Home / North Carolina / Banner Elk
Life Care Center of Banner Elk
185 Norwood Hollow Road, Banner Elk, NC 28604 · Avery County · (828) 898-5136
118 certified beds, about 66 residents a day · For profit - Corporation · Medicare and Medicaid since 1981
CMS Care Compare ratings, data as of September 1, 2026 · CCN 345203 · See it on Medicare.gov · Compare with other homes
The record in brief
At its most recent standard inspection, on August 6, 2025, inspectors cited 3 health deficiencies (the North Carolina average is 4.7, the national average 9.2).
None of its 7 health citations since May 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 3.18 hours per resident per day, against 3.85 across North Carolina and 3.86 nationally. Registered nurses accounted for 0.41 of those hours.
17.6% of nursing staff left within the year CMS measured (North Carolina average 49.0%).
CMS links it to Life Care Centers of America, an affiliated group of 194 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 7 health citations on file.
August 6, 2025Standard inspection · 3 citations
- D Provide appropriate care for residents who are continent or incontinent of bowel/bladder, appropriate catheter care, and appropriate care to prevent urinary tract infections.
Inspectors wroteBased on observations, record review, and resident and staff interviews, the facility failed to secure an indwelling urinary catheter tubing to prevent tension or trauma for 1 of 2 residents reviewed for urinary catheter (Resident #62).
- D 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.
Inspectors wroteBased on observations, record review, and resident and staff interviews, the facility failed to ensure medications were under direct observation by the administering nurse who left medications unattended at the bedside of 1 of 1 resident reviewed for medication storage (Resident #56).
- D Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
Inspectors wroteBased on observation, record review, and staff interviews, the facility failed to implement their infection control policy when Nurse Aide (NA) #2 and the Treatment Nurse did not don (put on) a gown while providing wound care to Resident #47 who required enhanced barrier precautions (EBP) due to the presence of a pressure ulcer (sore). This deficient practice occurred for 2 of 7 staff members observed for infection control practices (Treatment Nurse and NA #2).
August 21, 2024Standard inspection · 3 citations
- E Provide activities to meet all resident's needs.
Inspectors wroteBased on record reviews, facility activity calendars, and resident and staff interviews, the facility failed to ensure group activities were planned for outside of the facility to meet the needs of residents who expressed that it was important to them to attend group activities outside of the facility for 4 of 5 residents reviewed for activities (Resident #7, #22, #28, #21).
- D Honor the resident's right to organize and participate in resident/family groups in the facility.
Inspectors wroteBased on record review, and resident and staff interviews, the facility failed to provide a resolution of Resident Council grievances for 1 of 1 monthly Resident Council Meetings (June 2024). The Resident Council had reported they would like to have transportation to go on group outings.
- 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 observations, record reviews and staff interviews, the facility failed to complete bed rail assessments to determine the need for bed rails for 2 of 9 residents reviewed for accidents (Resident #3 and Resident #45). Findings Included: 1. Resident #3 was admitted to the facility 10/06/22 with diagnoses that included history of repeated falls, status post fracture of the superior rim of the left pubis (a bone of the pelvis) and dementia. The annual Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessment dated [DATE] assessed Resident #3 with short and long term memory problems. The MDS also indicated she had functional range of motion impairment on one side of her lower extremity and required substantial to maximal assistance from staff to roll from left to right. The MDS revealed bed rails were not used as a restraint. [...]
May 24, 2023Standard inspection · 1 citation
- D Provide appropriate care for a resident to maintain and/or improve range of motion (ROM), limited ROM and/or mobility, unless a decline is for a medical reason.
Inspectors wroteBased on observations, record review, and staff interviews, the facility failed to ensure a physician ordered hand splint was placed on a resident as ordered for 1 of 1 resident reviewed for limited range of motion (Resident #22).
Fire safety inspections
4 fire safety citations on file: 4 on May 24, 2023.
Every fire safety citation4 citations
- D Keep aisles, corridors, and exits free of obstruction in case of emergency.
- D Ensure smoke barriers are constructed to a 1 hour fire resistance rating.
- D Have properly installed electrical wiring and gas equipment.
- D Meet requirements for the installation and maintenance of electrical systems.
