1 / 5CMS Care Compare
Family reviews of Highlands Lake Center are sharply divided: some describe attentive nurses, engaged doctors, and flexible family accommodations during recovery, while others report serious lapses in care, including delayed medical attention, unexplained injuries, and concerns about dignity. The facility appears to have made some improvements over time, but the range of experiences suggests inconsistent quality of care.
AI-generated from reviews and community data.
Highlands Lake Center is a senior living community in Lakeland, Florida offering Skilled Nursing / Long Term Care. Amenities include Gathering / Activity Spaces, Housekeeping and Laundry Service. Families rate it 4.1 out of 5 across 321 reviews.
Highlands Lake Center is a skilled nursing and post-acute rehabilitation facility in Lakeland, Florida, offering long-term care services designed around individual needs. The community provides personalized rehabilitation experiences with a focus on clinical care, compassion, and homelike surroundings.
The facility emphasizes a wellness-centered approach to healthcare, combining skilled nursing services with rehabilitation programs tailored to promote quality of life and support recovery goals. Care is delivered in an environment designed to balance modern amenities with home-inspired comfort.
Highlands Lake Center commits to creating a cheerful, supportive atmosphere that encourages residents to engage fully in their recovery and daily life, with staff dedicated to delivering compassionate care alongside clinical expertise.
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Help Me Choose4.1overall · 321 ratings combined
4.1★ on Google (321)
Joanne Milligan
Jul 2026
Initially I didn't have high expectations for this facility. My sister was there two years ago and the quality was not great. Nurses would ignore calls for assistance, under staffed, facility smelled. My experience was different this time and I'm happy to see the improvements.
Dennis Wood
Jun 2026
I would not give even one star, but it would not let me post without it. My wife was there for three months trying to recover from sepsis. There were issues with getting appointments scheduled in a timely manner. The last appointment the Dr. sent her to the emergency room, where she was diagnosed with Norovirus, Adenovirus, a UTI and severe malnutrition. Think twice before putting a loved one here or letting them stay there for very long!
Abe Rock
Jun 2026
My father was hospitalized for over a month due to a severe sepsis infection and spent three weeks at Winter Haven Hospital, where the type of bacteria was identified and a strict antibiotic regimen was prescribed two antibiotics, one twice daily and another every four hours for a full month. When it was recommended that he transition to a rehabilitation nursing facility to continue his care, I was understandably concerned. Like many families, the idea of a nursing center brought uncertainty especially around whether complex medication schedules would be followed precisely and whether his anxiety, heart condition, and recovery needs would be fully understood and managed with consistency. From day one, however, Highlands Lake Center became a true pillar of support for our family. The leadership, including Elis, made it clear that they treat patients as individuals, not cases, and families as part of the care process. The nurses were consistently professional, attentive, and compassionate, and they went out of their way to accommodate our needs including allowing extended overnight stays and helping arrange moments where my father could return home briefly each day for normalcy and comfort. We also witnessed constant involvement from across the facility’s leadership and clinical teams, with regular check-ins and a genuine effort to improve his experience. Dr. Dean reached out early, stayed engaged, and followed up consistently, which gave us confidence that my father’s recovery was being actively overseen. In a time when elder care can often feel impersonal, this experience was the opposite. It reflected a culture of real compassion, accountability, and dignity in care. Our family is deeply grateful to Elis, Dr. Dean, and the entire staff for the professionalism and humanity they showed throughout my father’s recovery. Your kindness and hospitality will not be forgotten!
Ellen Yorio
Dec 2025
DO NOT PUT YOUR LOVED ONES IN THEIS SNF. IF YOU DO, THEY WILL MOST CERTAINLY DIE WITHIN A COUPLE OF WEEKS. AND DONT ASK FOR ANY DOCUMENTATION OF A SERIOUS FALL, OR NEGLECT/POSSIBLE ELDER ABUSE BECAUSE YOU GET WORD SALAD NOT DOCUMENTATION OF SERVICES OR LACK OF AS LEGALLY REQUIRED BY STATE. THIS PLACE NEEDS SHUT DOWN!!! TOUR and pay notice to the treatment of the functional patients. Count how many staffers are standing at the nurses station as you pass then return. They don’t care or think someone with training and education just might be in the facility. DO NOT SELECT THIS FACILITY UNLESS YOU WANT YOUR BELOVED TO DIE MYSTERIOUSLY. Pictures one day then the very next day covered in bruises and bandages. She spoke the day before in her wheelchair the next she couldn’t do anything but moan and flinch if you touched her. WHEN ADKED WHAT HAPPENED, crickets. This is criminal. Horrible care. I worked in the industry and they have no idea how to care for elderly. ACHA and OMSBUDSMAN for anyone that needs to get help.
