See every facility — official ratings, family reviews, no referral fees.
Nursing HomeMedicaid

Life Care Center of Kona

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

78-6957 Kamehameha III Road, Kailua Kona, HI 9674094 bedsLicensed & Active
3/5
Medicare
Inspection
Quality
Staffing
Google rating
4.2/5

based on 21 Google reviews

5
4
3
2
1

Watch Life Care Center of Kona

Get an email when new inspections, ratings, or penalties are published for this facility.

We’ll only email you about this — no spam, unsubscribe anytime.

What this means for your family

The facility has a strong reputation for effective rehabilitation therapy, making it a potential candidate for post-acute recovery. However, given the recent reports of significant understaffing and slow response times, families should conduct a site visit during off-hours to observe staff availability firsthand.

Google Reviews

Google Reviews

21 reviews on Google
Life Care Center of Kona receives high praise for its rehabilitation services, with multiple families highlighting the effectiveness of physical, occupational, and speech therapy. However, recent feedback indicates significant concerns regarding staffing levels and slow response times to patient needs, suggesting a potential decline in care quality compared to earlier years.

Quality Themes

Tap a score for details
FoodN/AStaff7.0Clean9.0ActivitiesN/AMedsN/AMemoryN/AComms5.0ValueN/A

Strengths

  • Highly skilled rehabilitation therapy team
  • Attentive and caring nursing staff
  • Clean and comfortable facility environment

Concerns

  • Understaffing leading to slow call button response times (mentioned by 2 reviewers)

Rating Trends

Tap a year to see what changed

234'14(1)'17(4)'19(1)'21(1)'23(1)'26(3)

Distribution · 23 analyzed

5
16
4
2
3
0
2
1
1
4

How They Respond to Reviews

29%response rate

This facility rarely responds to reviews.

Questions for Your Tour

  • 1Given the facility's focus on rehabilitation, how do you ensure that residents receiving therapy also stay engaged with the broader community and daily social activities?
  • 2I noticed that response times can sometimes be a challenge; what specific protocols or technology do you have in place to ensure call buttons are answered promptly during peak hours?
  • 3With a 2-star rating in health inspections, what specific steps is the leadership team currently taking to address these areas and improve the quality of care?
  • 4I see that the facility occasionally responds to feedback online; how do you incorporate family input and concerns into your ongoing operational improvements?
  • 5How does the nursing team coordinate with the rehabilitation staff to ensure that a resident's medical needs are consistently met while they are undergoing intensive therapy?
  • 6What is your protocol for managing urgent medical changes during the evening or weekend hours when fewer administrative staff are on-site?

Personalized based on this facility's data


Key Review Excerpts

The physical and occupational therapists were first rate, the nurses were attentive and the aides were over the top kind and caring.

Long-term resident's family · 2018★★★★★

He received excellent, personalized care, and the speech, physical and occupational therapists were absolutely phenomenal.

Long-term resident's family · 2018★★★★★

This facility is dangerously understaffed. My mother was admitted needing critical care... On numerous occasions, it took over an hour for anyone to respond after my mother pressed the call button.

Long-term resident's family · 2024☆☆☆☆
Source: 21 Google reviews

Staffing

Staffing Hours

per resident/day · Medicare 2026
RN Hours
1.19hrs
OK
Registered nurses for medical care
Total Nursing
3.94hrs
96%
All nurses + aides combined
Staff Turnover
36%
Lower is better (< 30% = good)
RN Turnover
25%
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

7

measures

Mixed Results

1

measures

Long-Stay Residents
💊

Residents on antipsychotic medication

↓ Lower is better
This Facility26.8%
Worse than Avg
Here
26.8%
US
15.5%
HI
11.3%
Hawaii
13.2%
🚶

Residents whose walking got worse

↓ Lower is better
This Facility11.1%
Better than Avg
Here
11.1%
US
15.3%
HI
22.0%
Hawaii
21.9%
💊

Residents on anti-anxiety or sleep medication

↓ Lower is better
This Facility8.7%
Better than Avg
Here
8.7%
US
19.5%
HI
8.6%
Hawaii
11.2%
🚿

Residents whose bladder or bowel control got worse

↓ Lower is better
This Facility24.8%
Worse than Avg
Here
24.8%
US
19.4%
HI
17.6%
Hawaii
16.8%
🛏️

Residents needing more daily help over time

↓ Lower is better
This Facility8.8%
Better than Avg
Here
8.8%
US
14.4%
HI
16.4%
Hawaii
13.1%
😔

Residents with depression symptoms

↓ Lower is better
This Facility4.5%
Mixed vs Avgs
Here
4.5%
US
12.1%
HI
1.2%
Hawaii
2.9%