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 | North Carolina | United States |
|---|---|---|---|
| All nursing staff (RN, LPN and aides) | 3.18 | 3.85 | 3.86 |
| Registered nurses | 0.41 | 0.62 | 0.69 |
| All nursing staff on weekends | 2.96 | 3.42 | 3.42 |
| Nurse aides | 1.67 | ||
| Licensed practical nurses | 1.10 | ||
| Nursing staff turnover (share who left in a year) | 17.6% | 49.0% | 45.8% |
| Registered nurse turnover | 28.6% | 45.6% | 42.9% |
| Administrators who left | 0 |
CMS expects 3.67 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 3.27 on weekdays and 2.96 on weekends, 9% 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 3.17 in April to June 2025 to 3.18 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 | 3.18 | 0.41 | 3.27 | 2.96 | 0.0% | 0 of 90 | 66 |
| Oct to Dec 2025 | 2.97 | 0.39 | 3.06 | 2.75 | 0.0% | 0 of 92 | 68 |
| Jul to Sep 2025 | 3.04 | 0.41 | 3.17 | 2.70 | 0.0% | 0 of 92 | 67 |
| Apr to Jun 2025 | 3.17 | 0.49 | 3.36 | 2.68 | 0.0% | 0 of 91 | 66 |
| United States, Jan to Mar 2026 | 3.75 | 0.62 | 3.92 | 3.33 | 5.3% | 0.5% of days | |
| North Carolina, Jan to Mar 2026 | 3.65 | 0.53 | 3.82 | 3.25 | 8.0% | 0.7% 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 | North Carolina | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Percentage of long-stay residents whose need for help with daily activities has increased Long Stay residents, 2025Q2-2026Q1 | 11.1 | 15.6 | 13.9 |
| Percentage of long-stay residents with a catheter inserted and left in their bladder Long Stay residents, 2025Q2-2026Q1 | 0.0 | 0.7 | 0.8 |
| Percentage of long-stay residents with a urinary tract infection Long Stay residents, 2025Q2-2026Q1 | 0.5 | 2.3 | 1.6 |
| Percentage of long-stay residents experiencing one or more falls with major injury Long Stay residents, 2025Q2-2026Q1 | 8.6 | 3.5 | 3.2 |
| Percentage of short-stay residents who newly received an antipsychotic medication Short Stay residents, 2025Q2-2026Q1 | 1.4 | 1.4 | 1.6 |
| Percentage of long-stay residents whose ability to walk independently worsened Long Stay residents, 2025Q2-2026Q1 | 2.3 | 18.3 | 14.1 |
| Percentage of long-stay residents with pressure ulcers Long Stay residents, 2025Q2-2026Q1 | 2.1 | 5.5 | 4.6 |
| Percentage of long-stay residents who received an antipsychotic medication Long Stay residents, 2025Q2-2026Q1 | 28.6 | 14.0 | 15.4 |
| Percentage of short-stay residents who were rehospitalized after a nursing home admission Short Stay residents, 20250101-20251231 | 24.9 | 22.9 | 23.8 |
| Percentage of short-stay residents who had an outpatient emergency department visit Short Stay residents, 20250101-20251231 | 13.2 | 12.9 | 12.0 |
| Number of hospitalizations per 1000 long-stay resident days Long Stay residents, 20250101-20251231 | 1.9 | 1.8 | 1.9 |
| Number of outpatient emergency department visits per 1000 long-stay resident days Long Stay residents, 20250101-20251231 | 2.1 | 1.8 | 1.8 |
Owners and operators
Legal business name: BANNER ELK OPERATIONS LLC. CMS links this home to Life Care Centers of America, a group of 194 nursing homes averaging 3.4 stars overall.
