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Nursing HomeMedicaid

Highland Park Rehabilitation & Care Center

Strong Medicare quality ratings; families often praise welcoming and helpful front desk receptionists. Still worth an in-person visit.

500 Geneva St, Sunny Vale · Aurora, CO 80010110 bedsLicensed & Active
Source: CO CDPHE — view official record
4/5
Medicare
Inspection
Quality
Staffing
Google rating
4.0/5

based on 90 Google reviews

5
4
3
2
1
Highland Park Rehabilitation & Care Center Nursing Home in Aurora, CO — Street View
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What this means for your family

While the facility has a dedicated front desk team and effective physical therapy, the recurring reports of long call-light response times and hygiene issues are significant red flags. We strongly recommend visiting during an off-hour or weekend to observe staffing levels and response times firsthand before making a decision.

Google Reviews

Google Reviews

90 reviews analyzed
Highland Park Rehabilitation & Care Center receives highly polarized feedback, with some families praising the front desk staff and specific nursing care, while others report severe neglect and safety concerns. Frequent complaints include long response times for call lights, poor communication from management, and inconsistent hygiene standards. Families should be aware that experiences appear to vary significantly depending on the specific staff on duty.

Quality Themes

Tap a score for details
Food3.0Staff5.0Clean3.0Activities6.0Meds2.0Memory7.0Comms3.0ValueN/A

Strengths

  • Welcoming and helpful front desk receptionists
  • Effective physical therapy services
  • Compassionate care from specific nursing staff
  • Supportive environment for long-term dementia care

Concerns

  • Excessive wait times for call light responses (mentioned by 6 reviewers)
  • Inadequate hygiene and cleanliness in patient rooms (mentioned by 4 reviewers)
  • Poor communication and lack of updates from management (mentioned by 4 reviewers)
  • Understaffing leading to neglect of basic needs (mentioned by 5 reviewers)

Rating Trends

Tap a year to see what changed

234'17(2)'19(1)'21(8)'23(13)'25(7)'26(12)

Distribution

5
29
4
9
3
1
2
1
1
13

How They Respond to Reviews

48%response rate

This facility responds to some reviews.

Questions for Your Tour

  • 1I noticed the facility has a 2-star CMS staffing rating; how do you manage daily care tasks to ensure residents' needs are met promptly when the building is at full capacity?
  • 2Several families have mentioned concerns regarding call light response times; what is your current protocol for ensuring residents receive timely assistance when they need help?
  • 3Given the feedback regarding room cleanliness, could you walk me through your daily housekeeping schedule and how you ensure consistent hygiene standards in resident living areas?
  • 4Since communication is so important to us, what is your standard process for keeping family members updated on changes in a resident's health or care plan?
  • 5I appreciate that you actively respond to online feedback; how does your management team use that input to make tangible improvements to the facility's daily operations?
  • 6Could you share how your physical therapy team coordinates with nursing staff to support residents who are working on mobility or recovery goals?

Personalized based on this facility's data


Key Review Excerpts

The staff at this location is very nice, especially the receptions as you entered the building, - Teresa and weekend Receptionist Elizabeth.

Visitor · 2026★★★★★

My mother went there after her hospital stay, the physical therapy was very good. My mom didn't care for the food and staff was light, so after pushing her button she sometimes forgot why she needed someone.

Rehab patient's family · 2024★★★★

My mother has been in this dementia facility for six years. She managed to get through the pandemic without getting Covid, and has received nothing but outstanding, loving, caring, and compassionate service from the staff.

Memory care family member · 2022★★★★★
Source: 90 Google reviews

Staffing

Staffing Hours

per resident/day · Medicare 2026
RN Hours
0.65hrs
87%
Registered nurses for medical care
Total Nursing
3.41hrs
83%
All nurses + aides combined
Staff Turnover
54%
Lower is better (< 30% = good)
RN Turnover
72%
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
5/ 5
Better Than Avg

13

measures

Worse Than Avg

2

measures

Mixed Results

2

measures

Long-Stay Residents
💊

Residents on anti-anxiety or sleep medication

↓ Lower is better
This Facility4.0%
Better than Avg
Here
4.0%
US
19.5%
CO
11.3%
Arapahoe
9.2%
🚶

Residents whose walking got worse

↓ Lower is better
This Facility2.8%
Better than Avg
Here
2.8%
US
15.3%
CO
14.4%
Arapahoe
14.0%
🛏️

Residents needing more daily help over time

↓ Lower is better
This Facility3.1%
Better than Avg
Here
3.1%
US
14.4%
CO
13.8%
Arapahoe
12.9%
😔

Residents with depression symptoms

↓ Lower is better
This Facility1.7%
Better than Avg
Here
1.7%
US
12.1%
CO
8.5%
Arapahoe
8.1%
💊

