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Nursing HomeMedicaid Investigative

St John Specialty Care Center

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

500 Wittenberg Way, Mars, PA 16046150 bedsLicensed & Active
1/5
Medicare
Inspection
Quality
Staffing
Google rating
2.6/5

based on 32 Google reviews

5
4
3
2
1

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6/ 10
high Risk

Quality Concerns Identified

Medicare inspection and quality data reveal areas that families should carefully evaluate before choosing this facility.

  • Abuse citation on record
  • Low overall rating (1/5 stars)
  • Above-median deficiencies (25 vs median 8.0)
  • High staff turnover (53%)

Bottom 25% in PA · Meets national RN staffing standard · Above average staffing · $13,042 in fines · Abuse citation

Source: Medicare data

What this means for your family

While the physical and occupational therapy departments are consistently praised, the facility is currently experiencing a significant trend of negative reports regarding nursing neglect and hygiene. Families should conduct an unannounced visit to the specific unit their loved one would occupy and ask direct questions about current staffing ratios and response protocols for call lights.

Google Reviews

Google Reviews

32 reviews on Google
St. John Specialty Care Center receives highly polarized feedback, with many families reporting severe neglect, poor hygiene, and unprofessional staff behavior. While some rehab and short-term patients praise the physical therapy team and specific nursing staff, numerous long-term care families describe a facility that is understaffed, dirty, and unresponsive to basic patient needs.

Quality Themes

Tap a score for details
Food2.0Staff4.0Clean2.0Activities6.0Meds2.0Memory2.0Comms3.0Value2.0

Strengths

  • Highly skilled physical and occupational therapy teams
  • Attentive care from specific nursing staff members
  • Modernized independent and assisted living areas

Concerns

  • Chronic understaffing leading to slow response times (mentioned by 6 reviewers)
  • Poor facility hygiene and cleanliness (mentioned by 6 reviewers)
  • Unprofessional or dismissive staff attitudes (mentioned by 5 reviewers)
  • Poor quality or unappealing food (mentioned by 4 reviewers)
  • Medication management errors or delays (mentioned by 3 reviewers)

Rating Trends

Tap a year to see what changed

234'15(1)'18(6)'20(1)'22(1)'24(6)'26(3)

Distribution · 33 analyzed

5
10
4
4
3
0
2
1
1
18

How They Respond to Reviews

0%response rate

Questions for Your Tour

  • 1Given the high volume of physical and occupational therapy success stories here, how do you integrate those therapy teams into the daily routine for residents who need extra support?
  • 2I noticed some concerns regarding response times; what specific protocols or call-light systems do you have in place to ensure residents receive timely assistance throughout the day and night?
  • 3Could you walk me through your current cleaning schedule and the protocols in place to ensure high standards of hygiene in both resident rooms and common areas?
  • 4How does your team handle medication management to ensure accuracy and consistency for residents, and what is the process for notifying family if a change or error occurs?
  • 5With the dining experience being a priority for our family, could you tell me how you incorporate resident feedback into the menu planning and meal quality?
  • 6What steps are you taking to foster a supportive and professional culture among your staff to ensure that every resident feels heard and treated with dignity?

Personalized based on this facility's data


Key Review Excerpts

The Physical Therapy & Occupational therapy staff are exemplary professionals: caring, paying attention to detail & adjusting the program to suit the patient’s individual needs.

Rehab patient · 2022★★★★

The nursing staff was lazy, had horrible attitudes & ignored the patients crying for help. Most of the aids, however, were pretty caring but totally overworked.

Family member · 2024☆☆☆☆

The nursing staff was truly amazing, there wasn’t a single time her call light went unanswered, or a staff member didn’t say hello when they walked by her room.

Family member · 2023★★★★★
Source: 32 Google reviews

Staffing

Staffing Hours

per resident/day · Medicare 2026
RN Hours
1.07hrs
OK
Registered nurses for medical care
Total Nursing
3.96hrs
97%
All nurses + aides combined
Staff Turnover
57%
Lower is better (< 30% = good)
RN Turnover
34%
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
4/ 5
Better Than Avg

3

measures

Worse Than Avg

10

measures

Mixed Results

3

measures

Similar to Avg

1

measures

Long-Stay Residents
💉

Residents vaccinated for pneumonia

↑ Higher is better
This Facility39.7%
Worse than Avg
Here
39.7%
US
93.4%
PA
87.1%
Butler
92.2%
💉

Residents vaccinated for the flu

↑ Higher is better
This Facility68.4%
Worse than Avg
Here
68.4%
US
95.5%
PA
93.5%
Butler
93.3%
😔

Residents with depression symptoms

↓ Lower is better
This Facility3.1%
Better than Avg
Here
3.1%
US
12.1%
PA
8.3%
Butler
17.9%

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

💊

Residents on antipsychotic medication

↓ Lower is better
This Facility29.9%
Worse than Avg
Here
29.9%
US
15.5%
PA
17.7%
Butler
15.3%
🚿

