Brookestone Gardens
2615 West 11th Street, Kearney, NE 68845 · Buffalo County · (308) 236-0211
54 certified beds, about 52 residents a day · Non profit - Corporation · Medicare and Medicaid since 2019
CMS Care Compare ratings, data as of September 1, 2026 · CCN 285305 · See it on Medicare.gov · Compare with other homes
The record in brief
At its most recent standard inspection, on December 16, 2025, inspectors cited 6 health deficiencies (the Nebraska average is 7.4, the national average 9.2).
None of its 9 health citations since October 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 4.79 hours per resident per day, against 3.98 across Nebraska and 3.86 nationally. Registered nurses accounted for 0.98 of those hours.
35.2% of nursing staff left within the year CMS measured (Nebraska average 48.7%).
CMS links it to Vetter Senior Living, an affiliated group of 22 nursing homes.
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 9 health citations on file.
December 16, 2025Standard inspection · 6 citations
- F Post nurse staffing information every day.
Inspectors wroteBased on observation, record review and interview; the facility failed to ensure the daily posting of nursing hours included the required information. This had the potential to affect all residents. The facility census was 50.
- E Create and put into place a plan for meeting the resident's most immediate needs within 48 hours of being admitted
Inspectors wroteLicensure Reference Number 175 NAC 12-006.09(F)(i)Based on record review and interview the facility failed to review the required baseline care plan (a written plan required to be developed within 24 hours of admission detailing the instructions needed to provide initial effective and person-centered quality care for a resident) with the resident/resident representative and failed to offer a copy of the summary of the baseline care plan to the resident/resident representative prior to the completion of the comprehensive care plan (a detailed written interdisciplinary comprehensive plan to meet the resident's needs that are identified in the resident's comprehensive assessment covering all of a resident's medical, emotional, and lifestyle health needs) for 6 of 6 residents reviewed (Residents 5, 17, 3, 55, 7, and 40). The facility census was 50.
- E Ensure that the resident and his/her doctor meet face-to-face at all required visits.
Inspectors wroteBased on record reviews and interviews, the facility failed to ensure that all residents were seen by a physician on their initial 30 day visit and at least on every alternate visit as required. This affected 3 (Residents 5, 2, and 7) of 3 sampled residents. The facility census was 50.
- E Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
Inspectors wroteLicensure Reference Number 175NAC 12-006.18(B) Based on record reviews, observations and interviews, the facility failed to clean and disinfect reusable resident medical equipment between resident use for 4 (Resident 4, Resident 24, Resident 34, and Resident 38) of 14 residents sampled. The facility census was 50.
- D Prevent the use of unnecessary psychotropic medications or use medications that may restrain a resident's ability to function.
Inspectors wroteLicensure Reference Number 12-006.05(G)Based on record review and interview, the facility failed to ensure that a PRN (as needed) psychotropic medication had a rationale for use for one of one (Resident 3) sampled resident. The facility census was 50.
- D Provide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.
Inspectors wroteLicensure Reference Number 175 NAC 12-006.09(H)(iii)(2)Based on observation, record review, and interview the facility failed to monitor resident pressure ulcers (A localized wound of the skin and/or underlying tissue, usually over a bony area. A bedsore.) as required for 1 of 1 residents reviewed (Resident 9). This prevented the evaluation of the wound condition progress. The facility census was 50.
October 31, 2024Standard inspection · 3 citations
- D Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
Inspectors wroteBased on interviews, observation, and record reviews, the facility failed to follow policy and procedures for constipation management and prevention. This affected 1 of 2 residents sampled (Resident 31). The stated facility census was 53. Record review of the facility Bowel and Bladder Management Standard updated on 04/18/2024 defined constipation as difficulty in passing stools or incomplete or infrequent passage of hard stool. The standard states that the care plan should contain the appropriate interventions based upon the interventions for potential risks. Record Review of the Elimination Protocol dated 6/2024 gave specific nursing instructions to review the elimination records of residents and interventions for bowel management and documentation. -Small bowel movements did not count towards the daily elimination. -Day 2; After 48-hour period without a bowel movement (BM); [...]
- D Provide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist.
Inspectors wroteLicensure Reference Number 175NAC 12-006.09(H)(vi)(3)(d) Based on observation, record review, and interviews, the facility failed to follow the manufacturer's instructions for insulin administration for 1 of 2 residents observed (Resident 24) to prevent the potential for hypoglycemic reaction. The facility census was 53.
- D Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
Inspectors wroteLicensure Reference Number 175NAC 1-005.06 Licensure Reference Number 175NAC 12-006.18 Based on observation, interview, and record review; the facility failed to ensure that oxygen administration supplies were monitored and replaced for 1 of 1 residents observed (Resident 41) to prevent the potential for respiratory infection. The facility census was 53.
