Life Care Center of Athens
1234 Frye Street PO Box 786, Athens, TN 37371 · (423) 745-8181
For profit - Corporation · 128 certified beds
Abuse icon Medicare's Care Compare says: “This nursing home has been cited for abuse.” Medicare marks homes recently cited for harm or potential harm from abuse or neglect, and caps their health inspection rating at 2 stars.
Life Care Center of Athens has a 2-star overall rating from Medicare, out of 5. Its last standard inspection, in March 2026, found 12 citations, 1 for actual harm or immediate jeopardy (the Tennessee average is 4.4). It was fined 1 time in the last three years, $19,145 in all.
Medicare ratings
| Overall ratingStarts from the health inspection rating, then goes up or down a star for a 5-star or 1-star staffing or quality rating. | ★★★★★ 2 out of 5 stars · Below average |
| Health inspectionsFrom the two most recent standard inspections and three years of complaint inspections, compared with other homes in the same state. | ★★★★★ 1 out of 5 stars · Much below average |
| Quality measuresFrom 15 measures of how residents do, such as falls with major injury, pressure ulcers, hospital stays and getting home after a short stay. | ★★★★★ 5 out of 5 stars · Much above average |
| StaffingFrom payroll records of nurse hours per resident, adjusted for how much care residents need, and staff turnover. | ★★★★★ 4 out of 5 stars · Above average |
How to read a nursing home's star ratings
Most recent health inspection
The standard health inspection on March 28, 2026 found 12 citations. What an inspection citation means
- Protect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.March 28, 2026 · F0600 · Level of harm: Immediate jeopardy to resident health or safety · Residents affected: Few
- Administer the facility in a manner that enables it to use its resources effectively and efficiently.March 28, 2026 · F0835 · Level of harm: Minimal harm or potential for actual harm · Residents affected: Many
- Have a plan that describes the process for conducting QAPI and QAA activities.March 28, 2026 · F0865 · Level of harm: Minimal harm or potential for actual harm · Residents affected: Many
- Protect each resident from separation (from other residents, his/her room, or confinement to his/her room).March 28, 2026 · F0603 · Level of harm: Minimal harm or potential for actual harm · Residents affected: Some
- Reasonably accommodate the needs and preferences of each resident.March 28, 2026 · F0558 · Level of harm: Minimal harm or potential for actual harm · Residents affected: Few
- Respond appropriately to all alleged violations.March 28, 2026 · F0610 · Level of harm: Minimal harm or potential for actual harm · Residents affected: Few
- Provide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.March 28, 2026 · F0677 · Level of harm: Minimal harm or potential for actual harm · Residents affected: Few
- Provide appropriate foot care.March 28, 2026 · F0687 · Level of harm: Minimal harm or potential for actual harm · Residents affected: Few
- Provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.March 28, 2026 · F0695 · Level of harm: Minimal harm or potential for actual harm · Residents affected: Few
- 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.March 28, 2026 · F0761 · Level of harm: Minimal harm or potential for actual harm · Residents affected: Few
- Have a policy regarding use and storage of foods brought to residents by family and other visitors.March 28, 2026 · F0813 · Level of harm: Minimal harm or potential for actual harm · Residents affected: Few
- Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.March 28, 2026 · F0880 · Level of harm: Minimal harm or potential for actual harm · Residents affected: Few
Complaint inspections, last three years
No citations from complaint inspections in the last three years.
Fines and payment denials
- Fine of $19,145March 28, 2026
Nurse staffing
Hours of nursing care per resident per day, as the home reports them to Medicare through payroll records.
| Hours per resident per day | This home | Tennessee average | U.S. average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total nurse staffing | 3.54 | 3.80 | 3.86 |
| Registered nurses (RN) | 0.92 | 0.60 | 0.69 |
| Licensed practical nurses (LPN) | 0.59 | 1.09 | 0.86 |
| Nurse aides | 2.03 | 2.12 | 2.32 |
| Total nursing staff turnover | 29.4% | 48.9% | 45.8% |
About this home
| Ownership | For profit - Corporation |
| Certified beds | 128 |
| Average residents per day | 95.2 |
| Inside a hospital | No |
| Continuing care retirement community | No |
Nursing homes nearby
- NHC Healthcare, Athens Athens · ★★★★★ 5 out of 5 stars
- Starr Regional Health & Rehabilitation Etowah · ★★★★★ 5 out of 5 stars
- Etowah Health and Rehabilitation Etowah · ★★★★★ 1 out of 5 stars
Compare every nursing home in Athens, TN · Nursing homes in Tennessee
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Data from Medicare (CMS), updated October 2026, from Life Care Center of Athens on Medicare's Care Compare and the CMS Provider Data Catalog. ParentNextStep isn't affiliated with Medicare or CMS.