Spanish Peaks Veterans Community Living Center
23500 Us Highway 160, Walsenburg, CO 81089 · Huerfano County · (719) 738-4540
120 certified beds, about 74 residents a day · Government - Hospital district · Medicaid since 1997
CMS abuse icon: cited for abuse in a recent inspection Certified for Medicaid
Overall
3 of 5
Health inspections
2 of 5
Staffing
5 of 5
Quality measures
3 of 5
CMS Care Compare ratings, data as of September 1, 2026 · CCN 06A190 · See it on Medicare.gov · Compare with other homes
The record in brief
At its most recent standard inspection, on December 5, 2024, inspectors cited 6 health deficiencies (the Colorado average is 8.7, the national average 9.2).
Of 24 health citations since August 2019, 1 was rated as actual harm or immediate jeopardy to residents.
CMS lists no fines against this home in the last three years.
Nurses and nurse aides worked 4.68 hours per resident per day, against 3.72 across Colorado and 3.86 nationally. Registered nurses accounted for 1.23 of those hours.
44.3% of nursing staff left within the year CMS measured (Colorado average 47.1%).
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.
708/19
1006/23
612/24
106/25
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 24 health citations on file.
Severity
Isolated
Pattern
Widespread
Immediate jeopardy
0J
0K
0L
Actual harm
1G
0H
0I
Potential for more than minimal harm
16D
5E
2F
Potential for minimal harm
0A
0B
0C
June 18, 2025Complaint inspection · 1 citation
- D Protect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.
Inspectors wroteBased on record review and interviews, the facility failed to ensure one (#1) of three residents reviewed for abuse out of six sample residents were kept free from abuse. Specifically, the facility failed to protect Resident #1 from physical abuse by Resident #2.
December 5, 2024Standard inspection · 6 citations
- E Protect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.
Inspectors wroteBased on record review and interviews, the facility failed to ensure three (#65, #56 and #12) of three residents reviewed out of 28 sample residents were kept free from abuse. Specifically, the facility failed to: -Prevent a resident-to-resident altercation between Resident #65 and Resident #56; and, -Protect Resident #12 from physical abuse by Resident #65.
- E 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 record review, observations and interviews, the facility failed to ensure a through safety assessment was completed and documented before the installation of side/bed rails for four (#70, #57, #63 and #38) of 10 residents out of 28 sample residents. Specifically, for Residents #70, #57, #63 and #38, the facility failed to: -Ensure the residents were thoroughly assessed prior to the installation of bed rails, to include the residents' medical diagnoses, conditions, symptoms and/or behavioral symptoms, size and weight, sleep habits, medication(s), acute medical or surgical interventions, underlying medical conditions, existence of delirium, ability to toilet self safely, communication and mobility (in and out of bed); [...]
- D Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
Inspectors wroteBased on record review and interviews, the facility failed to provide adequate supervision and an environment as free from accidents hazards as possible for two (#4 and #24) of 18 residents reviewed for accident hazards out of 28 sample residents. Specifically, the facility failed to: -Ensure scissors were not available for Resident #4 to use and prevent injury to Resident #4 when he attempted to cut his fingernails with the scissors; -Ensure essential oils were not left unsecured in Resident #4's room, who was not assessed for self-administration; and, -Ensure hydrocortisone cream was not left unsecured in Resident #24's room, who was not assessed to self-administer this medication.
- D Ensure that residents are free from significant medication errors.
Inspectors wroteBased on record review and interviews, the facility failed to ensure one (#4) of five residents out of 28 sample residents was free from significant medication errors. Specifically, the facility failed to: -Ensure insulin was not given when Resident #4's blood glucose (sugar) level was below the parameter for administration; -Ensure insulin was consistently administered for Resident #4; and, -Ensure Resident #4 had physician orders for what to do if the resident's blood glucose was too high (hyperglycemia).
- D Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.
Inspectors wroteBased on observations, record review and interviews, the facility failed to ensure food was prepared, stored, and served under safe and sanitary conditions to prevent the potential contamination of food and the spread of food-borne illness in one of two dining rooms. Specifically, the facility failed to: -Ensure hand hygiene was performed appropriately while assisting residents with meals; and, -Ensure staff did not handle ready to eat food with bare hands. I. Professional reference The Colorado Retail Food Establishment Regulations, (3/16/24), were retrieved on 12/11/24 from https://cdphe.colorado.gov/environment/food-regulations. It revealed in pertinent part, Food employees may not contact exposed, ready-to-eat food with their bare hands and shall use suitable utensils such as deli tissue, spatulas, tongs, single-use gloves, or dispensing equipment. [...]
