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Nursing HomeMedicaid Investigative

Hilltop at Blue River, the

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

10425 Chestnut Dr, South Kansas City · Kansas City, MO 64137160 bedsLicensed & Active
1/5
Medicare
Inspection
Quality
Staffing
Google rating
4.2/5

based on 212 Google reviews

5
4
3
2
1
Hilltop at Blue River, the Nursing Home in Kansas City, MO — Street View
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4/ 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)
  • Low staffing rating (1/5 stars)
  • Above-median deficiencies (13 vs median 10)

Bottom 25% in MO · Critically understaffed (RN) · Worst in EL DORADO NURSING AND REHABILITATION chain · $34,704 in fines

Source: Medicare data

What this means for your family

While recent reviews suggest that new management has improved the facility's atmosphere and responsiveness, the persistence of serious neglect allegations is concerning. If you consider this facility, conduct an unannounced visit during evening or weekend hours to observe staffing levels and response times personally.

Google Reviews

Google Reviews

212 reviews on Google
Hilltop at Blue River presents a polarized experience, with recent reviews highlighting significant improvements under new management, while older and some recent negative reports describe severe neglect, poor hygiene, and unresponsive staff. Families should be aware of the stark contrast between praise for the facility's physical appearance and therapy team versus alarming accounts of residents being left in soiled garments or experiencing delayed medical attention.

Quality Themes

Tap a score for details
Food5.0Staff5.0Clean5.0Activities8.0Meds3.0Memory4.0Comms6.0ValueN/A

Strengths

  • Professional and attentive rehab therapy team
  • Clean and modern physical environment
  • Welcoming and helpful front office staff
  • Visible improvements under new management

Concerns

  • Neglect regarding hygiene and toileting (soiled garments/bedding) (mentioned by 7 reviewers)
  • Slow or non-existent response to nurse call lights (mentioned by 5 reviewers)
  • Unprofessional or rude staff behavior (mentioned by 6 reviewers)
  • Poor communication regarding medical status or discharge (mentioned by 4 reviewers)

Rating Trends

Tap a year to see what changed

2344.4'19(8)2.53.9'21(28)2.84.5'23(51)4.64.5'25(72)4.2'26(17)

Distribution · 210 analyzed

5
152
4
20
3
3
2
2
1
33
15 reviews posted between Jun 3, 2025Jun 4, 2025 · 14 were 5-star

How They Respond to Reviews

0%response rate

Questions for Your Tour

  • 1It is wonderful to see how much the facility has improved under the new management; what specific changes have you implemented recently to ensure consistent care?
  • 2How do you ensure that nurse call lights are responded to promptly, especially during busy shift changes?
  • 3What specific protocols are in place to ensure residents are kept clean, dry, and comfortable throughout the day?
  • 4Can you tell me more about your medication management process and how you ensure accuracy for every resident?
  • 5How does the nursing team communicate important updates regarding a resident's medical status or changes in their health to family members?
  • 6What kind of daily activities or social programs are available to keep residents engaged and active?

Personalized based on this facility's data


Key Review Excerpts

The nursing staff have been kind, attentive, and respectful towards my client, and the social work team is always quick to res

Memory care family member · 2026★★★★★

My mom stayed at Hilltop at Blue River for several months after her surgery, and I can’t say enough about the care she received. From the nurses to the therapy team, everyone treated her like family.

Long-term resident's family · 2025★★★★★

This place is a house of horrors. The first contact at the 'gate', large woman with glasses, is rude and obnoxious. Majority of staff operates just one click off her attitude and demeanor.

Long-term resident's family · 2023☆☆☆☆
Source: 212 Google reviews

Staffing

Staffing Hours

per resident/day · Medicare 2026
RN Hours
0.26hrs
34%
Registered nurses for medical care
Total Nursing
2.65hrs
65%
All nurses + aides combined
Staff Turnover
34%
Lower is better (< 30% = good)
RN Turnover
10%
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

8

measures

Mixed Results

1

measures

Long-Stay Residents
💉

Residents vaccinated for the flu

↑ Higher is better
This Facility62.3%
Worse than Avg
Here
62.3%
US
95.5%
MO
90.9%
Jackson
97.5%
💉

Residents vaccinated for pneumonia

↑ Higher is better
This Facility70.1%
Worse than Avg
Here
70.1%
US
93.4%
MO
84.4%
Jackson
95.7%
🛏️

Residents needing more daily help over time

↓ Lower is better
This Facility7.9%
Better than Avg
Here
7.9%
US
14.4%
MO
19.1%
Jackson
15.7%
💊

Residents on antipsychotic medication

↓ Lower is better
This Facility14.2%
Better than Avg
Here
14.2%
US
15.4%
MO
23.6%
Jackson
16.5%
😔

Residents with depression symptoms

↓ Lower is better
This Facility18.5%
Worse than Avg
Here
18.5%
US
12.1%
MO
16.7%
Jackson
9.3%

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

🚿

Residents whose bladder or bowel control got worse

↓ Lower is better
This Facility26.7%
Worse than Avg
Here
26.7%
US
19.4%
MO
17.9%
Jackson
21.4%
Short-Stay Residents (Rehab / Post-Acute)
💉

