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Nursing HomeMedicaid

Life Care Center of Hilo

Meets baseline Medicare standards with room for improvement. A tour and talking to current residents' families is the best next step.

944 West Kawailani Street, Hilo, HI 96720252 bedsLicensed & Active
3/5
Medicare
Inspection
Quality
Staffing
Google rating
4.8/5

based on 246 Google reviews

5
4
3
2
1
Life Care Center of Hilo Nursing Home in Hilo, HI — Street View
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What this means for your family

This facility is highly regarded for its physical therapy and compassionate nursing staff, making it a strong choice for rehabilitation. However, families should be proactive regarding discharge planning and ensure they have clear communication channels with management to avoid the issues noted by some families.

Google Reviews

Google Reviews

246 reviews on Google
Life Care Center of Hilo receives overwhelmingly positive feedback for its dedicated nursing staff, effective physical therapy programs, and clean, welcoming environment. While most families express high satisfaction with the care provided, there are isolated but serious concerns regarding communication during discharge processes and occasional delays in staff responsiveness.

Quality Themes

Tap a score for details
Food7.0Staff9.0Clean9.0Activities9.0MedsN/AMemory8.0Comms7.0ValueN/A

Strengths

  • Highly effective physical and speech therapy
  • Warm, compassionate, and attentive nursing staff
  • Clean, well-maintained, and homey facility
  • Strong communication and family involvement

Concerns

  • Slow response times to call buttons or patient needs (mentioned by 2 reviewers)
  • Concerns regarding discharge planning and communication (mentioned by 2 reviewers)

Rating Trends

Tap a year to see what changed

2344.82022(51)5.02023(28)4.82024(51)4.82025(53)4.62026(34)

Distribution · 217 analyzed

5
190
4
19
3
5
2
0
1
3

How They Respond to Reviews

100%response rate

This facility actively engages with reviewer feedback.

Questions for Your Tour

  • 1I noticed your team is very active in responding to online feedback; how do you incorporate that family input into your daily care planning?
  • 2Given the facility's size, what is the current process for ensuring call buttons are answered promptly when a resident needs assistance?
  • 3Since your therapy programs are highly regarded, how do you coordinate those sessions with a resident's daily schedule to ensure they aren't missing out on social activities?
  • 4Could you walk me through your discharge planning process to help us understand how you ensure a smooth transition when a resident is ready to return home?
  • 5With 11 recent state violations noted, what specific steps has the facility taken to improve health inspection outcomes and ensure resident safety?
  • 6What does a typical day look like for residents here, and how do you encourage them to participate in the community life of the facility?

Personalized based on this facility's data


Key Review Excerpts

My mother spent 2.5 weeks there and while she missed home in Kona she absolutely loved all the nurses, staff and doctors. They were so attentive, accommodating and friendly.

Rehab patient's family · 2022★★★★★

The 3 times we had to use the call button, someone was in the room in less than 5 minutes. Definitely recommend.

Resident's family · 2026

Appreciate that they have a separate floor for patients needing a secured unit, rather than subjecting him to heavy restrictions and intrusive peers.

Memory care family member · 2026★★★★★
Source: 246 Google reviews

Staffing

Staffing Hours

per resident/day · Medicare 2026
RN Hours
0.95hrs
OK
Registered nurses for medical care
Total Nursing
3.65hrs
89%
All nurses + aides combined
Staff Turnover
31%
Lower is better (< 30% = good)
RN Turnover
24%
Lower is better (< 30% = good)

Total nursing hours are below minimum, though RN coverage is adequate. This may mean fewer aides for daily tasks like bathing and mobility.

Quality Measures

Quality Measures

Resident outcomes compared with national, state, and local averages · 17 measures

Medicare Rating
5/ 5
Better Than Avg

9

measures

Worse Than Avg

4

measures

Mixed Results

4

measures

Long-Stay Residents
💊

Residents on anti-anxiety or sleep medication

↓ Lower is better
This Facility22.6%
Worse than Avg
Here
22.6%
US
19.5%
HI
8.6%
Hawaii
8.8%
😔

Residents with depression symptoms

↓ Lower is better
This Facility0.6%
Better than Avg
Here
0.6%
US
12.1%
HI
1.2%
Hawaii
3.5%

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 Facility99.2%
Better than Avg
Here
99.2%
US
93.4%
HI
96.0%
Hawaii
96.9%
🚶

Residents whose walking got worse

↓ Lower is better
This Facility16.5%
Mixed vs Avgs
Here
16.5%
US
15.3%
HI
22.0%
Hawaii
21.0%
🚿