Mary Cameron
Nov 2025
My friend is there and since she was moved things are better but she has swollen feet and I think more should be done I ask for compression socks today so I hope they bring them. I don’t like a man bathing women and changing them . It seems dignity is not a priority.
7 inspection visits in the last three years, 35 citations on file. Inspections are conducted by state agencies on behalf of the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
Provide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Dec 4, 2025
Provide safe, appropriate pain management for a resident who requires such services.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Dec 4, 2025
Honor the resident's right to voice grievances without discrimination or reprisal and the facility must establish a grievance policy and make prompt efforts to resolve grievances.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected May 12, 2025
Provide or obtain laboratory tests/services when ordered and promptly tell the ordering practitioner of the results.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected May 12, 2025
Honor 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.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Sep 6, 2024
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.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Sep 6, 2024
Honor the resident's right to voice grievances without discrimination or reprisal and the facility must establish a grievance policy and make prompt efforts to resolve grievances.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Sep 6, 2024
Ensure each resident receives an accurate assessment.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Apr 7, 2024
Coordinate assessments with the pre-admission screening and resident review program; and referring for services as needed.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Apr 7, 2024
Give residents notice of Medicaid/Medicare coverage and potential liability for services not covered.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Apr 7, 2024
Provide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Apr 7, 2024
Ensure medication error rates are not 5 percent or greater.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Apr 7, 2024
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.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Apr 7, 2024
Safeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Apr 7, 2024
Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Apr 7, 2024
Make sure that the nursing home area is safe, easy to use, clean and comfortable for residents, staff and the public.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Apr 7, 2024
Make sure there is a pest control program to prevent/deal with mice, insects, or other pests.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Apr 7, 2024
Provide for the safe, appropriate administration of IV fluids for a resident when needed.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Apr 7, 2024
Provide appropriate care for residents who are continent or incontinent of bowel/bladder, appropriate catheter care, and appropriate care to prevent urinary tract infections.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Apr 7, 2024
Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Apr 7, 2024
Honor each resident's preferences, choices, values and beliefs.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Apr 7, 2024
Meet other general requirements.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Apr 7, 2024
Provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Apr 7, 2024
Ensure each resident receives and the facility provides food that accommodates resident allergies, intolerances, and preferences, as well as appealing options.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Dec 16, 2021
Provide timely notification to the resident, and if applicable to the resident representative and ombudsman, before transfer or discharge, including appeal rights.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Dec 16, 2021
Notify the resident or the resident’s representative in writing how long the nursing home will hold the resident’s bed in cases of transfer to a hospital or therapeutic leave.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Dec 16, 2021
Provide enough food/fluids to maintain a resident's health.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Dec 16, 2021
Provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Dec 16, 2021
Provide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Dec 16, 2021
Ensure medication error rates are not 5 percent or greater.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Dec 16, 2021
Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Dec 16, 2021
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.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Mar 28, 2020
Ensure medication error rates are not 5 percent or greater.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Mar 28, 2020
Properly select, install, inspect, or maintain portable fire extinguishes.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Mar 28, 2020
Ensure heating and ventilation systems that have been properly installed according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Mar 28, 2020
Source: CMS Care Compare, public federal data covering certified nursing facilities, refreshed monthly. Citations range from A (least serious) to L (most serious) on the federal scope and severity scale. Most citations are corrected quickly; review the details and ask the community about anything that concerns you.
Highlands Lake Center offers Skilled Nursing / Long Term Care.
Highlands Lake Center is located at 4240 Lakeland Highlands Rd in Lakeland, Florida.
Family reviews of Highlands Lake Center are sharply divided: some describe attentive nurses, engaged doctors, and flexible family accommodations during recovery, while others report serious lapses in care, including delayed medical attention, unexplained injuries, and concerns about dignity. The facility appears to have made some improvements over time, but the range of experiences suggests inconsistent quality of care.
Highlands Lake Center had 7 government inspection visits in the last three years, with 35 citations on file according to CMS Care Compare data. The full history, including what each citation was for and whether it was corrected, is in the inspection section on this page.
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