Appleton Area Health
30 S Behl St., Appleton, MN 56208 · Swift County · (320) 289-2422
47 certified beds, about 28 residents a day · Government - City · Medicare and Medicaid since 1982
CMS Care Compare ratings, data as of September 1, 2026 · CCN 245231 · See it on Medicare.gov · Compare with other homes
The record in brief
At its most recent standard inspection, on April 15, 2026, inspectors cited 1 health deficiency (the Minnesota average is 7.1, the national average 9.2).
None of its 13 health citations since November 2023 was rated as actual harm or immediate jeopardy.
CMS lists no fines against this home in the last three years.
Nurses and nurse aides worked 4.81 hours per resident per day, against 4.19 across Minnesota and 3.86 nationally. Registered nurses accounted for 0.84 of those hours.
34.0% of nursing staff left within the year CMS measured (Minnesota average 42.2%).
Health inspections
Federal rules call for a standard inspection at least every 15 months, plus a visit whenever a complaint is filed. Each mark below is one citation, colored by how serious inspectors rated it. How to read a citation.
Under each citation, the quoted text is the inspector's own summary from the federal statement of deficiencies (CMS form 2567), word for word apart from a privacy scrub; CMS removes residents' and staff names before it publishes the text. The full notes are on Medicare.gov.
Where its citations fall on CMS's grid
CMS rates every citation by how much harm it caused (rows) and how many residents it touched (columns). The count in each box is this home's, across all 13 health citations on file.
April 15, 2026Standard inspection · 1 citation
- D Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.
Inspectors wroteBased on observation, interview, and document review, the facility failed to ensure professional standards of practice were followed during administration of eye drops for 1 of 1 resident (R29) observed for medication administration.
January 23, 2026Complaint inspection · 3 citations
- D Develop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.
Inspectors wroteBased on interview and record review the facility failed to ensure care plan interventions were revised and implemented as needed for 1 of 3 residents (R1) who was at risk of elopement and was demonstrating consistent behavior for elopement.
- D Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
Inspectors wroteBased on observation, interview and record review the facility failed to supervise 1 of 3 residents (R1) at risk for elopement when R1 was able to leave the facility without staff knowledge despite while wearing a wander guard pendent, which was not placed according to Manufacturers Guidelines and did not alert staff.
- D Ensure each resident must receive and the facility must provide necessary behavioral health care and services.
Inspectors wroteBased on observation, interview and record review facility failed to develop mental health strategies for 1of 3 resident (R1) who experience agitation related to a desire to go home.
January 29, 2025Standard inspection · 3 citations
- F Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
Inspectors wroteBased on interview and document review the facility failed to have a current, ongoing system of surveillance to identify potential outbreaks of infectious disease, ensure transmission-based precautions (TBP) were implemented timely, perform root cause analysis with contact tracking to identify patterns of illness in staff or residents, and prohibit staff from returning to work prematurely following identified symptoms. This had the potential to affect all 33 residents in the facility. In addition, the facility failed to ensure 1 of 1 whirlpool tub was appropriately disinfected between resident use according to the manufacturer's directions. This had the potential to affect 10 of 32 residents who used the whirlpool tub.
- E Implement a program that monitors antibiotic use.
Inspectors wroteBased on interview and document review, the facility failed to implement a comprehensive antibiotic stewardship program with antibiotic Time Outs (ATO) (formal review of a patient's antibiotic therapy that occurs 48-72 hours after the initial dose), or evaluation of continued need for antibiotic treatment for 3 of 3 residents (R6, R15 and R28). This has the potential to affect any resident receiving antibiotic treatment.
- D 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.
Inspectors wroteBased on interview and document review, the facility failed to ensure 1 of 5 residents (R32) was reassessed for as needed (PRN) anti-anxiety medication (diazepam) every 14 days to ensure the appropriateness of continued use.