Residents whose bladder or bowel control got worse

↓ Lower is better
This Facility22.5%
Worse than Avg
Here
22.5%
US
19.4%
HI
17.6%
Hawaii
17.2%
💉

Residents vaccinated for the flu

↑ Higher is better
This Facility100.0%
Better than Avg
Here
100.0%
US
95.5%
HI
95.4%
Hawaii
97.1%
Short-Stay Residents (Rehab / Post-Acute)
💉

Short-stay residents vaccinated for the flu

↑ Higher is better
This Facility93.2%
Better than Avg
Here
93.2%
US
79.8%
HI
84.7%
Hawaii
88.6%
💉

Short-stay residents vaccinated for pneumonia

↑ Higher is better
This Facility88.5%
Better than Avg
Here
88.5%
US
81.8%
HI
82.8%
Hawaii
84.1%
💊

Short-stay residents newly given antipsychotics

↓ Lower is better
This Facility1.2%
Mixed vs Avgs
Here
1.2%
US
1.6%
HI
1.0%
Hawaii
1.4%
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 (10.4)
5 complaint-triggered

Life Care Center of Hilo has significant compliance concerns with 41 deficiencies across five surveys, including four complaint-triggered issues where families reported problems. The facility shows persistent problems with nursing staffing adequacy, accident prevention and safety, and medication management across multiple years. While most deficiencies report correction dates, recurring patterns in staffing and safety suggest ongoing challenges that families should carefully evaluate before considering this facility.

Apr 1, 2026Complaint
3
0697Actual harm · IsolatedCorrected

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

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

0610Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies

Respond appropriately to all alleged violations.

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.

May 1, 2025Complaint
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.

Dec 1, 2023Routine
9
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.

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.

0584Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

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.

0641Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies

Ensure each resident receives an accurate assessment.

0684Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

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

0755Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Pharmacy Service Deficiencies

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

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.

0812Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies

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

0847Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Administration Deficiencies

Inform resident or representatives choice to enter into binding arbitration agreement and right to refuse.

Dec 1, 2023Complaint
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.

Nov 18, 2022Routine
25
0679Potential for harm · PatternCorrected

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

Provide activities to meet all resident's needs.

0550Potential for harm · PatternCorrected

Resident Rights Deficiencies

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

0575Potential for harm · PatternCorrected

Resident Rights Deficiencies

Post a list of names, addresses, and telephone numbers of all pertinent State agencies and advocacy groups and a statement that the resident may file a complaint with the State Survey Agency.

0585Potential for harm · PatternCorrected

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.

0656Potential for harm · PatternCorrected

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.

0689Potential for harm · PatternCorrected

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

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

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.

0732Potential for harm · PatternCorrected

Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies

Post nurse staffing information every day.

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.

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.

0561Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Resident Rights Deficiencies

Honor the resident's right to and the facility must promote and facilitate resident self-determination through support of resident choice.

0578Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Resident Rights Deficiencies

Honor the resident's right to request, refuse, and/or discontinue treatment, to participate in or refuse to participate in experimental research, and to formulate an advance directive.

0584Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

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.

0604Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies

Ensure that each resident is free from the use of physical restraints, unless needed for medical treatment.

0607Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies

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

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.

0655Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies

Create and put into place a plan for meeting the resident's most immediate needs within 48 hours of being admitted

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.

0744Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

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

0757Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Pharmacy Service Deficiencies

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

0790Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

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

0842Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies

Safeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.

0883Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Infection Control Deficiencies

Develop and implement policies and procedures for flu and pneumonia vaccinations.

0920Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Environmental Deficiencies

Provide at least one room set aside to use as a resident dining room and for activities, that is a good size, with good lighting, air flow and furniture.

0345Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Smoke Deficiencies

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

Oct 26, 2021Routine
3
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.

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.

0557Minimal · WidespreadCorrected

Resident Rights Deficiencies

Honor the resident's right to be treated with respect and dignity and to retain and use personal possessions.

Federal Penalties

Fine

Apr 1, 2026

$13,065

Ownership & Operations

Who Operates This Facility

Owner / Operator

Life Care Center of Hilo

Organization Type

for profit

Chain Affiliation

Chain Name

Life Care Centers of America

Chain Size

194 facilities nationwide

Chain avg rating: 3.5/5 · Rank 109 of 194

Ownership & Management

Owners

Sak Jr LLC

Owner · Organization

25%

Sbk LLC

Owner · Organization

25%

Kellett, Stiles

Owner (parent company)

25%

Key personnel

Lemanua, LemapuW-2 Managing EmployeeLife Care Centers of America, INC.ManagerSak Jr LLCGeneral Partnership InterestSbk LLCGeneral Partnership Interest
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.

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