What is Heritage Estates's Medicare star rating?

CMS rates Heritage Estates 4 out of 5 stars overall, with 3 for health inspections, 5 for staffing and 4 for quality measures (CMS data as of September 1, 2026).

How many deficiencies did Heritage Estates get at its last inspection?

6 health deficiencies at the standard inspection on June 25, 2026. The Nebraska average is 7.4.

Has Heritage Estates been fined?

CMS lists no fines in the last three years.

Does Heritage Estates 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 Heritage Estates?

CMS lists 19 owners and managers, and links the home to Vetter Senior Living. Legal business name: VSL GERING LLC.

Heritage Estates: Inspections, Staffing & Ratings

The record in brief

At its most recent standard inspection, on June 25, 2026, inspectors cited 6 health deficiencies (the Nebraska average is 7.4, the national average 9.2).

None of its 13 health citations since April 2024 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 4.44 hours per resident per day, against 3.98 across Nebraska and 3.86 nationally. Registered nurses accounted for 0.89 of those hours.

51.5% 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.

204/24

101/25

404/25

606/26

Potential for minimal harm Potential for more than minimal harm Actual harm Immediate jeopardy Found on a complaint visit

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.

Severity

Isolated

Pattern

Widespread

Immediate jeopardy

Actual harm

Potential for more than minimal harm

10D

Potential for minimal harm

June 25, 2026Standard inspection · 6 citations

F

Ensure menus must meet the nutritional needs of residents, be prepared in advance, be followed, be updated, be reviewed by dietician, and meet the needs of the resident.

F803 · Nutrition and Dietary · No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespread · Corrected (the home has a date of correction) July 20, 2026

Inspectors wroteLicensure Reference Number 175 NAC 12-006.1(A)(i)Based on observation, record review, and interview the facility failed to ensure that residents were served the approved menu serving sizes. This affected 11 observed residents served food from the facility kitchen (Residents 77, 73, 19, 7, 65, 41, 92, 10, 60, 79, and 85). The facility census was 99.
E

Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.

F880 · Infection Control · No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, pattern · Corrected (the home has a date of correction) July 20, 2026

Inspectors wroteLicense Reference Number 175 NAC 12-006.18(B)(D)Based on record review and interview, the facility failed to ensure that infection control measures for hand hygiene were followed while assisting residents with eating meals and when donning (putting on) and doffing (taking off) gloves. This affected 8 residents of 8 sampled (Residents 57, 99, 16, 47, 36, 2, 22, and 55.); and the facility failed to ensure that those who had indwelling catheters had catheter bags kept off the floor. This had the potential to affect all residents in the 500 hall (Residents 22, 93, 99, 15, 24, 28, 69, 46, 90, 78, 16, 76, 82, 58, 57, and 5). The facility census was 99.
D

Ensure that residents are fully informed and understand their health status, care and treatments.

F552 · Resident Rights · No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolated · Corrected (the home has a date of correction) July 20, 2026

Inspectors wroteLicensure Reference Number 175 NAC 12-006.05(E) Based on record review and interview the facility failed to obtain complete consents for psychoactive medications for 2 of 5 residents (Residents 28 and 46), and failed to ensure that the resident power of attorney (POA; a legal document that allows a person to designate someone else to make decisions or act on their behalf regarding financial, legal, or medical matters) provided informed consent for use of psychotropic medications (any medication that affects behavior, mood, thoughts, or perception) as required for 1 of 5 residents reviewed (Resident 51). The facility census was 99.
D

Allow resident to participate in the development and implementation of his or her person-centered plan of care.

F553 · Resident Rights · No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolated · Corrected (the home has a date of correction) July 20, 2026

Inspectors wroteLicensure Reference Number 175 NAC 12-006.05(E)(F)Based on record review and interview, the facility failed to ensure that Resident Rights, which are presented to the residents and resident representatives at the time of admission, are honored and followed as written. This affected one resident of one sampled, Resident 22. The facility census was 99. Record review of the Resident Rights (federally protected rights that ensure a safe, dignified, and respectful life which guarantee freedom from abuse, the ability to make personal choices, and the right to proper medical care. Facilities must fully inform residents of these rights upon admission.) received from the Facility Administrator (FA) had a copyright date of 2017 and revealed the document is to inform you of your rights as a resident of this facility. [...]
D

Ensure each resident receives an accurate assessment.

