Report
TheVardellReport
Hilltop Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center
Skilled nursing facility and nursing facility
700 S. Cayuga Avenue
Altoona, PA 16602
Report
← Hilltop Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, free profile
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The Vardell Report.Hilltop Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center
The deeper story, beautifully organized. Available records, historical context, and questions worth asking.
- Provider Category
- Nursing home
- Location
- Altoona, PA
- Record Period
- 2024–2026
- Source Documents
- 10
This report is free. Vardell does not certify, grade or endorse; it shows what the record documents.
The Essentials
Summary
Across 9 inspections from January 2024 to May 2026, state surveyors documented 43 findings at Hilltop Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center; 43 have a recorded correction; CMS lists no enforcement action in the window.
- Inspections
- 9
- 2024–2026, complaint and standard
- Findings
- 43
- Deficiencies cited by state inspectors
- Corrected
- 43
- Of 43 findings, with a recorded correction date
- Penalties
- 0
- No fines or payment denials in the window
Findings by Year
- Findings
- Of which, actual harm (level G or above)
* Partial year, through October 1, 2026.
| Year | Inspections | Findings | Of which, actual harm (level G or above) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 3 | 15 | 0 |
| 2025 | 4 | 23 | 0 |
| 2026 | 2 | 5 | 0 |
What the Record Shows
- 43 of 43 findings have a recorded correction date.
- CMS lists no fines or payment denials in this window.
- 6 visits in this window included a complaint investigation. CMS publishes what a complaint investigation cited, not what the complaint alleged.
- The latest standard inspection, December 11, 2025, recorded 8 findings (most serious: Level E).
What to Ask About
- Quality of Care, Cited in Five Inspections
- Kitchen and Food Safety, Cited in Four Inspections
- Accurate Assessments, Cited in Three Inspections
- Care Plan Timing and Review, Cited in Three Inspections
- Food Quality and Temperature, Cited in Three Inspections
- Medical Records, Cited in Three Inspections
- Citation F867, Cited in Three Inspections
- A Clean, Homelike Setting, Cited in Two Inspections
- Citation F803, Cited in Two Inspections
- Infection Control, Cited in Two Inspections
Report at a Glance
- Facility
- Hilltop Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center
- Address
- 700 S. Cayuga Avenue, Altoona, PA 16602
- CMS Certification Number
- 395241
- Provider Type
- Skilled nursing facility and nursing facility
- Certified Beds
- 133
- Ownership
- For profit - Individual
- Record Window
- January 25, 2024 to October 1, 2026
Chronology
Inspection History
Every inspection in the record window, newest first. A finding is a deficiency an inspector cited. CMS publishes what a complaint investigation cited, not what the complaint alleged.
- 2026
Complaint investigation
1 finding
- F684Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jun 8, 2026
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
- 2026
Complaint investigation
4 findings
- F809Ensure meals and snacks are served at times in accordance with resident’s needs, preferences, and requests. Suitable and nourishing alternative meals and snacks must be provided for residents who want to eat at non-traditional times or outside of scheduled meal times.Level FNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Apr 17, 2026
- F803Ensure 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.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Apr 17, 2026
- F804Ensure food and drink is palatable, attractive, and at a safe and appetizing temperature.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Apr 17, 2026
- F802Provide sufficient support personnel to safely and effectively carry out the functions of the food and nutrition service.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Apr 17, 2026
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
- 2025
Standard health inspection
8 findings
- F684Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jan 23, 2026
- F812Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jan 23, 2026
- F552Ensure that residents are fully informed and understand their health status, care and treatments.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jan 23, 2026
- F561Honor the resident's right to and the facility must promote and facilitate resident self-determination through support of resident choice.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jan 23, 2026
- F657Develop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jan 23, 2026
- F842Safeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jan 23, 2026
- F867Set up an ongoing quality assessment and assurance group to review quality deficiencies and develop corrective plans of action.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jan 23, 2026
- F880Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jan 23, 2026
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
- 2025
Complaint investigation
1 finding
- F684Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Sep 30, 2025
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
- 2025
Complaint investigation
1 finding
- F812Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Apr 20, 2025
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
- 2025
Standard health inspection
13 findings
- F578Honor the resident's right to request, refuse, and/or discontinue treatment, to participate in or refuse to participate in experimental research, and to formulate an advance directive.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Mar 5, 2025
- F803Ensure 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.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Mar 5, 2025
- F804Ensure food and drink is palatable, attractive, and at a safe and appetizing temperature.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Mar 5, 2025
- F812Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Mar 5, 2025
- F880Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Mar 5, 2025
- F584Honor the resident's right to a safe, clean, comfortable and homelike environment, including but not limited to receiving treatment and supports for daily living safely.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Mar 5, 2025
