< 30% = good)
RN Turnover
42%
Lower is better (< 30% = good)

Both RN and total nursing hours are below national benchmarks. This can mean less clinical attention per resident, so ask about their staffing plan.

Quality Measures

Quality Measures

Resident outcomes compared with national, state, and local averages · 16 measures

Medicare Rating
2/ 5
Better Than Avg

9

measures

Worse Than Avg

6

measures

Similar to Avg

1

measures

Long-Stay Residents
😔

Residents with depression symptoms

↓ Lower is better
This Facility1.9%
Better than Avg
Here
1.9%
US
12.1%
GA
10.6%

Highly dependent on how each facility screens and codes depressive symptoms, so it varies widely between facilities.

💉

Residents vaccinated for pneumonia

↑ Higher is better
This Facility100.0%
Better than Avg
Here
100.0%
US
93.4%
GA
91.2%
🚶

Residents whose walking got worse

↓ Lower is better
This Facility8.3%
Better than Avg
Here
8.3%
US
15.3%
GA
16.6%
💊

Residents on antipsychotic medication

↓ Lower is better
This Facility23.2%
Worse than Avg
Here
23.2%
US
15.5%
GA
20.1%
💊

Residents on anti-anxiety or sleep medication

↓ Lower is better
This Facility26.7%
Worse than Avg
Here
26.7%
US
19.5%
GA
20.5%
🚿

Residents whose bladder or bowel control got worse

↓ Lower is better
This Facility12.8%
Better than Avg
Here
12.8%
US
19.4%
GA
16.0%
Short-Stay Residents (Rehab / Post-Acute)
💉

Short-stay residents vaccinated for pneumonia

↑ Higher is better
This Facility100.0%
Better than Avg
Here
100.0%
US
81.8%
GA
80.4%
💊

Short-stay residents newly given antipsychotics

↓ Lower is better
This Facility4.9%
Worse than Avg
Here
4.9%
US
1.6%
GA
2.4%
Source: Medicare quality measures

US average from Medicare published data

Inspection History

Medicare Inspection History

3-year lookback · Medicare 2026

6deficiencies
1penalties
Near state avg (6.1)
19 complaint-triggered
$64,214 in fines

Families filed serious complaints that triggered inspections revealing deficiencies in abuse protection, medication management, and care planning. The June 2024 complaint-driven survey found concerning issues including failures to protect residents from abuse and neglect, medication errors exceeding 5%, and inadequate care planning. While all deficiencies were reportedly corrected, the pattern of recurring problems across multiple surveys in medication management and safety warrants careful consideration.

Dec 4, 2025Routine
9
0759Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Pharmacy Service Deficiencies

Ensure medication error rates are not 5 percent or greater.

0554Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Resident Rights Deficiencies

Allow residents to self-administer drugs if determined clinically appropriate.

0558Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Resident Rights Deficiencies

Reasonably accommodate the needs and preferences of each resident.

0628Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Resident Rights Deficiencies

Provide the required documentation or notification related to the resident's needs, appeal rights, or bed-hold policies.

0656Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies

Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.

0757Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Pharmacy Service Deficiencies

Ensure each resident’s drug regimen must be free from unnecessary drugs.

0223Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Egress Deficiencies

Provide exit doors that are held open by devices that will automatically close on the activation of a fire alarm or smoke detector.

0345Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Smoke Deficiencies

Have approved installation, maintenance and testing program for fire alarm systems.

0353Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Smoke Deficiencies

Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.

Jun 8, 2024Complaint
19
0835Immediate jeopardy · WidespreadCorrected

Administration Deficiencies

Administer the facility in a manner that enables it to use its resources effectively and efficiently.

0600Immediate jeopardy · IsolatedCorrected

Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies

Protect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.

0602Immediate jeopardy · IsolatedCorrected

Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies

Protect each resident from the wrongful use of the resident's belongings or money.

0609Immediate jeopardy · IsolatedCorrected

Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies

Timely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.