F641 · Resident Assessment and Care Planning · No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolated · Corrected (the home has a date of correction) July 20, 2026

Inspectors wroteBased on record review and interview, the facility failed to submit accurate Minimum Data Set (MDS, a federally mandated comprehensive assessment tool used to determine a resident's functional capabilities) for the medication regimen for 1 (Resident 5) of 5 sampled residents. The facility identified a census of 99 residents.
D

Develop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.

F657 · Resident Assessment and Care Planning · No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolated · Corrected (the home has a date of correction) July 20, 2026

Inspectors wroteLicensure Reference Number 175 NAC 12-006.05 (E)Licensure Reference Number 175 NAC 12-006.09 (E)(i)Licensure Reference Number 175 NAC 12-006.09 (F)(ii) Based on record review and interview the facility failed to ensure that residents , as well as their resident representatives, were invited to the care plan meetings on a quarterly basis for 1 of 4 residents reviewed (Resident 22); and failed to revise the care plan to meet the needs of the resident when an antipsychotic was initiated for 1 resident (Resident 51) of 5 residents sampled. The facility census was 99.

April 16, 2025Standard inspection · 4 citations

F

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

F812 · Nutrition and Dietary · No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespread · Corrected (the home has a date of correction) April 30, 2025

Inspectors wroteBased on observation, interview, and review of the 2022 Food Code, the facility failed to ensure: 1) there was a trash can near the handwashing sink; 2) pots and pans were stored inverted; 3) expired food items were discarded; and 4) staff washed their hands when they entered the kitchen before they began to prepare food. These deficient practices affected all residents who received food from the kitchen.
D

Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.

F656 · Resident Assessment and Care Planning · No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolated · Corrected (the home has a date of correction) April 30, 2025

Inspectors wroteBased on observation, interview, and record review, the facility failed to implement care plan interventions to prevent the development of pressure ulcers for 1 (Resident #10) of 2 sampled residents reviewed for pressure ulcer/injury.
D

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

F686 · Quality of Life and Care · No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolated · Corrected (the home has a date of correction) April 30, 2025

Inspectors wroteBased on observation, interview, and record review, the facility failed to ensure pressure ulcer treatment interventions were implemented in an effort to prevent new or worsening pressure ulcers for 1 (Resident #10) of 2 sampled residents reviewed for pressure ulcer/injury.
D

Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.

F880 · Infection Control · No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolated · Corrected (the home has a date of correction) April 30, 2025

Inspectors wroteBased on observation, interview, and record review, the facility failed to store respiratory equipment when not in use to prevent contamination for 1 (Resident #9) of 3 sampled residents reviewed for respiratory care.

January 23, 2025Complaint inspection · 1 citation

D

Provide enough food/fluids to maintain a resident's health.

F692 · Quality of Life and Care · No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolated · found on a complaint visit · Corrected (the home has a date of correction) February 4, 2025

Inspectors wroteLicensure Reference 175 NAC 12-06.09(J)(i)(1) Based on record reviews and interviews, the facility staff failed to implement interventions to manage weight loss for 2 (Resident 1 and 2) of 3 sampled residents. The facility staff identified a census of 97.

April 18, 2024Standard inspection · 2 citations

D

Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.

F550 · Resident Rights · No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolated · Corrected (the home has a date of correction) May 3, 2024

Inspectors wroteLicensure Reference Number 172 NAC 12-006.05(21) Based on observations, interviews, record reviews, and facility policy review, the facility failed to maintain the dignity of 3 (Residents #43, #87, and #60) of 3 residents who were observed during dining. The facility failed to serve all residents who were sitting at the same table their meal at the same time before proceeding to the next table, leaving the residents to watch their tablemate's eat. The facility census was 99.
D

Provide or obtain dental services for each resident.

F791 · Quality of Life and Care · No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolated · Corrected (the home has a date of correction) May 3, 2024

Inspectors wroteLicensure Reference Number 175 NAC 12-006.14 Based on observation, interviews, record review, and facility policy review, the facility failed to provide routine dental services for 1 (Resident #71) of 1 sampled resident reviewed for dental services. The facility census was 99.

Fire safety inspections

3 fire safety citations on file: 1 on June 25, 2026, 1 on April 16, 2025, 1 on April 18, 2024.

Every fire safety citation3 citations

F
Ensure proper usage of power strips and extension cords.

K 920 · June 25, 2026 · Corrected (the home has a date of correction)
E
Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.