- F638Assure that each resident’s assessment is updated at least once every 3 months.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Mar 5, 2025
- F657Develop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Mar 5, 2025
- F677Provide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Mar 5, 2025
- F684Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Mar 5, 2025
- F693Ensure that feeding tubes are not used unless there is a medical reason and the resident agrees; and provide appropriate care for a resident with a feeding tube.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Mar 5, 2025
- F867Set up an ongoing quality assessment and assurance group to review quality deficiencies and develop corrective plans of action.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Mar 5, 2025
- F641Ensure each resident receives an accurate assessment.Level BPotential for minimal harmCorrected Mar 5, 2025
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
- 2024
Complaint investigation
1 finding
- F755Provide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Oct 29, 2024
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
- 2024
Standard health inspection
12 findings
- F812Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.Level FNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Mar 14, 2024
- F584Honor the resident's right to a safe, clean, comfortable and homelike environment, including but not limited to receiving treatment and supports for daily living safely.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Mar 14, 2024
- F641Ensure each resident receives an accurate assessment.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Mar 14, 2024
- F656Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Mar 14, 2024
- F699Provide care or services that was trauma informed and/or culturally competent.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Mar 14, 2024
- F804Ensure food and drink is palatable, attractive, and at a safe and appetizing temperature.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Mar 14, 2024
- F842Safeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Mar 14, 2024
- F867Set up an ongoing quality assessment and assurance group to review quality deficiencies and develop corrective plans of action.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Mar 14, 2024
- F607Develop and implement policies and procedures to prevent abuse, neglect, and theft.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Mar 14, 2024
- F655Create and put into place a plan for meeting the resident's most immediate needs within 48 hours of being admittedLevel DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Mar 14, 2024
- F657Develop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Mar 14, 2024
- F684Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Mar 14, 2024
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
- 2024
Complaint investigation
2 findings
- F641Ensure each resident receives an accurate assessment.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Mar 11, 2024
- F842Safeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Mar 11, 2024
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
Severity levels follow the CMS scope and severity grid. A–C: potential for minimal harm. D–F: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm. G–I: actual harm. J–L: immediate jeopardy.
Context
Patterns Worth Examining
A repeated citation can merit attention, but context and corrective action must be reviewed before drawing a conclusion.
- 1
Quality of Care, Cited in Five Inspections
Inspectors cited F684 in February 2024, January 2025, August 2025, December 2025 and May 2026. This citation covers whether residents receive the treatment their orders, preferences and goals call for. None rose above level E (no actual harm, potential for more). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.
242424252525252626F684 across all 9 inspections, oldest to newest - 2
Kitchen and Food Safety, Cited in Four Inspections
Inspectors cited F812 in February 2024, January 2025, April 2025 and December 2025. This citation covers how food is stored, prepared and served. None rose above level F (no actual harm, potential for more). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.
242424252525252626F812 across all 9 inspections, oldest to newest - 3
Accurate Assessments, Cited in Three Inspections
Inspectors cited F641 in January 2024, February 2024 and January 2025. This citation covers whether each resident’s assessment correctly records their condition. None rose above level E (no actual harm, potential for more). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.
242424252525252626F641 across all 9 inspections, oldest to newest - 4
Care Plan Timing and Review, Cited in Three Inspections
Inspectors cited F657 in February 2024, January 2025 and December 2025. This citation covers whether care plans are written on time and revised by a team that includes the resident’s caregivers. None rose above level D (no actual harm, potential for more). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.
242424252525252626F657 across all 9 inspections, oldest to newest - 5
Food Quality and Temperature, Cited in Three Inspections
Inspectors cited F804 in February 2024, January 2025 and March 2026. This citation covers whether food and drink are palatable, attractive and served at a safe temperature. None rose above level E (no actual harm, potential for more). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.
242424252525252626F804 across all 9 inspections, oldest to newest - 6
Medical Records, Cited in Three Inspections
Inspectors cited F842 in January 2024, February 2024 and December 2025. This citation covers whether resident records are complete, accurate and kept confidential. None rose above level E (no actual harm, potential for more). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.
242424252525252626F842 across all 9 inspections, oldest to newest - 7
Citation F867, Cited in Three Inspections
Inspectors cited F867 in February 2024, January 2025 and December 2025. The agency describes it this way: Set up an ongoing quality assessment and assurance group to review quality deficiencies and develop corrective plans of action. None rose above level E (no actual harm, potential for more). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.