November 8, 2023Standard inspection · 5 citations
- F Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
Inspectors wroteBased on interview and document review, the facility failed to act on a positive tuberculosis (TB) test result for 1 of 5 staff (housekeeping (HSK)-A) tested for active TB upon hire. Furthermore, the facility failed to ensure any person or persons with a positive history of TB was added to surveillance to mitigate potential risks for spread of possible active TB. This had the potential to affect all 43 residents, other staff, and visitors.
- D Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.
Inspectors wroteBased on observation, interview and document review the facility failed to revise the comprehensive care plan with individualized communication intervention for 1 of 1 (R19) resident reviewed.
- D Try different approaches before using a bed rail. If a bed rail is needed, the facility must (1) assess a resident for safety risk; (2) review these risks and benefits with the resident/representative; (3) get informed consent; and (4) Correctly install and maintain the bed rail.
Inspectors wroteBased on observation, interview and document review, the facility failed to comprehensively assess and obtain informed consent, prior to resident use of bed rails for 1 of 1 resident (R23) reviewed for bed rail use.
- D Have the Quality Assessment and Assurance group have the required members and meet at least quarterly
Inspectors wroteBased on document review and interview, the facility failed to ensure 1 of 1 required member (infection preventionist) and/or their designee attended and documented the attendance at the quarterly Quality Assurance Performance Improvement (QAPI) meetings.
- D Develop and implement policies and procedures for flu and pneumonia vaccinations.
Inspectors wroteBased on interview and document review, the facility failed to ensure 1 of 5 residents (R23) were appropriately vaccinated against pneumonia. Furthermore, the facility failed to have a method or system to ensure the facility offer or provided any initial or updated vaccine to residents per Centers for Disease Control (CDC) vaccination recommendations.
November 1, 2023Complaint inspection · 1 citation
- D Timely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.
Inspectors wroteBased on interview and document review the facility failed to report an allegation of abuse timely to the State Agency for 1 of 1 resident (R1) reviewed for allegations of abuse.
Fire safety inspections
14 fire safety citations on file: 7 on January 29, 2025, 2 on November 8, 2023, 5 on January 26, 2023.
Every fire safety citation14 citations
- F Provide exit doors that are held open by devices that will automatically close on the activation of a fire alarm or smoke detector.
- E Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.
- E Install corridor and hallway doors that block smoke.
- E Ensure smoke barriers are constructed to a 1 hour fire resistance rating.
- D Keep aisles, corridors, and exits free of obstruction in case of emergency.
- D Have approved installation, maintenance and testing program for fire alarm systems.
- D Have proper medical gas storage and administration areas.
- D Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.
- D Have simulated fire drills held at unexpected times.
- F Have approved installation, maintenance and testing program for fire alarm systems.
- F Ensure heating and ventilation systems that have been properly installed according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- F Have simulated fire drills held at unexpected times.
- F Ensure that building systems meet requirements determined by risk assessment procedures performed by qualified personnel.
- C Have generator or other power source capable of supplying service within 10 seconds.
Fines and payment denials
CMS lists no fines or payment denials against this home in the last three years. The national average is 0.9 fines per home.
Staffing
Hours of care per resident per day, from the payroll records every home sends CMS. Higher means more staff time with each resident.
| Measure | This home | Minnesota | United States |
|---|---|---|---|
| All nursing staff (RN, LPN and aides) | 4.81 | 4.19 | 3.86 |
| Registered nurses | 0.84 | 1.06 | 0.69 |
| All nursing staff on weekends | 3.94 | 3.71 | 3.42 |
| Nurse aides | 3.07 | ||
| Licensed practical nurses | 0.90 | ||
| Nursing staff turnover (share who left in a year) | 34.0% | 42.2% | 45.8% |
| Registered nurse turnover | 50.0% | 38.6% | 42.9% |
| Administrators who left | 0 |
CMS expects 2.99 hours a day for residents as sick as this home's (its case-mix figure). The staffing star compares the two.