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

Short-Stay Residents (Rehab / Post-Acute)
💉

Short-stay residents vaccinated for the flu

↑ Higher is better
This Facility71.8%
Worse than Avg
Here
71.8%
US
79.8%
HI
84.7%
Hawaii
92.9%
💉

Short-stay residents vaccinated for pneumonia

↑ Higher is better
This Facility95.7%
Better than Avg
Here
95.7%
US
81.8%
HI
82.8%
Hawaii
82.9%
💊

Short-stay residents newly given antipsychotics

↓ Lower is better
This Facility1.9%
Worse than Avg
Here
1.9%
US
1.6%
HI
1.0%
Hawaii
1.3%
Source: Medicare quality measures

US average from Medicare published data

Inspection History

Medicare Inspection History

3-year lookback · Medicare 2026

14deficiencies
1penalties
Above state avg (10.4)
5 complaint-triggered
$27,612 in fines

Life Care Center of Kona has concerning patterns with 51 deficiencies across three surveys, including families filing complaints that triggered additional inspections. The facility shows persistent issues with nursing staff training, medication management, and food safety that repeat across multiple years. While all deficiencies report correction dates, the recurring nature of problems in these critical care areas suggests ongoing challenges with maintaining consistent quality standards.

Sep 25, 2024Routine
12
0730Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies

Observe each nurse aide's job performance and give regular training.

0812Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies

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

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.

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.

0656Potential for harm · 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.

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.

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.

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.

0880Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Infection Control Deficiencies

Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.

0883Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Infection Control Deficiencies

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

0761Minimal · WidespreadCorrected

Miscellaneous Deficiencies

To conduct inspection, testing and maintenance of fire doors by qualified individuals.

Sep 25, 2024Complaint
3
0600Potential for harm · 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.

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.

0610Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies

Respond appropriately to all alleged violations.

Sep 21, 2023Routine
16
0689Actual 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.

0726Actual harm · IsolatedCorrected

Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies

Ensure that nurses and nurse aides have the appropriate competencies to care for every resident in a way that maximizes each resident's well being.

0812Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies

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

0867Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Administration Deficiencies

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

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.

0882Potential for harm · PatternCorrected

Infection Control Deficiencies

Designate a qualified infection preventionist to be responsible for the infection prevent and control program in the nursing home.

0580Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

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.

0640Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies

Encode each resident’s assessment data and transmit these data to the State within 7 days of assessment.

0656Potential for harm · 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.

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.

0677Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

Provide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.

0730Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies

Observe each nurse aide's job performance and give regular training.

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.

0039Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Emergency Preparedness Deficiencies

Conduct testing and exercise requirements.

0222Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Egress Deficiencies

Add doors in an exit area that do not require the use of a key from the exit side unless in case of special locking arrangements.

0923Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies

Have proper medical gas storage and administration areas.

Sep 21, 2023Complaint
2
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.

Jun 9, 2022Routine
18
0880Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Infection Control Deficiencies

Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.

0223Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Egress Deficiencies

Provide exit doors that are held open by devices that will automatically close on the activation of a fire alarm or smoke detector.

0363Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Smoke Deficiencies

Install corridor and hallway doors that block smoke.

0886Potential for harm · PatternCorrected

Infection Control Deficiencies

Perform COVID19 testing on residents and staff.

0657Potential for harm · PatternCorrected

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.

0558Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Resident Rights Deficiencies

Reasonably accommodate the needs and preferences of each resident.

0622Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Resident Rights Deficiencies

Not transfer or discharge a resident without an adequate reason; and must provide documentation and convey specific information when a resident is transferred or discharged.

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.

0661Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies

Ensure necessary information is communicated to the resident, and receiving health care provider at the time of a planned discharge.

0684Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

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

0686Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

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

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.

0745Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

Provide medically-related social services to help each resident achieve the highest possible quality of life.

0759Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Pharmacy Service Deficiencies

Ensure medication error rates are not 5 percent or greater.

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.

0923Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies

Have proper medical gas storage and administration areas.

0732Minimal · WidespreadCorrected

Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies

Post nurse staffing information every day.

0812Minimal · WidespreadCorrected

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

Fine

Sep 21, 2023

$27,612

Ownership & Operations

Who Operates This Facility

Owner / Operator

Life Care Center of Kona

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 97 of 194

Ownership & Management

Owners

Lay, Lisa

Owner

25%

Swanker, Richard

Owner

25%

Key personnel

Eder, MeredithW-2 Managing EmployeeCross, CindyOfficer / DirectorLay, LisaOfficer / DirectorPreston, ForrestOfficer / DirectorSwanker, RichardOfficer / Director
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.

Call