Clifton Healthcare Center

Its services page lists physical, occupational, and speech therapy plus medically complex care for short-term residents; Alzheimer's and dementia care, hospice and palliative support, and respite stays for long-term residents; and specialty programs including substance abuse treatment, wound care with dedicated physicians, cardiac management, and neurorehabilitation. Programs change, so confirm with admissions that the one you need is active.

It has 142 certified beds and about 133 residents on a typical day — roughly 94 percent full. That is a busy building, so if you are planning a stay, ask early whether a bed is available on the unit your family member needs and whether there is a wait list.

It holds 4 of 5 stars overall: 3 stars for health inspections, 2 stars for staffing, and 5 stars for quality of care measures, including the top mark for long-stay residents. The latest inspection cycle listed 10 deficiencies and there are no federal fines on record. Star ratings come from official government health inspections and reporting — they are a regulatory measure, not family reviews.

Staffing rates 2 of 5 stars, so ask how many nurses and aides are on duty per resident on days, nights, and weekends. On the positive side, registered-nurse turnover is reported at just 8.3 percent a year, which suggests the nurses who are there tend to stay. Two administrators left in the most recent reporting period, so it is also fair to ask who is running the building now and for how long.

It is part of the CommuniCare family of companies, a family-owned group that runs 121 facilities across six states, including several other Cincinnati homes. The building itself is organized as a for-profit corporation in federal records.

The facility's page describes events and activities such as game nights and penny auctions, and our approved photos show an outdoor courtyard and a rehabilitation gym. Ask for the current activity calendar on a tour to see what actually runs each week.

Call (513) 281-2464 — the facility lists this number for information and admissions, and its admissions page says admissions are handled 24/7. The page lists contracts with the veterans health system, most managed-care and commercial insurers including a major Ohio insurer, plus private pay, respite stays, and hospice contracts. Ask for the service-charge list up front and confirm your specific plan is accepted.