Staffing by quarter, from daily payroll records
Every nursing home sends CMS its staff hours for each day (the Payroll Based Journal). Here they are added up by quarter. The latest quarter is the one behind the figures above. In January to March 2026, nursing staff hours per resident were 5.16 on weekdays and 3.94 on weekends, 24% lower on weekends (nationally, weekends ran 15% lower). Contract or agency staff worked 5.2% of nursing hours, against 5.3% nationally. Total nursing hours per resident went from 5.22 in April to June 2025 to 4.81 in January to March 2026.
| Quarter | All nursing staff | Registered nurses | Weekdays | Weekends | Contract staff share | Days with no RN hours | Residents a day |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan to Mar 2026 | 4.81 | 0.84 | 5.16 | 3.94 | 5.2% | 5 of 90 | 28 |
| Oct to Dec 2025 | 5.04 | 0.96 | 5.38 | 4.18 | 5.8% | 0 of 92 | 31 |
| Jul to Sep 2025 | 4.84 | 0.55 | 5.18 | 3.97 | 0.6% | 5 of 92 | 32 |
| Apr to Jun 2025 | 5.22 | 0.82 | 5.61 | 4.25 | 1.4% | 2 of 91 | 32 |
| United States, Jan to Mar 2026 | 3.75 | 0.62 | 3.92 | 3.33 | 5.3% | 0.5% of days | |
| Minnesota, Jan to Mar 2026 | 4.19 | 1.05 | 4.38 | 3.73 | 5.2% | 0.8% of days |
Hours per resident per day: staff hours in the quarter divided by resident days (the daily census CMS derives from resident assessments). Registered nurses include the director of nursing and RNs with administrative duties; aides include nurse aides in training and medication aides, as in CMS's own staffing measure. How these are calculated.
Staff pay reports
Staff pay at this home
No staff pay figure for this home has passed review yet. A figure appears only after at least 5 reports from at least 3 different people, sent over at least 60 days, have passed review.
Official wage estimates for Minnesota
| Job | Median | Middle half | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota, all employers | |||
| CNAs (nursing assistants) | $22.44 | $19.39 to $23.72 | 29,120 |
| LPNs and LVNs | $30.65 | $28.83 to $34.26 | 12,840 |
| Registered nurses | $48.80 | $42.76 to $55.17 | 70,110 |
| United States, nursing care facilities | |||
| CNAs (nursing assistants) | $20.67 | $17.91 to $22.55 | 534,270 |
| LPNs and LVNs | $33.86 | $30.05 to $37.40 | 188,210 |
| Registered nurses | $41.11 | $37.85 to $47.68 | 142,270 |
Hourly wages; the middle half runs from the 25th to the 75th percentile. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025. BLS has no separate estimate for medication aides. These are survey estimates for whole occupations, not figures for any one home.
Quality measures
The measures CMS uses for the quality star. Lower is better for every one of them.
| Measure | This home | Minnesota | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Percentage of long-stay residents whose need for help with daily activities has increased Long Stay residents, 2025Q2-2026Q1 | 14.0 | 18.2 | 13.9 |
| Percentage of long-stay residents with a catheter inserted and left in their bladder Long Stay residents, 2025Q2-2026Q1 | 1.4 | 1.9 | 0.8 |
| Percentage of long-stay residents with a urinary tract infection Long Stay residents, 2025Q2-2026Q1 | 4.3 | 2.6 | 1.6 |
| Percentage of long-stay residents experiencing one or more falls with major injury Long Stay residents, 2025Q2-2026Q1 | 3.4 | 4.0 | 3.2 |
| Percentage of short-stay residents who newly received an antipsychotic medication Short Stay residents, 2025Q2-2026Q1 | 0.0 | 1.9 | 1.6 |
| Percentage of long-stay residents whose ability to walk independently worsened Long Stay residents, 2025Q2-2026Q1 | 20.8 | 20.5 | 14.1 |
| Percentage of long-stay residents with pressure ulcers Long Stay residents, 2025Q2-2026Q1 | 4.1 | 5.2 | 4.6 |
| Percentage of long-stay residents who received an antipsychotic medication Long Stay residents, 2025Q2-2026Q1 | 20.0 | 17.1 | 15.4 |
Owners and operators
Legal business name: APPLETON AREA HEALTH.