0610Immediate jeopardy · IsolatedCorrected

Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies

Respond appropriately to all alleged violations.

0585Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Resident Rights Deficiencies

Honor the resident's right to voice grievances without discrimination or reprisal and the facility must establish a grievance policy and make prompt efforts to resolve grievances.

0700Potential for harm · PatternCorrected

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

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.

0761Potential for harm · PatternCorrected

Pharmacy Service Deficiencies

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.

0809Potential for harm · PatternCorrected

Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies

Ensure meals and snacks are served at times in accordance with resident’s needs, preferences, and requests. Suitable and nourishing alternative meals and snacks must be provided for residents who want to eat at non-traditional times or outside of scheduled meal times.

0909Potential for harm · PatternCorrected

Environmental Deficiencies

Regularly inspect all bed frames, mattresses, and bed rails (if any) for safety; and all bed rails and mattresses must attach safely to the bed frame.

0550Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Resident Rights Deficiencies

Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.

0623Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Resident Rights Deficiencies

Provide timely notification to the resident, and if applicable to the resident representative and ombudsman, before transfer or discharge, including appeal rights.

0640Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies

Encode each resident’s assessment data and transmit these data to the State within 7 days of assessment.

0657Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies

Develop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.

0684Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.

0695Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

Provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.

0756Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Pharmacy Service Deficiencies

Ensure a licensed pharmacist perform a monthly drug regimen review, including the medical chart, following irregularity reporting guidelines in developed policies and procedures.

0758Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Pharmacy Service Deficiencies

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.

0732Minimal · WidespreadCorrected

Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies

Post nurse staffing information every day.

Jun 8, 2024Routine
6
0031Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Emergency Preparedness Deficiencies

Provide emergency officials' contact information.

0211Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Egress Deficiencies

Keep aisles, corridors, and exits free of obstruction in case of emergency.

0372Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Smoke Deficiencies

Ensure smoke barriers are constructed to a 1 hour fire resistance rating.

0781Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Miscellaneous Deficiencies

Have restrictions on the use of portable space heaters.

0920Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies

Ensure proper usage of power strips and extension cords.

0923Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies

Have proper medical gas storage and administration areas.

Dec 15, 2022Routine
12
0609Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies

Timely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.

0610Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies

Respond appropriately to all alleged violations.

0644Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies

Coordinate assessments with the pre-admission screening and resident review program; and referring for services as needed.

0656Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies

Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.

0677Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

Provide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.

0688Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

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.

0695Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

Provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.

0761Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Pharmacy Service Deficiencies

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.

0211Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Egress Deficiencies

Keep aisles, corridors, and exits free of obstruction in case of emergency.

0753Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Miscellaneous Deficiencies

Have restrictions on the use of highly flammable decorations.

0918Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies

Have generator or other power source capable of supplying service within 10 seconds.

0920Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies

Ensure proper usage of power strips and extension cords.

Federal Penalties

Fine

Jun 8, 2024

$64,214

Ownership & Operations

Who Operates This Facility

Owner / Operator

Chatuge Regional Nursing Home

Organization Type

nonprofit

Ownership & Management

Key personnel

Bierschenk, KevinOfficer / DirectorDavenport, RickOfficer / DirectorGary, ThomasOfficer / DirectorOwenby, GregOfficer / DirectorParis, DinahOfficer / Director
Source: Medicare provider data

Contact

Get in Touch

Contact this facility directly and verify the details that matter most to your family.

References & Resources

EveryPlace is a research directory. Facility information is compiled from public sources — Medicare.gov, state licensing portals, Google Places, and publicly available street-level imagery. Listings do not constitute endorsement, recommendation, or advertisement, and we do not accept payment for placement. Families should verify all details directly with the facility and the original sources linked above before making any care decisions. See our Research Policy for our editorial standards, correction process, and image-removal policy.

Safer Alternatives Nearby

Based on current clinical data, we identified 3 nearby facilities within 10 miles that may offer a stronger care environment. We encourage families to compare options carefully.

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