- D Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
Inspectors wroteBased on observations and interviews, the facility failed to maintain an infection prevention and control program designed to provide a safe, sanitary and comfortable environment and to help prevent the development and transmission of communicable diseases and infections. Specifically, the facility failed to ensure appropriate hand hygiene was conducted while performing wound care.
June 29, 2023Standard inspection · 10 citations
- G Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
Inspectors wroteBased on record review, observations and interviews, the facility failed to ensure one (#4) of four residents received prompt dental services out of 21 sample residents. Resident #4 started complaining about upper and lower gum pain preventing him from wearing his dentures on 5/31/23. Through an observation and the resident interview, he grimaced and closed his eyes when trying to chew the food offered and he said he had difficulty eating at times due to his dentures not fitting properly. Due to the facility's failures to provide emergent and timely dental care and services, the resident expressed sadness, had ongoing mouth pain and had difficulty eating the meals provided to him.
- F Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.
Inspectors wroteBased on observations, record review and staff interviews, the facility failed to ensure food was stored, prepared and served under sanitary conditions in one kitchen. Specifically, the facility failed to ensure: -Appropriate hand hygiene by food service staff; -Cutting boards were free from deep scratches and stains; and, -Beard restraints were worn in kitchen areas while serving food.
- E Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
Inspectors wroteBased on observations, record review and interview, the facility failed to ensure that the resident environment remained as free of accident hazards as possible; and each resident received adequate supervision and assistance devices to prevent accidents for two (#70 and #4) of five residents reviewed for assistive devices out of 21 sample residents and residents at risk for unsafe water temperatures. Specifically, the facility failed to: -Ensure safe water temperatures; -Assess for effectiveness of bed alarm and to ensure alarm was not utilized for the convenience of staff for Resident #70; and, -Ensure Resident #4's room was free from accidents/hazards causing injuries to his lower extremities
- E Ensure that nurses and nurse aides have the appropriate competencies to care for every resident in a way that maximizes each resident's well being.
Inspectors wroteBased on record review and interviews, the facility failed to ensure licensed nurses were able to demonstrate competencies in skills and techniques necessary to care for residents' needs, as identified through the facility assessment. Specifically, the facility failed to ensure nursing staff had completed competencies in the past 12 months prior to providing skilled services as described in facility assessment for three out of three registered nurses (RN) and one out of one licensed practical nurses (LPN) reviewed for competencies.
- D Protect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.
Inspectors wroteBased on interviews and record review, the facility failed to prevent abuse for two (#70 and #126) of five residents out of 21 sample residents. Specifically, the facility failed to: -Prevent resident to resident physical abuse altercations between Resident #11 and Resident #70 on 3/3/23 and on 3/4/23; and, -Verbal abuse between Resident #126 and Resident #24.
- D Coordinate assessments with the pre-admission screening and resident review program; and referring for services as needed.
Inspectors wroteBased on interviews and record review, the facility failed to coordinate changes to the preadmission screening and resident review (PASRR) level II determination and evaluation report promptly with the State Mental Health Agency in the case of residents with serious mental illness or a related condition for two (#68 and #29) of five residents reviewed for PASRR out of 21 sampled residents. Specifically, the facility failed to: -Coordinate the re-evaluation of mental illness (MI) and symptoms for Resident #68; and, -Notify the State Mental Health Agency when recommendations could not be met for Resident #29.
- D Provide activities to meet all resident's needs.
Inspectors wroteBased on observations, record review and staff interviews, the facility failed to provide an ongoing program to support residents in their choice of activities, designed to meet the interests of and support the physical, mental, and psychosocial well-being of each resident, encouraging both independence and interaction in the community for one (#11) of four residents reviewed for activities out of 21 sample residents. Specifically, the facility failed to ensure Resident #11 was invited and encouraged to attend activities of his preference.
- D Assist a resident in gaining access to vision and hearing services.
Inspectors wroteBased on record review and interviews, the facility failed to ensure one (#68) of four residents received proper assistive devices to maintain hearing abilities out of 21 sample residents. Specifically, the facility failed to ensure a resident requiring additional audiology appointments to test for hearing aids received those promptly for Resident #68.
- D Provide the appropriate treatment and services to a resident who displays or is diagnosed with mental disorder or psychosocial adjustment difficulty, or who has a history of trauma and/or post-traumatic stress disorder.
Inspectors wroteBased on record review and interviews, the facility failed to ensure two (#68 and #29) of six residents diagnosed with mental disorder or psychosocial adjustment difficulty received appropriate treatment and services to attain the highest practicable mental and psychosocial wellbeing out of 21 sample residents. Specifically, the facility failed to: -Ensure residents expressing suicidal ideations were assessed and monitored for Resident #68; and. -Ensure residents with a major mental illness (MI) requesting services received them for Resident #29.
