Hilltop at Blue River, the
Below-average Medicare ratings — review the inspection history and ask the administrator about recent corrections before visiting.
based on 212 Google reviews
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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
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 detailsStrengths
- 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
Distribution · 210 analyzed
How They Respond to Reviews
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”
“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.”
“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.”
Staffing
Staffing Hours
per resident/day · Medicare 2026Both 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
8
measures
8
measures
1
measures
Residents vaccinated for the flu
Residents vaccinated for pneumonia
Residents needing more daily help over time
Residents on antipsychotic medication
Residents with depression symptoms
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
Short-stay residents vaccinated for pneumonia
Short-stay residents vaccinated for the flu
Short-stay residents newly given antipsychotics
US average from Medicare published data
Inspection History
Medicare Inspection History
3-year lookback · Medicare 2026
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, 2026Complaint1
Resident Rights Deficiencies
Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.
Dec 18, 2025Complaint1
Resident Rights Deficiencies
Give the resident's representative the ability to exercise the resident's rights.
Mar 14, 2025Routine23
Construction Deficiencies
Use approved construction type or materials.
Smoke Deficiencies
Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.
Smoke Deficiencies
Ensure smoke barriers are constructed to a 1 hour fire resistance rating.
Miscellaneous Deficiencies
Have simulated fire drills held at unexpected times.
Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies
Have power receptacles that are properly grounded.
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.
Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies
Ensure proper usage of power strips and extension cords.
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.
Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies
Ensure food and drink is palatable, attractive, and at a safe and appetizing temperature.
Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies
Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.
Egress Deficiencies
Keep aisles, corridors, and exits free of obstruction in case of emergency.
Smoke Deficiencies
Ensure that special areas are constructed so that walls can resist fire for one hour or have an approved fire extinguishing system.
Smoke Deficiencies
Install a fire alarm system that can be heard throughout the facility.
Smoke Deficiencies
Install an approved automatic sprinkler system.
Smoke Deficiencies
Properly install and monitor supervisory attachments on automatic sprinkler systems.
Miscellaneous Deficiencies
Have posted "No-smoking" signs in areas where smoking is not permitted or ashtrays provided where smoking was allowed.
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.
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.
Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Provide activities to meet all resident's needs.
Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Provide enough food/fluids to maintain a resident's health.
Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.
Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Provide routine and 24-hour emergency dental care for each resident.
Infection Control Deficiencies
Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
Mar 14, 2025Complaint1
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, 2025Complaint1
Resident Rights Deficiencies
Allow residents to self-administer drugs if determined clinically appropriate.
Nov 8, 2024Complaint1
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
Hilltop at Blue River, the
for profit
Chain Affiliation
Opco Skilled Management
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
Contact
Get in Touch
Contact this facility directly and verify the details that matter most to your family.
References & Resources
Medicare Care Compare
Official Medicare quality ratings, inspections & staffing data
Google Maps
Photos, directions & neighborhood info
Google Reviews
212 reviews from families & visitors
Official Website
Visit hilltopblueriver.com
Medicare data downloads
Original nursing home datasets
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