Highlands Lake Center
Lakeland, FL · Medicare and Medicaid-certified nursing home (CCN 105620) · 179 certified beds
Health inspection: 2 · Quality measures: 4 · Staffing: 3
Federal fines: none on current record
Phone: (863) 646-8699 · Verify on Medicare Care Compare ↗
Highlands Lake Center has an overall CMS rating of 2 out of 5 stars, which is below the Florida state average of 3.27 stars. Its health inspection rating is 2 stars and its staffing rating is 3 stars.
Highlands Lake Center reports total nurse staffing of 3.32 hours per resident per day, including 0.70 RN hours per resident per day, with a staffing star rating of 3 out of 5. Nursing staff turnover is reported at 53.5%.
Highlands Lake Center has no federal fines on record and no payment denials according to CMS data. CMS does not display an abuse icon for this facility, and it is not currently in the Special Focus Facility program.
About this facility
Highlands Lake Center is a for-profit corporation-owned nursing home in Lakeland, Polk County, Florida, certified for Medicare and Medicaid since September 1988. The facility is licensed for 179 beds and reports an average daily census of 167.3 residents.
According to CMS Care Compare, Highlands Lake Center holds an overall star rating of 2 out of 5, which is below the Florida state average of 3.27. Its component ratings are: health inspection rating of 2 stars, quality measure (QM) rating of 4 stars, and staffing rating of 3 stars.
Nurse staffing data show total nurse staffing hours of 3.32 per resident per day, including 0.70 RN hours per resident per day. Nursing staff turnover is reported at 53.5%.
Regarding penalties, CMS records show no federal fines on record (0 fines totaling $0.00) and no payment denials for this facility.
Highlands Lake Center is part of the Aston Health chain, which operates 38 facilities nationally with an average chain rating of 2.7 stars. Ownership has not changed within the last 12 months, so current ratings reflect the current operator.
This profile is based on CMS Care Compare data; families should consult the official Care Compare listing for the most current inspection and rating details.
Questions families ask
What is this nursing home's CMS overall star rating and how does it compare to the state average?
Highlands Lake Center has an overall rating of 2 out of 5 stars, below the Florida state average of 3.27 stars.
Does this facility accept Medicare, Medicaid, or both?
Yes, Highlands Lake Center is certified for both Medicare and Medicaid.
How well is this facility staffed — nurse hours per resident and turnover?
The facility reports 3.32 total nurse hours per resident per day, including 0.70 RN hours per resident per day, with a staffing star rating of 3 out of 5. Nursing staff turnover is 53.5%.
Does this facility have federal fines or penalties on record?
No, CMS records show zero fines totaling $0.00 and no payment denials.
Has CMS flagged this facility for abuse or placed it in the Special Focus program?
No abuse icon is displayed for this facility, and it is not listed in the Special Focus Facility program.
How large is this facility and how many residents live there?
Highlands Lake Center is certified for 179 beds with an average daily census of 167.3 residents.
Who owns this facility — and is it part of a chain?
It is owned by a for-profit corporation and is part of the Aston Health chain, which operates 38 facilities nationally with an average rating of 2.7 stars.
How long has this facility been Medicare/Medicaid certified?
The facility has been certified since September 29, 1988.
What do the four different CMS star ratings mean?
CMS rates facilities on overall, health inspection, staffing, and quality measures; Highlands Lake Center scores 2, 2, 3, and 4 stars respectively in these categories.
Does this facility offer short-term rehabilitation as well as long-term care?
The data provided does not specify rehabilitation services; please contact the facility at 8636468699 or verify on Medicare Care Compare.
What should I look for when touring this facility?
This data set does not include tour details; contact the facility at 8636468699 or check the Care Compare listing for more information.
How do I verify this facility's current record on Medicare Care Compare?
You can view the most up-to-date information at https://www.medicare.gov/care-compare/details/nursing-home/105620?state=FL.
Data: CMS Care Compare (Aug2026 refresh). Star ratings, staffing hours, and penalty records are CMS's official published measures. Always tour the facility, review the current inspection record, and verify details with Medicare before making care decisions.