Residents on antipsychotic medication

↓ Lower is better
This Facility11.4%
Better than Avg
Here
11.4%
US
15.4%
CO
20.0%
Arapahoe
15.5%
💉

Residents vaccinated for the flu

↑ Higher is better
This Facility98.0%
Better than Avg
Here
98.0%
US
95.5%
CO
94.7%
Arapahoe
94.5%
Short-Stay Residents (Rehab / Post-Acute)
💉

Short-stay residents vaccinated for the flu

↑ Higher is better
This Facility72.6%
Worse than Avg
Here
72.6%
US
79.7%
CO
75.6%
Arapahoe
76.3%
💉

Short-stay residents vaccinated for pneumonia

↑ Higher is better
This Facility82.4%
Better than Avg
Here
82.4%
US
81.8%
CO
76.3%
Arapahoe
79.7%
💊

Short-stay residents newly given antipsychotics

↓ Lower is better
This Facility2.6%
Worse than Avg
Here
2.6%
US
1.6%
CO
1.5%
Arapahoe
1.2%
Source: Medicare quality measures

US average from Medicare published data

Inspection History

Medicare Inspection History

3-year lookback · Medicare 2026

8deficiencies
1penalties
Near state avg (8.8)
9 complaint-triggered

Families have filed complaints leading to serious deficiencies including inadequate protection from abuse and neglect, with recent violations as of July 2025. Highland Park faces recurring problems with fire safety systems, nutritional care, and infection control that span multiple years and surveys. While the facility reports correcting issues when cited, the pattern of repeat violations in critical safety areas and ongoing family complaints about care quality suggest persistent operational challenges that warrant careful consideration during any visit.

Jul 28, 2025Complaint
3
0689ModerateCorrected

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

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

0580MinorCorrected

Resident Rights Deficiencies

Immediately tell the resident, the resident's doctor, and a family member of situations (injury/decline/room, etc.) that affect the resident.

0600MinorCorrected

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.

May 22, 2025Complaint
2
0800ModerateCorrected

Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies

Provide each resident with a nourishing, palatable, well-balanced diet that meets his or her daily nutritional and special dietary needs.

0610MinorCorrected

Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies

Respond appropriately to all alleged violations.

Dec 5, 2024Routine
7
0345ModerateCorrected

Smoke Deficiencies

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

0353ModerateCorrected

Smoke Deficiencies

Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.

0712ModerateCorrected

Miscellaneous Deficiencies

Have simulated fire drills held at unexpected times.

0374ModerateCorrected

Smoke Deficiencies

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

0695ModerateCorrected

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

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

0880MinorCorrected

Infection Control Deficiencies

Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.

0732MinorCorrected

Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies

Post nurse staffing information every day.

Apr 17, 2024Complaint
4
0812ModerateCorrected

Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies

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

0812ModerateCorrected

Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies

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

0925MinorCorrected

Environmental Deficiencies

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

0925MinorCorrected

Environmental Deficiencies

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

Jul 13, 2023Routine
21
0321ModerateCorrected

Smoke Deficiencies

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

0345ModerateCorrected

Smoke Deficiencies

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

0353ModerateCorrected

Smoke Deficiencies

Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.

0363ModerateCorrected

Smoke Deficiencies

Install corridor and hallway doors that block smoke.

0372ModerateCorrected

Smoke Deficiencies

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

0374ModerateCorrected

Smoke Deficiencies

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

0521ModerateCorrected

Services Deficiencies

Ensure heating and ventilation systems that have been properly installed according to the manufacturer's instructions.

0584ModerateCorrected

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.

0676ModerateCorrected

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

Ensure residents do not lose the ability to perform activities of daily living unless there is a medical reason.

0804ModerateCorrected

Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies

Ensure food and drink is palatable, attractive, and at a safe and appetizing temperature.

0813ModerateCorrected

Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies

Have a policy regarding use and storage of foods brought to residents by family and other visitors.

0880ModerateCorrected

Infection Control Deficiencies

Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.

0324MinorCorrected

Smoke Deficiencies

Provide properly protected cooking facilities.

0511MinorCorrected

Services Deficiencies

Have properly installed electrical wiring and gas equipment.

0741MinorCorrected

Miscellaneous Deficiencies

Have posted "No-smoking" signs in areas where smoking is not permitted or ashtrays provided where smoking was allowed.

0550MinorCorrected

Resident Rights Deficiencies

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

0679MinorCorrected

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

Provide activities to meet all resident's needs.

0695MinorCorrected

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

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

0744MinorCorrected

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

Provide the appropriate treatment and services to a resident who displays or is diagnosed with dementia.

0758MinorCorrected

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.

0791MinorCorrected

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

Provide or obtain dental services for each resident.

May 4, 2022Routine
3
0353ModerateCorrected

Smoke Deficiencies

Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.