October 17, 2023Standard inspection · 0 citations
Fire safety inspections
9 fire safety citations on file: 2 on December 16, 2025, 5 on October 31, 2024, 2 on October 17, 2023.
Every fire safety citation9 citations
- F Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.
- F Install corridor and hallway doors that block smoke.
- F Implement emergency and standby power systems.
- F Have generator or other power source capable of supplying service within 10 seconds.
- F Ensure that testing and maintenance of electrical equipment is performed.
- E Ensure that special areas are constructed so that walls can resist fire for one hour or have an approved fire extinguishing system.
- E Have proper medical gas storage and administration areas.
- F To conduct inspection, testing and maintenance of fire doors by qualified individuals.
- F Have proper medical gas storage and administration areas.
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 | Nebraska | United States |
|---|---|---|---|
| All nursing staff (RN, LPN and aides) | 4.79 | 3.98 | 3.86 |
| Registered nurses | 0.98 | 0.67 | 0.69 |
| All nursing staff on weekends | 4.03 | 3.48 | 3.42 |
| Nurse aides | 3.29 | ||
| Licensed practical nurses | 0.51 | ||
| Nursing staff turnover (share who left in a year) | 35.2% | 48.7% | 45.8% |
| Registered nurse turnover | 23.1% | 44.1% | 42.9% |
| Administrators who left | 0 |
CMS expects 3.58 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 5.10 on weekdays and 4.03 on weekends, 21% lower on weekends (nationally, weekends ran 15% lower). Contract or agency staff worked 0.0% of nursing hours, against 5.3% nationally. Total nursing hours per resident went from 4.85 in April to June 2025 to 4.79 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 | 4.79 | 0.98 | 5.10 | 4.03 | 0.0% | 0 of 90 | 52 |
| Oct to Dec 2025 | 4.98 | 1.20 | 5.26 | 4.25 | 0.0% | 0 of 92 | 51 |
| Jul to Sep 2025 | 4.99 | 1.25 | 5.35 | 4.05 | 0.0% | 0 of 92 | 50 |
| Apr to Jun 2025 | 4.85 | 1.15 | 5.19 | 4.01 | 0.0% | 0 of 91 | 52 |
| United States, Jan to Mar 2026 | 3.75 | 0.62 | 3.92 | 3.33 | 5.3% | 0.5% of days | |
| Nebraska, Jan to Mar 2026 | 4.01 | 0.66 | 4.21 | 3.53 | 7.1% | 1.6% 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.
Quality measures
The measures CMS uses for the quality star. Lower is better for every one of them.
| Measure | This home | Nebraska | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Percentage of long-stay residents whose need for help with daily activities has increased Long Stay residents, 2025Q2-2026Q1 | 12.9 | 19.0 | 13.9 |
| Percentage of long-stay residents with a catheter inserted and left in their bladder Long Stay residents, 2025Q2-2026Q1 | 0.0 | 1.4 | 0.8 |
| Percentage of long-stay residents with a urinary tract infection Long Stay residents, 2025Q2-2026Q1 | 3.5 | 2.8 | 1.6 |
| Percentage of long-stay residents experiencing one or more falls with major injury Long Stay residents, 2025Q2-2026Q1 | 5.1 | 4.5 | 3.2 |
| Percentage of short-stay residents who newly received an antipsychotic medication Short Stay residents, 2025Q2-2026Q1 | 0.0 | 2.0 | 1.6 |
| Percentage of long-stay residents whose ability to walk independently worsened Long Stay residents, 2025Q2-2026Q1 | 21.2 | 18.2 | 14.1 |
| Percentage of long-stay residents with pressure ulcers Long Stay residents, 2025Q2-2026Q1 | 1.8 | 4.0 | 4.6 |
| Percentage of long-stay residents who received an antipsychotic medication Long Stay residents, 2025Q2-2026Q1 | 4.5 | 20.7 | 15.4 |
| Percentage of short-stay residents who were rehospitalized after a nursing home admission Short Stay residents, 20250101-20251231 | 10.1 | 20.7 | 23.8 |
| Percentage of short-stay residents who had an outpatient emergency department visit Short Stay residents, 20250101-20251231 | 2.6 | 11.4 | 12.0 |
| Number of hospitalizations per 1000 long-stay resident days Long Stay residents, 20250101-20251231 | 0.7 | 1.8 | 1.9 |
| Number of outpatient emergency department visits per 1000 long-stay resident days Long Stay residents, 20250101-20251231 | 0.3 | 1.9 | 1.8 |
Owners and operators
Legal business name: VSL KEARNEY LLC. CMS links this home to Vetter Senior Living, a group of 22 nursing homes averaging 4.3 stars overall.