K 353 · April 16, 2025 · Corrected (the home has a date of correction)
F
Have properly installed electrical wiring and gas equipment.

K 511 · April 18, 2024 · Corrected (the home has a date of correction)

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)	4.44	3.98	3.86
Registered nurses	0.89	0.67	0.69
All nursing staff on weekends	3.84	3.48	3.42
Nurse aides	3.02
Licensed practical nurses	0.53
Nursing staff turnover (share who left in a year)	51.5%	48.7%	45.8%
Registered nurse turnover	19.0%	44.1%	42.9%
Administrators who left	0

CMS expects 3.34 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 4.68 on weekdays and 3.84 on weekends, 18% 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 4.54 in April to June 2025 to 4.44 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	4.44	0.89	4.68	3.84	0.0%	0 of 90	96
Oct to Dec 2025	4.48	0.89	4.68	3.95	0.0%	0 of 92	96
Jul to Sep 2025	4.57	0.91	4.82	3.94	0.0%	0 of 92	97
Apr to Jun 2025	4.54	0.81	4.77	3.98	0.0%	0 of 91	97
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	32.8	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	1.5	2.8	1.6
Percentage of long-stay residents experiencing one or more falls with major injury Long Stay residents, 2025Q2-2026Q1	3.7	4.5	3.2
Percentage of short-stay residents who newly received an antipsychotic medication Short Stay residents, 2025Q2-2026Q1	0.9	2.0	1.6
Percentage of long-stay residents whose ability to walk independently worsened Long Stay residents, 2025Q2-2026Q1	31.9	18.2	14.1
Percentage of long-stay residents with pressure ulcers Long Stay residents, 2025Q2-2026Q1	2.2	4.0	4.6
Percentage of long-stay residents who received an antipsychotic medication Long Stay residents, 2025Q2-2026Q1	16.6	20.7	15.4
Percentage of short-stay residents who were rehospitalized after a nursing home admission Short Stay residents, 20250101-20251231	18.1	20.7	23.8
Percentage of short-stay residents who had an outpatient emergency department visit Short Stay residents, 20250101-20251231	1.9	11.4	12.0
Number of hospitalizations per 1000 long-stay resident days Long Stay residents, 20250101-20251231	1.3	1.8	1.9
Number of outpatient emergency department visits per 1000 long-stay resident days Long Stay residents, 20250101-20251231	1.1	1.9	1.8

Owners and operators

Legal business name: VSL GERING 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
Longoria, Tara	Contracted managing employee	Individual		07/01/2017
Morris, Cory	Contracted managing employee	Individual		07/24/2018
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
Longoria, Tara	Operational/managerial control	Individual		07/01/2017
Morris, Cory	Operational/managerial control	Individual		07/24/2018
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 do residents and families raise a complaint or grievance, and how fast is it answered?Inspectors cited 3 problems in this area, most recently on June 25, 2026: "Ensure that residents are fully informed and understand their health status, care and treatments."
When is the care plan meeting, and can family attend it?Inspectors cited 3 problems in this area, most recently on June 25, 2026: "Ensure each resident receives an accurate assessment."
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 April 16, 2025: "Provide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing."
Can we see a week of menus and the kitchen, and how are special diets handled?Inspectors cited 2 problems in this area, most recently on June 25, 2026: "Ensure menus must meet the nutritional needs of residents, be prepared in advance, be followed, be updated, be reviewed by dietician, and meet the needs of the resident."

Other nursing homes nearby

Northfield Retirement Communities Care Center
Scottsbluff, 3.7 mi · 1 of 5 stars · 32 citations
Monument Healthcare and Nursing Center
Scottsbluff, 4.4 mi · 1 of 5 stars · 45 citations
Mitchell Care Center
Mitchell, 10.7 mi · 3 of 5 stars · 20 citations
Chimney Rock Villa
Bayard, 18.9 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 Heritage Estates's Medicare star rating?: CMS rates Heritage Estates 4 out of 5 stars overall, with 3 for health inspections, 5 for staffing and 4 for quality measures (CMS data as of September 1, 2026).
How many deficiencies did Heritage Estates get at its last inspection?: 6 health deficiencies at the standard inspection on June 25, 2026. The Nebraska average is 7.4.
Has Heritage Estates been fined?: CMS lists no fines in the last three years.
Does Heritage Estates 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 Heritage Estates?: CMS lists 19 owners and managers, and links the home to Vetter Senior Living. Legal business name: VSL GERING 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.