0511Moderate

Services Deficiencies

Have properly installed electrical wiring and gas equipment.

0812ModerateCorrected

Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies

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

Federal Penalties

Payment Denial

Aug 2, 2023

17-day denial

State Inspection History

State Inspections

Source: CO Dept. of Public Health & Environment

6total
3deficiencies
Jul 28, 2025Complaint
N/A0000, 0580, 0600 and 1 more

A complaint survey, prompted by #CO1932100, #CO1932102, #CO1932104, #CO1932107, #CO2565214, #CO2565245, #CO2565254, Incident #1932105 and Incident #1932106 was conducted on 6/30/25 to 7/28/25. Three deficiencies were cited. Based on record review and interviews, the facility failed to ensure notification to the resident representative of a significant change in the resident’s physical, mental or psychosocial status for one (#11) of three residents reviewed for change of condition out of 20 sample residents.Specifically, the facility failed to notify Resident #11’s representative of the resident’s deteriorating wounds in a timely manner.Findings include:I. Facility policy and procedureThe Notification of Change policy, revised January 2025, was provided by the nursing home administrator (NHA) on 7/28/25 at 12:11 p.m. The policy read in pertinent part, “The facility must inform the resident, consult with the resident’s physician and/or notify the resident’s family members or legal representative when there is a change requiring such notification. Circumstances requiring notification include significant change in the resident’s physical, mental or psychosocial condition such as deterioration in health, mental or psychosocial status. This may include life .. Based on record review and interviews, the facility failed to ensure one (#6) of seven residents reviewed for abuse out of 20 sample residents were free from abuse.Specifically, the facility failed to protect Resident #6 from abuse by Resident #9.Findings include:I. Facility policy and procedureThe Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation policy, reviewed January 2025, was provided by the nursing home administrator (NHA) on 6/30/25 at 12:00 p.m. It read in pertinent part, “It is the policy of this facility to provide protections for the health, welfare and rights of each resident by developing and implementing written policies and procedures that prohibit and prevent abuse, neglect, exploitation and misappropriation of resident property.“The facility will have written procedures to assist staff in identifying the different types of abuse: mental/verbal abuse, sexual abuse, physical abuse and the deprivation by an individual of goods and services. This includes staff to resident abuse and certain resident-to resident altercations. Possible indica.. Based on record review and interviews, the facility failed to ensure supervision and monitor assistive devices to prevent accidents for one (#1) of three residents reviewed for accidents out of 20 sample residents. Resident #1 was admitted to the facility for skilled nursing care on 6/13/25 .The resident’s care plan directed staff to utilize a mechanical lift for transfers. On 6/18/25, Resident #1 was noted to have pain to her left upper extremity and bilateral lower extremities after being lowered to the floor with the use of a mechanical lift by certified nurse aide (CNA) #1. After the resident’s fall, CNA #1 and CNA #6 proceeded to assist Resident #1 into her wheelchair using the mechanical lift, prior to the resident being assessed by a registered nurse (RN) (see staff interviews below). Resident #1 was transported to the hospital on 6/18/25 where it was revealed that the resident had sustained fractures to her upper left arm (humerus) and both legs (tibia). The facility investigation after the incident revealed CNA #1 attempted to t..

Jun 26, 2025Complaint
CleanReport

No deficiencies found during this inspection.

May 22, 2025Complaint
N/A0000 & 0610

A complaint survey. prompted by #CO38919, #CO39860 and #CO39903 was conducted on 5/21/25 to 5/22/25. Two deficiencies were cited. Based on record review and interviews, the facility failed to thoroughly investigate allegations of abuse for two (#2 and #3) of eight residents out of 15 sample residents. Specifically, the facility failed to complete a thorough investigation after an allegation of physical abuse towards Resident #3 by Resident #2.Findings include:I. Facility policy and procedureThe Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation policy, revised January 2025, was provided by the nursing home administrator (NHA) on 5/21/25 at 11:30 a.m. The policy read in pertinent part, "It is the policy of this facility to provide protections for the health, welfare and rights of each resident by developing and implementing written policies and procedures that prohibit and prevent abuse, neglect and exploitation and misappropriation of property or resident property. "An immediate investigation is warranted when suspicion of abuse, neglect or exploitation, or reports of abuse, neglect or exploitation occur. Written procedures for investigations include identifying staff responsible for the investigation, exercising caution in handling evidence that could be used in a criminal investigation, investigating different types of alleged violations, identifying and interviewing all involved persons including that alleged victim, alleged perpetrator, witnesses and others who might have knowledge of the allegations, focusing the investigation on determining if abuse, neglect, exploitation and/or mistreatment has occurred, the extent and the cause, and providing complete and thorough documentation of the investigation."II. Incident of physical abuse of Resident #3 by Resident #2A. Facility investigationThe 3/10/25 facility investigation was provided by the director of nursing (DON) on 5/22/25 at 12:00 p.m. The incident report revealed Resident #2 had combative behaviors during care toward staff on 4/6/25. When Resident #2 was in the dining room, he was offered snacks by activities assistant (AA) #1 at approximately 10:30 a.m. Resident #2 started to throw items off the table and splashe..

