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Nursing HomeMedicaid Investigative

Clifton Heights

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

446 Mt. Holly Avenue, Clifton Heights · Louisville, KY 40206110 bedsLicensed & Active
1/5
Medicare
Inspection
Quality
Staffing
Google rating
3.4/5

based on 103 Google reviews

5
4
3
2
1
Clifton Heights Nursing Home in Louisville, KY — Street View
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7/ 10
critical Risk

Quality Concerns Identified

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

  • Special Focus Facility (under heightened CMS scrutiny)
  • Low overall rating (1/5 stars)
  • Low staffing rating (1/5 stars)
  • Above-median deficiencies (18 vs median 2.0)

Bottom 25% in KY · Below recommended RN staffing · Worst in JOURNEY HEALTHCARE chain · $369,780 in fines · Special Focus Facility (CMS)

Source: Medicare data

What this means for your family

While the facility's specialized recovery program receives praise, the long-term nursing care side has a consistent history of severe neglect and communication failures. If you are considering this facility, do not rely on website photos; perform an unannounced visit to check for cleanliness and observe staff responsiveness to call lights.

Google Reviews

Google Reviews

103 reviews on Google
Clifton Heights presents a highly polarized environment where experiences depend heavily on whether a resident is in the specialized Lotus recovery program or long-term nursing care. While many recovery program participants praise the supportive staff and effective programming, long-term care families consistently report severe neglect, including poor hygiene, unresponsiveness to call lights, and facility maintenance issues like pests and broken equipment. The facility frequently claims to be under 'new management,' yet recurring complaints about communication, cleanliness, and basic patient care suggest systemic instability.

Quality Themes

Tap a score for details
Food4.0Staff3.0Clean1.0Activities5.0Meds1.0Memory2.0Comms1.0Value3.0

Strengths

  • Effective Lotus addiction recovery program
  • Dedicated wound care nursing
  • Physical therapy and rehab outcomes
  • Recent cosmetic building updates

Concerns

  • Chronic unresponsiveness to phone calls and call lights (mentioned by 12 reviewers)
  • Poor hygiene and cleanliness (urine odors, pests, mold) (mentioned by 10 reviewers)
  • Medication management errors and delays (mentioned by 7 reviewers)
  • Inadequate staffing levels and unprofessional conduct (mentioned by 6 reviewers)

Rating Trends

Tap a year to see what changed

234'16(1)'19(4)'21(12)'23(8)'25(18)'26(41)

Distribution · 115 analyzed

5
56
4
10
3
3
2
2
1
44
16 reviews posted between Jun 28, 2026Jun 30, 2026 · 16 were 5-star

How They Respond to Reviews

7%response rate

This facility rarely responds to reviews.

Questions for Your Tour

  • 1I noticed the facility has recently undergone some cosmetic updates; could you walk me through the current plan for maintaining the building's cleanliness and addressing any environmental concerns?
  • 2With the facility's specialized focus on wound care and physical therapy, how do you ensure that medication management and daily care needs are met consistently for residents with complex health requirements?
  • 3Many families prioritize clear communication; what is the standard protocol for staff to respond to call lights and family inquiries to ensure we stay updated on our loved one's status?
  • 4Given the active Lotus addiction recovery program on-site, how do you manage the daily environment to ensure it remains comfortable and supportive for all residents?
  • 5I see that you actively engage with online feedback; how does the leadership team use that input to improve staffing consistency and the overall quality of care?
  • 6What does a typical day look like for residents in terms of social activities and dining, and how do you ensure that staff are available to assist those who need extra help during these times?

Personalized based on this facility's data


Key Review Excerpts

The wound nurse takes her job very serious at Clifton Oaks. She goes above and beyond in her duties as wound nurse.

Wound care patient · 2023★★★★★

My aunt came here for rehab recently and had a wonderful stay. She had a private room on the short term rehab hall and it was very clean and spacious.

Rehab patient's family · 2026★★★★★

This place is horrible my family member is currently there and the CNA’s and Nurses are horrible. I have a family member there and they sent me a picture of a resident with maggots in their wound due to lack of care.

Long-term resident's family · 2026☆☆☆☆
Source: 103 Google reviews

Staffing

Staffing Hours

per resident/day · Medicare 2026
RN Hours
0.59hrs
79%
Registered nurses for medical care
Total Nursing
3.37hrs
82%
All nurses + aides combined
Staff Turnover
76%
Lower is better (< 30% = good)
RN Turnover
88%
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 · 17 measures

Medicare Rating
4/ 5
Better Than Avg

8

measures

Worse Than Avg

5

measures

Mixed Results

4

measures

Long-Stay Residents
💊

Residents on anti-anxiety or sleep medication

↓ Lower is better
This Facility16.9%
Better than Avg
Here
16.9%
US
19.5%
KY
29.6%
Jefferson
18.2%
🚶

Residents whose walking got worse

↓ Lower is better
This Facility23.9%
Worse than Avg
Here
23.9%
US
15.3%
KY
15.5%
Jefferson
13.7%
🛏️

Residents needing more daily help over time

↓ Lower is better
This Facility22.6%
Worse than Avg
Here
22.6%
US
14.4%
KY
14.7%
Jefferson
12.5%
🚿

Residents whose bladder or bowel control got worse

↓ Lower is better
This Facility25.0%
Worse than Avg
Here
25.0%
US
19.4%
KY
19.4%
Jefferson
16.5%
😔

Residents with depression symptoms

↓ Lower is better
This Facility10.8%
Mixed vs Avgs
Here
10.8%
US
12.1%
KY
16.5%
Jefferson
2.8%