Residents whose bladder or bowel control got worse

↓ Lower is better
This Facility28.6%
Worse than Avg
Here
28.6%
US
19.4%
PA
26.0%
Butler
23.4%
🛏️

Residents needing more daily help over time

↓ Lower is better
This Facility17.6%
Worse than Avg
Here
17.6%
US
14.4%
PA
17.5%
Butler
13.8%
Short-Stay Residents (Rehab / Post-Acute)
💉

Short-stay residents vaccinated for pneumonia

↑ Higher is better
This Facility27.0%
Worse than Avg
Here
27.0%
US
81.8%
PA
69.2%
Butler
81.6%
💉

Short-stay residents vaccinated for the flu

↑ Higher is better
This Facility27.7%
Worse than Avg
Here
27.7%
US
79.8%
PA
68.7%
Butler
78.5%
💊

Short-stay residents newly given antipsychotics

↓ Lower is better
This Facility0.7%
Better than Avg
Here
0.7%
US
1.6%
PA
1.4%
Butler
1.8%
Source: Medicare quality measures

US average from Medicare published data

Inspection History

Medicare Inspection History

3-year lookback · Medicare 2026

28deficiencies
Well above state avg (10.1)
13 complaint-triggered
$13,042 in fines

St John Specialty Care Center has significant recurring issues that raise serious concerns, with families filing multiple complaint reports resulting in 14 violations. The facility shows persistent problems with protecting residents from abuse and neglect, accident prevention and safety hazards, and care planning across multiple surveys from 2023-2024. While all deficiencies show correction dates, the pattern of repeated violations in critical safety areas suggests ongoing systemic challenges that families should carefully consider.

Feb 11, 2026Complaint
3
0600Actual harm · IsolatedCorrected

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.

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.

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.

Dec 3, 2025Complaint
1
0600Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

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.

Jan 15, 2025Complaint
1
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.

Oct 11, 2024Routine
35
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.

0100Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Construction Deficiencies

Meet other general requirements.

0690Potential for harm · PatternCorrected

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

Provide appropriate care for residents who are continent or incontinent of bowel/bladder, appropriate catheter care, and appropriate care to prevent urinary tract infections.

0849Potential for harm · PatternCorrected

Administration Deficiencies

Arrange for the provision of hospice services or assist the resident in transferring to a facility that will arrange for the provision of hospice services.

0880Potential for harm · PatternCorrected

Infection Control Deficiencies

Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.

0353Potential for harm · PatternCorrected

Smoke Deficiencies

Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.

0920Potential for harm · PatternCorrected

Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies

Ensure proper usage of power strips and extension cords.

0881Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Infection Control Deficiencies

Implement a program that monitors antibiotic use.

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.

0565Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Resident Rights Deficiencies

Honor the resident's right to organize and participate in resident/family groups in the facility.

0600Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

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.

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.

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.

0641Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies

Ensure each resident receives an accurate assessment.

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.

0676Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

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.

0684Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

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

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.

0691Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

Provide appropriate colostomy, urostomy, or ileostomy care/services for a resident who requires such services.

0742Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

Provide the appropriate treatment and services to a resident who displays or is diagnosed with mental disorder or psychosocial adjustment difficulty, or who has a history of trauma and/or post-traumatic stress disorder.

0757Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Pharmacy Service Deficiencies

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

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.

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.

0810Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies

Provide special eating equipment and utensils for residents who need them and appropriate assistance.

0942Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Resident Rights Deficiencies

Ensure that staff members are educated on resident rights and facility responsibilities to properly care for its residents.

0944Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Administration Deficiencies

Conduct mandatory training, for all staff, on the facility’s Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement Program.

0223Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

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.

0293Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Egress Deficiencies

Have properly located and lighted "Exit" signs.

0372Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Smoke Deficiencies

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

0712Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Miscellaneous Deficiencies

Have simulated fire drills held at unexpected times.

0912Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies

Have power receptacles that are properly grounded.

0324Minimal · WidespreadCorrected

Smoke Deficiencies

Provide properly protected cooking facilities.

0911Minimal · WidespreadCorrected

Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies

Meet requirements for the installation and maintenance of electrical systems.

0923Minimal · WidespreadCorrected

Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies

Have proper medical gas storage and administration areas.

Jul 9, 2024Complaint
2
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.

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.

Jun 18, 2024Complaint
6
0609Potential for harm · PatternCorrected

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 · PatternCorrected

Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies

Respond appropriately to all alleged violations.

0600Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

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.

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.

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.

Ownership & Operations

Who Operates This Facility

Owner / Operator

St John Specialty Care Center

Organization Type

nonprofit

Ownership & Management

Key personnel

Carraway, JeffreyOfficer / DirectorFenoglietto, DavidOfficer / DirectorCarraway, JeffreyOfficer / DirectorFenoglietto, DavidOfficer / DirectorRapuk, SamanthManager
Source: Medicare provider data

Contact

Get in Touch

Contact this facility directly and verify the details that matter most to your family.

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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