| Name | Role | Type | Share | Since |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| City of Appleton | 5% or greater direct ownership interest | Organization | 01/01/1966 | |
| Miner, Gregory | Corporate officer | Individual | 12/31/2021 | |
| Keller, Charles | Operational/managerial control | Individual | 01/06/2023 | |
| Miner, Gregory | Operational/managerial control | Individual | 12/31/2021 | |
| City of Appleton | Adp of the SNF | Organization | 01/01/1954 | |
| Keller, Charles | Adp of the SNF | Individual | 05/09/2025 | |
| Miner, Gregory | Adp of the SNF | Individual | 11/27/2024 |
As listed in the CMS ownership file, which names owners with a 5% or greater stake and the people and companies with operational or managerial control.
Questions to ask on a visit
Chosen from this home's own inspection record.
- What changed in infection control since the last inspection, and who on staff is the infection preventionist?Inspectors cited 4 problems in this area, most recently on January 29, 2025: "Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program."
- When is the care plan meeting, and can family attend it?Inspectors cited 3 problems in this area, most recently on April 15, 2026: "Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality."
- How do you prevent falls and pressure injuries, and how are families told when one happens?Inspectors cited 3 problems in this area, most recently on January 23, 2026: "Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents."
- How are medications reviewed, and how often are antipsychotic or sedating drugs used?Inspectors cited 1 problem in this area, most recently on January 29, 2025: "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."
Other nursing homes nearby
- Madison Healthcare Services Madison, 15.3 mi · 4 of 5 stars · 16 citations
- Johnson Memorial Hospital & Home Dawson, 18.7 mi · 3 of 5 stars · 11 citations
- Luther Haven Montevideo, 22.4 mi · 1 of 5 stars · 29 citations
- Fairway View Neighborhoods Ortonville, 22.5 mi · 2 of 5 stars · 8 citations
Minnesota contacts for a concern about a nursing home
These are the official offices in Minnesota. NursingHomeClear cannot take or act on complaints.
- Inspections and complaints: Minnesota Department of Health, Health Regulation Division, the state agency that inspects nursing homes for CMS and takes complaints about care.
- State inspection reports: MDH Nursing and Boarding Care Home Survey and Complaint Inspection Findings, where Minnesota publishes its own records on licensed homes.
Common questions
- What is Appleton Area Health's Medicare star rating?
- CMS rates Appleton Area Health 3 out of 5 stars overall, with 4 for health inspections, 1 for staffing and 4 for quality measures (CMS data as of September 1, 2026).
- How many deficiencies did Appleton Area Health get at its last inspection?
- 1 health deficiency at the standard inspection on April 15, 2026. The Minnesota average is 7.1.
- Has Appleton Area Health been fined?
- CMS lists no fines in the last three years.
- Does Appleton Area Health accept Medicaid?
- It is certified to take Medicaid (CMS lists it as "Medicare and Medicaid"). Certification does not mean a Medicaid bed is open: ask the admissions office.
- Who owns Appleton Area Health?
- CMS lists 7 owners and managers. Legal business name: APPLETON AREA HEALTH.
Sources
- Ratings, staffing and fines: CMS Provider Information, released September 30, 2026, data as of September 1, 2026.
- Citations: CMS Health Deficiencies and Fire Safety Deficiencies.
- Owners: CMS Ownership. Penalties: CMS Penalties.
- Staffing by quarter: CMS Payroll Based Journal Daily Nurse Staffing, April 2025 to March 2026, summed by NursingHomeClear.
- Inspector summaries: CMS Full Statement of Deficiencies (CMS-2567 text), data as of September 1, 2026. Each quote is the part of the statement before the detailed findings.
- Inspection reports with the inspectors' full notes are on this home's Medicare.gov page.
- Something wrong on this page? Ask for a correction. We fix errors in our copy of the data; findings themselves can only be changed by CMS and the state.
- NursingHomeClear is independent and not affiliated with CMS, Medicare or any state agency. This page reports federal records; it does not rate, recommend or endorse any home, and it is not medical or legal advice.