Feb 10, 2025Follow-up
CleanReport

No deficiencies found during this inspection.

Jan 6, 2025Complaint
CleanReport

No deficiencies found during this inspection.

Jan 2, 2025Routine
N/A0000, 0345, 0353 and 2 more

Based on a record review it was determined that the facility failed to maintain the fire alarm system components and devices in accordance with the Life Safety Code Section 9.6 and NFPA 72. This was evidenced by the following:1. A current 2-year smoke detector sensitivity report was not provided.NFPA 101 19.3.4.1 to comply with section 9.6. Section 9.6.1.3, fire alarm system testing and maintenance to comply with NFPA 72. NFPA 72 14.4.5.3.4; to ensure that each smoke detector or smoke alarm is within its listed and marked sensitivity range, it shall be tested using any of the following methods:(1) Calibrated test method(2) Manufacturer' s calibrated sensitivity test instrument(3) Listed control equipment arranged for the purpose(4) Smoke detector/fire alarm control unit arrangement whereby the det.. Based on observation and staff interviews, it was determined that the facility failed to maintain fire barriers and fire doors in accordance with NFPA 101 Chapter 19,8 and 7 and NFPA 80. This was evidenced by the following:1. Inspection reports were not provided for drop-down fire doors in the kitchen (x2).NFPA 80, 5.2.14.3 All horizontal or vertical sliding and rolling fire doors shall be inspected and tested annually to check for proper operation and full closure.5.2.14.3.2 A written record shall be maintained and shall be made available to the AHJ.5.2.14.3.3 When the annual test for proper operation and full closure is conducted, rolling steel fire doors shall be drop-tested twice.5.2.14.3.4 The first test shall be to check for proper operation and full closure.5.2.14.3.5 A second test shall b.. Based on record review, it was determined that the facility failed to conduct fire drills in accordance with the Life Safety Code, Section 19.7.1.6. This was evidenced by the following:1. Fire drills were not conducted for the first shift during the first quarter and for the second shift in the third quarter.NFPA 101, 19.7.1.6 Drills shall be conducted quarterly on each shift to familiarize facility personnel (nurses, interns, maintenance engineers, and administrative staff) with the signals and emergency action required under varied conditions.This deficiency has the potential to affect occupants, who might include residents, staff, and visitors within the entire facility. Deficient items were discussed with the Administrator and Maintenance Director at the exit conference. INITIAL COMMENTS (ID Prefix Tag #K000) are informational only and a representation of the facility' s general characteristics.This survey was conducted in accordance with the Federal Register at Section 42 CFR 483.90(a).This survey was conducted on January 2, 2025 for compliance with the National Fire Protection Association, (NFPA 101) Life Safety Code (2012) Chapter 19 "Existing Health Care Occupancies."This structure is a one (1) story, Type V (111) (VA) construction. This original facility was constructed in 1972. There is no basement. The facility is licensed for 110 beds. The facility is fully protected throughout by a National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 13 Fire Sprinkler Systems. The wet-pipe system protects the main level and attic space. There is an anti-freeze loop that protects the .. Through observation during the documentation review, it was determined that the facility failed to meet the protection requirements in accordance with NFPA 101, 25, and 13. This was evidenced by the following:1. A current Semi-annual fire sprinkler inspection report was not provided.NFPA 101 4.6.12.1 Whenever or wherever any device, equipment, system, condition, arrangement, level of protection, fire-resistive construction, or any other feature is required for compliance with the provisions of this Code, such device, equipment, system, condition, arrangement, level of protection, fire-resistive construction, or other feature shall thereafter be continuously maintained. Maintenance shall be provided in accordance with applicable NFPA requirements or requirements developed as part ..

Ownership & Operations

Who Operates This Facility

Owner / Operator

Highland Park Rehabilitation & Care Center

Organization Type

for profit

Chain Affiliation

Chain Name

Sweetwater Care

Chain Size

9 facilities nationwide

Chain avg rating: 2.8/5 · Rank 3 of 9 (Best)

Ownership & Management

Owners

Sweetwater Care Resource LLC

Owner · Organization

100%

Chesley, Aaron

Owner (parent company)

48%

Chesley, Aaron

Individual is an Owner, Partner or Trustee of Any Adp of the Snf

Key personnel

Chesley, AaronManaging Control - Governing BodyGamett, JamesManaging Control - Governing BodySweetwater Care Resource LLCManagerBouzida, NabilManagerChesley, AaronManager
Source: Medicare provider data

Contact

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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.

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