- 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 record review and interviews, the facility failed to ensure one (#24) of five residents reviewed for unnecessary medications of 21 sample residents was free from unnecessary drugs. Specifically, the facility increased a psychoactive medication without evidence and documentation of increased behaviors or change in demeanor or attempts of non-pharmacological interventions prior to medication increase for Residents #24.
August 6, 2019Standard inspection · 7 citations
- F Conduct and document a facility-wide assessment to determine what resources are necessary to care for residents competently during both day-to-day operations (including nights and weekends) and emergencies.
Inspectors wroteBased on record review and interview, the facility failed to conduct and document a facility-wide assessment to determine what resources were necessary to care for its residents competently during both day-to-day operations and emergencies. Specifically, the facility failed to have a comprehensive facility assessment to include: -All buildings and/or other physical structures and vehicles; and -Health information technology resources, such as systems for electronically managing patient records and electronically sharing information with other organizations.
- E 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 and interviews, the facility failed to ensure all drugs and biologicals were properly stored in two out of six medication carts. Specifically, the facility failed to: -Ensure the treatment and medication cart on Liberty lane was locked to prevent unauthorized entry; and, -Ensure the medication carts were free from loose tablets.
- D Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.
Inspectors wroteBased on observation and interviews, the facility failed to provide care and services in a manner that maintained or enhanced quality of life for one (#8) of one resident reviewed for dignity out of 39 sample residents. Specifically, the facility failed to ensure staff interacted with Resident #8 in a respectful and dignified manner.
- D Immediately tell the resident, the resident's doctor, and a family member of situations (injury/decline/room, etc.) that affect the resident.
Inspectors wroteBased on observations, record review and interviews, the facility failed to ensure for two (#27 and #37) of eight residents out of 39 sample residents had their physicians notified when the residents experienced significant changes which might require altered treatment. Specifically, the facility: -Failed to notify the provider of Resident #27's elevated blood glucose (BG) levels and multiple refusals of insulin; and, -Failed to notifiy the physician's and obtain orders for skin treatments after Resident #37 sustained a skin tear.
- D Ensure residents do not lose the ability to perform activities of daily living unless there is a medical reason.
Inspectors wroteBased on observations, record review and interviews, the facility failed to provide the services needed to maintain or improve the ability to carry out activities of daily living (ADLs) for one (#57) of one resident reviewed for ADL decline out of 39 sample residents. Specifically, the facility failed to sufficiently address Resident #57's ADL decline following a significant change of condition.
- D Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
Inspectors wroteBased on observations, record review and interviews, the facility failed to provide services in an environment that was free from hazards for one (#2) of one resident reviewed for accidents and one (#84) of three residents reviewed for dining assistance out of 39 sample residents Specifically, the facility failed to: -Ensure Resident #2 was capable of using bedside medication safely; and, -Avoid potential choking hazards for Resident #84 when providing dining assistance.
- D Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
Inspectors wroteBased on observations, staff interviews and record review, the facility failed to ensure infection control practices were established and maintained to help prevent the development and transmission of communicable diseases and infections for one (#32) of three residents reviewed for respiratory care out of 39 sample residents. Specifically, the facility failed to ensure medical equipment was clean to prevent the potential for respiratory infections.
Fire safety inspections
15 fire safety citations on file: 2 on December 5, 2024, 6 on June 29, 2023, 7 on August 6, 2019.
Every fire safety citation15 citations
- F Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.
- F Meet requirements for the use and maintenance of medical gas equipment.
- F List the names and contact information of those in the facility.
- F Implement emergency and standby power systems.
- F Install a two-hour-resistant firewall separation.
- F Provide properly protected cooking facilities.
- F Have generator or other power source capable of supplying service within 10 seconds.
- E Properly select, install, inspect, or maintain portable fire extinguishes.
- F Establish policies and procedures for medical documentation.
- E Have approved installation, maintenance and testing program for fire alarm systems.
- E Have generator or other power source capable of supplying service within 10 seconds.
- D Keep aisles, corridors, and exits free of obstruction in case of emergency.
- D Install emergency lighting that can last at least 1 1/2 hours.
- D Ensure that special areas are constructed so that walls can resist fire for one hour or have an approved fire extinguishing system.
- D Ensure proper usage of power strips and extension cords.