242424252525252626F867 across all 9 inspections, oldest to newest - 8
A Clean, Homelike Setting, Cited in Two Inspections
Inspectors cited F584 in February 2024 and January 2025. This citation covers whether rooms and shared spaces are kept safe, clean, comfortable and homelike. None rose above level E (no actual harm, potential for more). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.
242424252525252626F584 across all 9 inspections, oldest to newest - 9
Citation F803, Cited in Two Inspections
Inspectors cited F803 in January 2025 and March 2026. The agency describes it this way: 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. None rose above level E (no actual harm, potential for more). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.
242424252525252626F803 across all 9 inspections, oldest to newest - 10
Infection Control, Cited in Two Inspections
Inspectors cited F880 in January 2025 and December 2025. This citation covers hand hygiene, isolation practice and the home’s infection-prevention program. None rose above level E (no actual harm, potential for more). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.
242424252525252626F880 across all 9 inspections, oldest to newest
For Your Next Visit
Questions to Ask on Your Visit
Bring these to the tour. Each one comes from something in the record; the reason is under the question.
- 01
How do nurses make sure a doctor’s orders are carried out, and how are families told when something is missed?
Quality of Care: cited in five inspections, most seriously at level E.
- 02
May we see the kitchen, and what do your own sanitation checks look like week to week?
Kitchen and Food Safety: cited in four inspections, most seriously at level F.
- 03
Who completes resident assessments, and how are they checked for accuracy?
Accurate Assessments: cited in three inspections, most seriously at level E.
- 04
How often are care plans revised, and who takes part in the review?
Care Plan Timing and Review: cited in three inspections, most seriously at level D.
- 05
May we try a meal, and how do you check food temperature by the time it reaches residents?
Food Quality and Temperature: cited in three inspections, most seriously at level E.
- 06
How can a family request a resident’s records, and how are they kept accurate?
Medical Records: cited in three inspections, most seriously at level E.
- 07
What changed after F867 was cited, and how do you check it now?
Citation F867: cited in three inspections, most seriously at level E.
- 08
What was done about the cleanliness citation, and how are rooms and shared spaces checked now?
A Clean, Homelike Setting: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level E.
- 09
What changed after F803 was cited, and how do you check it now?
Citation F803: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level E.
- 10
Who leads infection control here, and how often are hand-hygiene and isolation practices audited?
Infection Control: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level E.
- 11
How many nurses and aides are on each shift, including nights and weekends, for the unit we are considering?
No staffing citation appears in this window. Staffing levels are published separately by CMS and are worth asking about directly.
- 12
Has the home been fined or had payments denied before this record begins?
CMS lists no fines or payment denials in this window. The record starts January 25, 2024; anything earlier is not in it.
The Evidence
Sources and Coverage
Inspection results and penalties are published by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services from surveys conducted by the Pennsylvania state survey agency.
- Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
Pennsylvania state survey agency
Inspection Jan 25, 2024 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
- Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
Pennsylvania state survey agency
Inspection Feb 1, 2024 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
- Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
Pennsylvania state survey agency
Inspection Sep 23, 2024 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
- Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
Pennsylvania state survey agency
Inspection Jan 17, 2025 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
- Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
Pennsylvania state survey agency
Inspection Apr 1, 2025 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
- Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
Pennsylvania state survey agency
Inspection Aug 26, 2025 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
- Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
Pennsylvania state survey agency
Inspection Dec 11, 2025 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
- Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
Pennsylvania state survey agency
Inspection Mar 19, 2026 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
- Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
Pennsylvania state survey agency
Inspection May 19, 2026 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
- Provider Information, Provider Data CatalogView Dataset ↗
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services · 395241
Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Coverage
Record windowJanuary 25, 2024 – October 1, 2026
- CMS publishes about three inspection cycles; inspections before January 2024 are not in this release.
- CMS refreshes these files monthly, after statements of deficiencies are processed, so an inspection from the last two months may not appear yet.
What This Report Cannot Tell You
- Complaints not investigated onsite
- Allegations screened out by the state before an onsite visit are not published.
- Complaint allegations
- CMS publishes the deficiencies a complaint survey cited, not the allegation itself.
- Facility-reported incidents
- Self-reported incidents appear only if they led to an inspection.
- Follow-up visits
- CMS's files list standard, complaint and infection control surveys, not revisits; a correction date is the one CMS records.
- Fire safety inspections
- Published by CMS separately and not included in this record yet.
- Staffing levels and ownership history
- Published by CMS separately and not included in this record.
Historical coverage varies by agency and location. Missing records do not mean that no complaint or violation occurred.
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