| Name | Role | Type | Share | Since |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Developers Investment Company Inc | Direct ownership interest | Organization | 08/24/2015 | |
| Preston, Forrest | Indirect ownership interest | Individual | 08/24/2015 | |
| Kilpatrick, Lynn | Managing control - governing body | Individual | 12/18/2013 | |
| Laws, Brandy | Managing control - governing body | Individual | 01/20/2025 | |
| Solomon, Jennifer | Managing control - governing body | Individual | 05/01/2019 | |
| Cross, Cindy | Corporate officer | Individual | 09/30/2015 | |
| Henry, Terry | Corporate officer | Individual | 09/30/2015 | |
| Lay, Lisa | Corporate officer | Individual | 02/09/2018 | |
| Swanker, Richard | Corporate officer | Individual | 09/30/2015 | |
| Thurmond, Joan | Corporate officer | Individual | 09/30/2015 | |
| Developers Investment Company Inc | Operational/managerial control | Organization | 08/24/2015 | |
| Life Care Centers of America, Inc. | Operational/managerial control | Organization | 09/30/2015 | |
| Barker, Joseph | Operational/managerial control | Individual | 09/01/2022 | |
| Fletcher, Todd | Operational/managerial control | Individual | 12/13/2024 | |
| Kilpatrick, Lynn | Operational/managerial control | Individual | 12/18/2013 | |
| Laws, Brandy | Operational/managerial control | Individual | 01/20/2025 | |
| Preston, Aubrey | Operational/managerial control | Individual | 12/13/2024 | |
| Solomon, Jennifer | Operational/managerial control | Individual | 05/01/2019 | |
| Ziegler, James | Operational/managerial control | Individual | 12/13/2024 | |
| Life Care Centers of America, Inc. | Adp of the SNF | Organization | 03/10/2025 | |
| Barker, Joseph | Adp of the SNF | Individual | 03/10/2025 | |
| Kilpatrick, Lynn | Adp of the SNF | Individual | 03/10/2025 | |
| Preston, Forrest | Adp of the SNF | Individual | 08/31/2000 |
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 you prevent falls and pressure injuries, and how are families told when one happens?Inspectors cited 4 problems in this area, most recently on August 6, 2025: "Provide appropriate care for residents who are continent or incontinent of bowel/bladder, appropriate catheter care, and appropriate care to prevent urinary tract infections."
- How are medications reviewed, and how often are antipsychotic or sedating drugs used?Inspectors cited 1 problem in this area, most recently on August 6, 2025: "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."
- What changed in infection control since the last inspection, and who on staff is the infection preventionist?Inspectors cited 1 problem in this area, most recently on August 6, 2025: "Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program."
- How do residents and families raise a complaint or grievance, and how fast is it answered?Inspectors cited 1 problem in this area, most recently on August 21, 2024: "Honor the resident's right to organize and participate in resident/family groups in the facility."
- Who is on the floor on Saturday and Sunday, and how many residents does each aide care for?Weekend nurse staffing here was 2.96 hours per resident per day, below the North Carolina average of 3.42.
Other nursing homes nearby
- The Foley Center at Chestnut Ridge Blowing Rock, 10.7 mi · 2 of 5 stars · 20 citations
- The Waters of Roan Highlands,llc Roan Mountain, 10.8 mi · 5 of 5 stars · 0 citations
- Glenbridge Health and Rehabilitation Boone, 12.7 mi · 1 of 5 stars · 41 citations
- The Greens at Spruce Pines Spruce Pine, 20.6 mi · 3 of 5 stars · 12 citations
- Lenoir Health and Rehabilitation Center Lenoir, 21.9 mi · 1 of 5 stars · 35 citations
- Hibriten Mountain Nursing and Rehabilitation Lenoir, 22.8 mi · 1 of 5 stars · 46 citations
- Mountain City Care & Rehabilitation Center Mountain City, 24.4 mi · 5 of 5 stars · 6 citations
- Signature Healthcare of Elizabethton Rehab & Welln Elizabethton, 24.5 mi · 5 of 5 stars · 2 citations
North Carolina contacts for a concern about a nursing home
These are the official offices in North Carolina. NursingHomeClear cannot take or act on complaints.
- Inspections and complaints: NC Division of Health Service Regulation, Nursing Home Licensure and Certification Section, the state agency that inspects nursing homes for CMS and takes complaints about care.
- Resident advocate: North Carolina Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program. The long-term care ombudsman is a free, confidential advocate for residents and families, set up under the federal Older Americans Act.
- State inspection reports: NC DHSR Regulated Facilities search (Statements of Deficiencies), where North Carolina publishes its own records on licensed homes.
Common questions
- What is Life Care Center of Banner Elk's Medicare star rating?
- CMS rates Life Care Center of Banner Elk 4 out of 5 stars overall, with 4 for health inspections, 3 for staffing and 3 for quality measures (CMS data as of September 1, 2026).
- How many deficiencies did Life Care Center of Banner Elk get at its last inspection?
- 3 health deficiencies at the standard inspection on August 6, 2025. The North Carolina average is 4.7.
- Has Life Care Center of Banner Elk been fined?
- CMS lists no fines in the last three years.
- Does Life Care Center of Banner Elk 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 Life Care Center of Banner Elk?
- CMS lists 23 owners and managers, and links the home to Life Care Centers of America. Legal business name: BANNER ELK OPERATIONS 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.