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Nursing home

Heritage Oaks

Saint Simons Island, Georgia · Glynn County

  • 2255 Frederica Road, Saint Simons Island, GA 31522 · Directions
  • (912) 638‑9988
  • Medicare overall rating: 5 of 5 starsMedicare overall rating
  • Ownership: Non-profit – other
  • 10 health citations in its last 3 inspection cycles (most serious: level F). See the inspection record

Summary

Heritage Oaks is a Medicare-certified nursing home in Saint Simons Island, Georgia, with 125 certified beds. Medicare overall rating: 5 of 5 stars. Most recent standard health inspection: 2026-04-16, with 3 health deficiencies. Ownership: non-profit – other. Source: Medicare (CMS) Provider Information, data updated 2026-10-01.

What is a nursing home?

A nursing home (skilled nursing facility) gives 24-hour nursing care and help with daily activities. Some people stay for a short time to recover after a hospital stay (rehabilitation); others live there long term. The homes listed here are certified by Medicare and/or Medicaid and inspected by the state.

Official Medicare data

Everything on this page comes from Medicare (CMS) data updated 2026-10-01. It is information, not a recommendation. Call the nursing home and visit before you decide, and talk with your doctor.

In a medical emergency, call 911.

At a glance

Medicare overall rating: 5 of 5 starsMedicare overall rating
125Certified beds
Health inspections: 4 of 5 starsHealth inspections

Quick answers

Where is Heritage Oaks?
2255 Frederica Road, Saint Simons Island, GA 31522, in Glynn County, Georgia.
What is the phone number of Heritage Oaks?
(912) 638-9988, as listed by Medicare (CMS).
What is the Medicare star rating of Heritage Oaks?
Medicare overall rating: 5 out of 5 stars (CMS data updated 2026-10-01).
Has Heritage Oaks been fined?
Medicare lists no fines for Heritage Oaks.
What did inspectors find at Heritage Oaks?
In its last three inspection cycles (February 5, 2023 to April 16, 2026), Medicare lists 10 health citations; the most serious was level F. See the list below (CMS data updated 2026-10-01).

Medicare ratings, explained

Star ratings are one piece of information. Visit, ask questions and talk with your doctor about what matters for your care.

Overall rating
Overall rating: 5 of 5 stars
Medicare’s summary of the three ratings below, from 1 star (much below average) to 5 stars (much above average).
Health inspections
Health inspections: 4 of 5 stars
Based on state health inspections and complaint investigations of about the last three years, compared with other nursing homes in the same state.
Staffing
Staffing: 5 of 5 stars
Based on how many hours nurses and aides spend with each resident per day (from payroll records) and how often staff leave.
Quality of resident care
Quality of resident care: 2 of 5 stars
Based on how residents do on measures such as falls with injury, pressure sores, getting better at moving around and going back to the hospital.
Short-stay residents (rehab)
Short-stay residents (rehab): 1 of 5 stars
Quality rating for people who stay a short time, usually to recover after a hospital stay.
Long-stay residents
Long-stay residents: 3 of 5 stars
Quality rating for people who live in the nursing home.

Inspections, fines and staffing

In its last three inspection cycles (February 5, 2023 to April 16, 2026), Heritage Oaks had 10 health citations; the most serious was level F (no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm). Medicare lists no fines or payment denials for it in the last three years. Nurse staffing is 4.04 hours per resident per day; the Georgia average is 3.61 and the national average is 3.90.

Source: Medicare (CMS) Provider Data Catalog, data updated October 1, 2026, retrieved November 13, 2026.

Inspection history: last three cycles

State inspectors visit about once a year and also investigate complaints. Each citation (deficiency) has a tag number and a letter, A to L. The letter shows how serious the problem was and how many residents it affected.

What the letters A to L mean
Scope and severity letters
SeriousnessIsolated (a few residents)Pattern (some)Widespread (many)
No actual harm, potential for minimal harmABC
No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harmDEF
Actual harm to residentsGHI
Immediate jeopardy to resident health or safetyJKL

Source: the scope and severity grid Medicare (CMS) uses for nursing home citations.

Most recent cycle: April 16, 2026 — 3 health citations

Inspections in this cycle: April 16, 2026 (complaint investigation); April 16, 2026 (standard health inspection).

Show 3 citations (levels A to F, no actual harm)
  • F0584 Level D April 16, 2026 · from a complaint · corrected May 31, 2026

    “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.”

  • F0656 Level D April 16, 2026 · corrected May 31, 2026

    “Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.”

  • F0658 Level D April 16, 2026 · corrected May 31, 2026

    “Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.”

Previous cycle: April 2, 2025 — 2 health citations

Inspections in this cycle: April 2, 2025 (standard health inspection).

Show 2 citations (levels A to F, no actual harm)
  • F0812 Level F April 2, 2025 · corrected May 17, 2025

    “Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.”

  • F0684 Level D April 2, 2025 · corrected May 17, 2025

    “Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.”

Earlier cycle: February 5, 2023 — 5 health citations

Inspections in this cycle: February 5, 2023 (standard health inspection).