| Name | Role | Type | Share | Since |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vetter Senior Living | 5% or greater direct ownership interest | Organization | 100% | 12/23/2016 |
| Ghosh, Anirban | Contracted managing employee | Individual | 03/18/2022 | |
| Honas, Katelyn | Contracted managing employee | Individual | 07/01/2019 | |
| Stuhr, Brian | Contracted managing employee | Individual | 07/01/2017 | |
| Vanekeren, Glenn | Contracted managing employee | Individual | 07/01/2017 | |
| Vetter, Eldora | Contracted managing employee | Individual | 07/01/2017 | |
| Vetter, Jack | Contracted managing employee | Individual | 07/01/2017 | |
| Stuhr, Brian | Corporate officer | Individual | 06/15/2017 | |
| Vanekeren, Glenn | Corporate officer | Individual | 06/15/2017 | |
| Vetter, Eldora | Corporate officer | Individual | 06/15/2017 | |
| Vetter, Jack | Corporate officer | Individual | 06/15/2017 | |
| Vetter Senior Living | Operational/managerial control | Organization | 12/23/2016 | |
| Vsl Vetter Health Services LLC | Operational/managerial control | Organization | 07/01/2017 | |
| Ghosh, Anirban | Operational/managerial control | Individual | 03/18/2022 | |
| Honas, Katelyn | Operational/managerial control | Individual | 07/01/2019 | |
| Stuhr, Brian | Operational/managerial control | Individual | 07/01/2017 | |
| Vanekeren, Glenn | Operational/managerial control | Individual | 07/01/2017 | |
| Vetter, Eldora | Operational/managerial control | Individual | 07/01/2017 | |
| Vetter, Jack | Operational/managerial control | Individual | 07/01/2017 |
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.
- How many nurses and aides work each shift, nights and weekends included?Inspectors cited 2 problems in this area, most recently on December 16, 2025: "Post nurse staffing information every day."
- What changed in infection control since the last inspection, and who on staff is the infection preventionist?Inspectors cited 2 problems in this area, most recently on December 16, 2025: "Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program."
- How do you prevent falls and pressure injuries, and how are families told when one happens?Inspectors cited 2 problems in this area, most recently on December 16, 2025: "Provide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing."
- When is the care plan meeting, and can family attend it?Inspectors cited 1 problem in this area, most recently on December 16, 2025: "Create and put into place a plan for meeting the resident's most immediate needs within 48 hours of being admitted"
Other nursing homes nearby
- Mt Carmel Home - Keens Memorial Kearney, 1.7 mi · 4 of 5 stars · 5 citations
- Mother Hull Home Kearney, 2.2 mi · 2 of 5 stars · 17 citations
- Good Samaritan Society - St. John's Kearney, 2.5 mi · 2 of 5 stars · 30 citations
- Good Samaritan Society - St. Luke's Village Kearney, 3.7 mi · 1 of 5 stars · 28 citations
- Bethany Home, Inc Minden, 15.6 mi · 2 of 5 stars · 19 citations
- Holdrege Memorial Homes, Inc Holdrege, 20.9 mi · 2 of 5 stars · 14 citations
- Christian Homes Health Care Center Holdrege, 22.9 mi · 1 of 5 stars · 25 citations
- Accura Healthcare of Kenesaw Kenesaw, 24.5 mi · 1 of 5 stars · 30 citations
Nebraska contacts for a concern about a nursing home
These are the official offices in Nebraska. NursingHomeClear cannot take or act on complaints.
- Inspections and complaints: Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, Licensure Unit, Long Term Care Facilities, the state agency that inspects nursing homes for CMS and takes complaints about care.
- Resident advocate: Nebraska Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, (800) 942-7830. The long-term care ombudsman is a free, confidential advocate for residents and families, set up under the federal Older Americans Act.
Common questions
- What is Brookestone Gardens's Medicare star rating?
- CMS rates Brookestone Gardens 5 out of 5 stars overall, with 3 for health inspections, 5 for staffing and 5 for quality measures (CMS data as of September 1, 2026).
- How many deficiencies did Brookestone Gardens get at its last inspection?
- 6 health deficiencies at the standard inspection on December 16, 2025. The Nebraska average is 7.4.
- Has Brookestone Gardens been fined?
- CMS lists no fines in the last three years.
- Does Brookestone Gardens 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 Brookestone Gardens?
- CMS lists 19 owners and managers, and links the home to Vetter Senior Living. Legal business name: VSL KEARNEY LLC.
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.