Short-stay residents vaccinated for pneumonia

↑ Higher is better
This Facility27.6%
Worse than Avg
Here
27.6%
US
81.8%
MO
65.9%
Jackson
88.2%
💉

Short-stay residents vaccinated for the flu

↑ Higher is better
This Facility31.7%
Worse than Avg
Here
31.7%
US
79.7%
MO
63.5%
Jackson
86.9%
💊

Short-stay residents newly given antipsychotics

↓ Lower is better
This Facility3.7%
Worse than Avg
Here
3.7%
US
1.6%
MO
2.2%
Jackson
1.1%
Source: Medicare quality measures

US average from Medicare published data

Inspection History

Medicare Inspection History

3-year lookback · Medicare 2026

13deficiencies
1penalties
Above state avg (12.0)
12 complaint-triggered
$34,704 in fines

This facility shows concerning patterns with recurring issues in fire safety, resident rights, and medication management across multiple surveys spanning several years. Families have filed reports leading to complaint-triggered inspections revealing problems with accident prevention, medication handling, and abuse prevention policies. While the facility corrects identified deficiencies, many issues persist or reappear in subsequent inspections, suggesting ongoing compliance challenges that families should carefully consider when evaluating this facility.

Jan 2, 2026Complaint
1
0550Potential for harm · IsolatedResolved (past non-compliance)

Resident Rights Deficiencies

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

Dec 18, 2025Complaint
1
0551Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Resident Rights Deficiencies

Give the resident's representative the ability to exercise the resident's rights.

Mar 14, 2025Routine
23
0161Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Construction Deficiencies

Use approved construction type or materials.

0353Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Smoke Deficiencies

Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.

0372Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Smoke Deficiencies

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

0712Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Miscellaneous Deficiencies

Have simulated fire drills held at unexpected times.

0912Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies

Have power receptacles that are properly grounded.

0914Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies

Ensure receptacles at patient bed locations and where general anesthesia is administered, are tested after initial installation, replacement or servicing.

0920Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies

Ensure proper usage of power strips and extension cords.

0725Potential for harm · PatternCorrected

Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies

Provide enough nursing staff every day to meet the needs of every resident; and have a licensed nurse in charge on each shift.

0804Potential for harm · PatternCorrected

Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies

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

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.

0211Potential for harm · PatternCorrected

Egress Deficiencies

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

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.

0341Potential for harm · PatternCorrected

Smoke Deficiencies

Install a fire alarm system that can be heard throughout the facility.

0351Potential for harm · PatternCorrected

Smoke Deficiencies

Install an approved automatic sprinkler system.

0352Potential for harm · PatternCorrected

Smoke Deficiencies

Properly install and monitor supervisory attachments on automatic sprinkler systems.

0741Potential for harm · PatternCorrected

Miscellaneous Deficiencies

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

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.

0625Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Resident Rights Deficiencies

Notify the resident or the resident’s representative in writing how long the nursing home will hold the resident’s bed in cases of transfer to a hospital or therapeutic leave.

0679Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

Provide activities to meet all resident's needs.

0692Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

Provide enough food/fluids to maintain a resident's health.

0695Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

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

0790Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

Provide routine and 24-hour emergency dental care for each resident.

0880Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Infection Control Deficiencies

Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.

Mar 14, 2025Complaint
1
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.

Jan 9, 2025Complaint
1
0554Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Resident Rights Deficiencies

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

Nov 8, 2024Complaint
1
0689Potential for harm · IsolatedResolved (past non-compliance)

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

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

Federal Penalties

Fine

Jul 21, 2023

$34,704

Ownership & Operations

Who Operates This Facility

Owner / Operator

Hilltop at Blue River, the

Organization Type

for profit

Chain Affiliation

Chain Name

Opco Skilled Management

Chain Size

64 facilities nationwide

Chain avg rating: 1.5/5 · Rank 4 of 6 (Worst)

Ownership & Management

Owners

El Dorado Nursing and Rehabilitation LLC

Owner · Organization

Caliber Advisors LLC

Owner (parent company) · Organization

Crestview Trust

Owner (parent company) · Organization

First Sweetzer Holdings LLC

Owner (parent company) · Organization

Hatteras Investments LLC

Owner (parent company) · Organization

Rimpau Holdings Trust

Owner (parent company) · Organization

Sasem Investments LLC

Owner (parent company) · Organization

Hagins, Elizabeth

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

Kaplan, Esther

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

Kaplan, Mordechai

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

Kaplan, Mosha

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

Sternshein, Jennifer

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

Unger, Jeffrey

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

Zimmerman, Caroline

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

Key personnel

10425 Chestnut Drive Mo, LLC5% or Greater Mortgage InterestEmerald Property Partners LLC5% or Greater Mortgage InterestGibraltar Trust5% or Greater Mortgage InterestMontgomery Sky Trust5% or Greater Mortgage InterestOzark Healthcare Realty LLC5% or Greater Mortgage Interest
Source: Medicare provider data

Contact

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References & Resources

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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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