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 Facility92.2%
Mixed vs Avgs
Here
92.2%
US
93.4%
KY
94.3%
Jefferson
84.7%
Short-Stay Residents (Rehab / Post-Acute)
💉

Short-stay residents vaccinated for the flu

↑ Higher is better
This Facility90.1%
Better than Avg
Here
90.1%
US
79.8%
KY
83.6%
Jefferson
73.0%
💉

Short-stay residents vaccinated for pneumonia

↑ Higher is better
This Facility72.5%
Worse than Avg
Here
72.5%
US
81.8%
KY
83.9%
Jefferson
73.5%
💊

Short-stay residents newly given antipsychotics

↓ Lower is better
This Facility1.9%
Mixed vs Avgs
Here
1.9%
US
1.6%
KY
1.7%
Jefferson
2.1%
Source: Medicare quality measures

US average from Medicare published data

Inspection History

Medicare Inspection History

3-year lookback · Medicare 2026

4deficiencies
Above state avg (3.4)
16 complaint-triggered
$369,780 in fines

Clifton Heights has a concerning pattern of 16 complaint-triggered deficiencies, indicating families have filed reports about care issues. The most recurring problems involve resident protection from abuse and neglect, medication management, and care planning. While the facility has corrected all cited deficiencies, the high number of family complaints—including recent ones in 2023 and 2025—suggests ongoing operational challenges that warrant careful consideration before placement.

Dec 4, 2025Complaint
2
0925Potential for harm · PatternCorrected

Environmental Deficiencies

Make sure there is a pest control program to prevent/deal with mice, insects, or other pests.

0695Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

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

Dec 4, 2025Routine
7
0353Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Smoke Deficiencies

Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.

0916Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies

Have a battery powered remote alarm panel in a location accessible by operating personnel.

0918Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies

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

0900Potential for harm · PatternCorrected

Miscellaneous Deficiencies

Meet Health Care Facilities Code mechanical requirements.

0712Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Miscellaneous Deficiencies

Have simulated fire drills held at unexpected times.

0321Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Smoke Deficiencies

Ensure that special areas are constructed so that walls can resist fire for one hour or have an approved fire extinguishing system.

0324Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Smoke Deficiencies

Provide properly protected cooking facilities.

Nov 22, 2025Complaint
2
0697Immediate jeopardy · IsolatedCorrected

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

Provide safe, appropriate pain management for a resident who requires such services.

0776Actual harm · IsolatedCorrected

Administration Deficiencies

Provide timely, approved x-ray services, or have an agreement with an approved provider to obtain them.

Aug 11, 2023Complaint
9
0600Immediate jeopardy · PatternCorrected

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.

0835Immediate jeopardy · PatternCorrected

Administration Deficiencies

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

0867Immediate jeopardy · PatternCorrected

Administration Deficiencies

Set up an ongoing quality assessment and assurance group to review quality deficiencies and develop corrective plans of action.

0607Immediate jeopardy · IsolatedCorrected

Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies

Develop and implement policies and procedures to prevent abuse, neglect, and theft.

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.

0684Immediate jeopardy · IsolatedCorrected

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

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

0755Potential for harm · PatternCorrected

Pharmacy Service Deficiencies

Provide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist.

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.

0689Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.

Jun 11, 2023Routine
16
0291Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Egress Deficiencies

Install emergency lighting that can last at least 1 1/2 hours.

0584Potential for harm · PatternCorrected

Resident Rights Deficiencies

Honor the resident's right to a safe, clean, comfortable and homelike environment, including but not limited to receiving treatment and supports for daily living safely.

0812Potential for harm · PatternCorrected

Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies

Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.

0321Potential for harm · PatternCorrected

Smoke Deficiencies

Ensure that special areas are constructed so that walls can resist fire for one hour or have an approved fire extinguishing system.

0363Potential for harm · PatternCorrected

Smoke Deficiencies

Install corridor and hallway doors that block smoke.

0374Potential for harm · PatternCorrected

Smoke Deficiencies

Install smoke barrier doors that can resist smoke for at least 20 minutes.

0532Potential for harm · PatternCorrected

Services Deficiencies

Have a properly installed and maintained dumbwaiter or escalator.

0558Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Resident Rights Deficiencies

Reasonably accommodate the needs and preferences of each resident.

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.

0641Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies

Ensure each resident receives an accurate assessment.

0686Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

Provide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.

0690Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

Provide appropriate care for residents who are continent or incontinent of bowel/bladder, appropriate catheter care, and appropriate care to prevent urinary tract infections.

0691Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

Provide appropriate colostomy, urostomy, or ileostomy care/services for a resident who requires such services.

0693Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

Ensure that feeding tubes are not used unless there is a medical reason and the resident agrees; and provide appropriate care for a resident with a feeding tube.

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.

0880Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Infection Control Deficiencies

Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.

Jun 11, 2023Complaint
3
0656Immediate jeopardy · 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.

0689Immediate jeopardy · IsolatedCorrected

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.

0695Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

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

Ownership & Operations

Who Operates This Facility

Owner / Operator

Clifton Heights

Organization Type

for profit

Chain Affiliation

Chain Name

Journey Healthcare

Chain Size

34 facilities nationwide

Chain avg rating: 1.7/5 · Rank 15 of 19 (Worst)

Ownership & Management

Owners

Journey Cz of Ky LLC

Owner · Organization

100%

Journey Cz Ky Healthcare Holdings LLC

Owner (parent company) · Organization

100%

Key personnel

Mcguinness, BernardOfficer / DirectorKapoor, SandeepManagerMcguinness, BernardManagerSmith, RhondaManagerKapoor, SandeepAdp of the Snf
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 6 nearby facilities within 10 miles that may offer a stronger care environment. We encourage families to compare options carefully.

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