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 | Colorado | United States |
|---|---|---|---|
| All nursing staff (RN, LPN and aides) | 4.68 | 3.72 | 3.86 |
| Registered nurses | 1.23 | 0.82 | 0.69 |
| All nursing staff on weekends | 4.01 | 3.29 | 3.42 |
| Nurse aides | 2.90 | ||
| Licensed practical nurses | 0.56 | ||
| Nursing staff turnover (share who left in a year) | 44.3% | 47.1% | 45.8% |
| Registered nurse turnover | 41.7% | 44.6% | 42.9% |
| Administrators who left | 0 |
CMS expects 3.38 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 4.95 on weekdays and 4.01 on weekends, 19% lower on weekends (nationally, weekends ran 15% lower). Contract or agency staff worked 14.4% of nursing hours, against 5.3% nationally. Total nursing hours per resident went from 4.70 in April to June 2025 to 4.68 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 | 4.68 | 1.23 | 4.95 | 4.01 | 14.4% | 0 of 90 | 74 |
| Oct to Dec 2025 | 4.48 | 1.33 | 4.72 | 3.86 | 6.2% | 0 of 92 | 76 |
| Jul to Sep 2025 | 4.56 | 1.23 | 4.94 | 3.58 | 4.2% | 0 of 92 | 74 |
| Apr to Jun 2025 | 4.70 | 1.20 | 4.99 | 3.98 | 6.1% | 0 of 91 | 73 |
| United States, Jan to Mar 2026 | 3.75 | 0.62 | 3.92 | 3.33 | 5.3% | 0.5% of days | |
| Colorado, Jan to Mar 2026 | 3.59 | 0.76 | 3.75 | 3.18 | 5.9% | 0.2% 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 | Colorado | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Percentage of long-stay residents whose need for help with daily activities has increased Long Stay residents, 2025Q2-2026Q1 | 23.8 | 13.4 | 13.9 |
| Percentage of long-stay residents with a catheter inserted and left in their bladder Long Stay residents, 2025Q2-2026Q1 | 0.6 | 0.6 | 0.8 |
| Percentage of long-stay residents with a urinary tract infection Long Stay residents, 2025Q2-2026Q1 | 0.3 | 1.4 | 1.6 |
| Percentage of long-stay residents experiencing one or more falls with major injury Long Stay residents, 2025Q2-2026Q1 | 4.1 | 3.4 | 3.2 |
| Percentage of long-stay residents whose ability to walk independently worsened Long Stay residents, 2025Q2-2026Q1 | 19.6 | 13.3 | 14.1 |
| Percentage of long-stay residents with pressure ulcers Long Stay residents, 2025Q2-2026Q1 | 6.0 | 3.4 | 4.6 |
| Percentage of long-stay residents who received an antipsychotic medication Long Stay residents, 2025Q2-2026Q1 | 23.6 | 20.0 | 15.4 |
| Number of hospitalizations per 1000 long-stay resident days Long Stay residents, 20250101-20251231 | 1.0 | 1.4 | 1.9 |
| Number of outpatient emergency department visits per 1000 long-stay resident days Long Stay residents, 20250101-20251231 | 1.6 | 1.7 | 1.8 |
Owners and operators
Legal business name: Legal Business Name Not Available.
| Name | Role | Type | Share | Since |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ownership data not available |
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 9 problems in this area, most recently on December 5, 2024: "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."
- How are allegations of abuse or neglect reported and investigated, and who tells the family?Inspectors cited 3 problems in this area, most recently on June 18, 2025: "Protect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody."
- How are medications reviewed, and how often are antipsychotic or sedating drugs used?Inspectors cited 3 problems in this area, most recently on December 5, 2024: "Ensure that residents are free from significant medication errors."
- 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 December 5, 2024: "Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards."
Colorado contacts for a concern about a nursing home
These are the official offices in Colorado. NursingHomeClear cannot take or act on complaints.
- Inspections and complaints: Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Health Facilities and Emergency Medical Services Division, the state agency that inspects nursing homes for CMS and takes complaints about care.
- Resident advocate: Colorado State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, 303-862-3524. 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: Find and compare facilities, where Colorado publishes its own records on licensed homes.
Common questions
- What is Spanish Peaks Veterans Community Living Center's Medicare star rating?
- CMS rates Spanish Peaks Veterans Community Living Center 3 out of 5 stars overall, with 2 for health inspections, 5 for staffing and 3 for quality measures (CMS data as of September 1, 2026).
- How many deficiencies did Spanish Peaks Veterans Community Living Center get at its last inspection?
- 6 health deficiencies at the standard inspection on December 5, 2024. The Colorado average is 8.7.
- Has Spanish Peaks Veterans Community Living Center been fined?
- CMS lists no fines in the last three years.
- Does Spanish Peaks Veterans Community Living Center accept Medicaid?
- It is certified to take Medicaid (CMS lists it as "Medicaid"). Certification does not mean a Medicaid bed is open: ask the admissions office.
- Who owns Spanish Peaks Veterans Community Living Center?
- CMS lists 1 owner or manager. Legal business name: Legal Business Name Not Available.
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.