Show 5 citations (levels A to F, no actual harm)
  • F0812 Level F February 5, 2023 · corrected March 22, 2023

    “Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.”

  • F0641 Level D February 5, 2023 · corrected March 22, 2023

    “Ensure each resident receives an accurate assessment.”

  • F0645 Level D February 5, 2023 · corrected March 22, 2023

    “PASARR screening for Mental disorders or Intellectual Disabilities”

  • F0689 Level D February 5, 2023 · corrected March 22, 2023

    “Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.”

  • F0690 Level D February 5, 2023 · corrected March 22, 2023

    “Provide appropriate care for residents who are continent or incontinent of bowel/bladder, appropriate catheter care, and appropriate care to prevent urinary tract infections.”

Citation descriptions are Medicare’s official wording. “From a complaint” means the citation came from a complaint investigation instead of the regular yearly inspection.

Full inspection reports on Medicare Care Compare →

Fire safety citations (17)
  • K0223 Level E April 16, 2026 · corrected June 2, 2026

    “Provide exit doors that are held open by devices that will automatically close on the activation of a fire alarm or smoke detector.”

  • K0353 Level E April 16, 2026 · corrected June 2, 2026

    “Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.”

  • K0355 Level E April 16, 2026 · corrected June 2, 2026

    “Properly select, install, inspect, or maintain portable fire extinguishes.”

  • K0511 Level E April 16, 2026 · corrected June 2, 2026

    “Have properly installed electrical wiring and gas equipment.”

  • K0311 Level D April 16, 2026 · corrected June 2, 2026

    “Have an enclosure around a vertical opening shaft.”

  • K0372 Level D April 16, 2026 · corrected June 2, 2026

    “Ensure smoke barriers are constructed to a 1 hour fire resistance rating.”

  • K0293 Level D April 2, 2025 · corrected May 17, 2025

    “Have properly located and lighted "Exit" signs.”

  • K0341 Level D April 2, 2025 · corrected May 17, 2025

    “Install a fire alarm system that can be heard throughout the facility.”

  • K0353 Level D April 2, 2025 · corrected May 17, 2025

    “Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.”

  • K0372 Level E February 5, 2023 · corrected March 16, 2023

    “Ensure smoke barriers are constructed to a 1 hour fire resistance rating.”

  • K0291 Level D February 5, 2023 · corrected March 16, 2023

    “Install emergency lighting that can last at least 1 1/2 hours.”

  • K0311 Level D February 5, 2023 · corrected March 16, 2023

    “Have an enclosure around a vertical opening shaft.”

  • K0341 Level D February 5, 2023 · corrected March 16, 2023

    “Install a fire alarm system that can be heard throughout the facility.”

  • K0345 Level D February 5, 2023 · corrected March 16, 2023

    “Have approved installation, maintenance and testing program for fire alarm systems.”

  • K0353 Level D February 5, 2023 · corrected March 16, 2023

    “Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.”

  • K0511 Level D February 5, 2023 · corrected March 16, 2023

    “Have properly installed electrical wiring and gas equipment.”

  • K0753 Level D February 5, 2023 · corrected March 16, 2023

    “Have restrictions on the use of highly flammable decorations.”

Staffing

Hours of nursing care per resident per day, from the payroll records nursing homes send to Medicare, next to the state and national averages.

MeasureThis homeGeorgiaNational
Registered nurse (RN) hours per resident per day0.810.500.69
Licensed practical nurse (LPN) hours per resident per day0.920.940.86
Nurse aide hours per resident per day2.312.172.35
Total nurse staff hours per resident per day4.043.613.90
Total nurse staff hours per resident per day on the weekend3.373.123.43
RN hours per resident per day on the weekend0.470.350.48
Nursing staff turnover (per year)47.7%46.8%45.3%
RN turnover (per year)22.2%46.1%42.5%
Administrators who left in the last year0.00.60.5

Source: Medicare (CMS) Provider Information and State US Averages, data updated October 1, 2026.

Owners and operator

Part of a group of 50 nursing homes: Ethica Health.

Legal business name: Glynn County Healthcare LLC.

Owners and managers Medicare lists (3)
NameRoleShareSince
Community Health Systems IncDirect ownerNOT APPLICABLEDecember 31, 2009
Health Scholarships IncDirect ownerNOT APPLICABLEMarch 1, 2025
Clinical Services IncManagement company (operational or managerial control)NOT APPLICABLEMarch 1, 2025

Source: Medicare (CMS) Ownership file, data updated October 1, 2026. Only owners with an ownership interest and management companies are shown.

Compare with other nursing homes

Key facts

TypeNursing home
Certified beds125
Average residents per day56.6
Takes part inMedicare and Medicaid
OwnershipNon-profit – other
Group or chain (affiliated entity)Ethica Health
Legal business nameGlynn County Healthcare LLC
First approved by Medicare/Medicaid1995-05-01
Resident and family councilsResident council
Sprinklers in all required areasYes
Changed ownership in the last 12 monthsNo
Address2255 Frederica Road, Saint Simons Island, GA 31522
CountyGlynn County
StateGeorgia
Phone(912) 638‑9988
CMS Certification Number115582
Name in Medicare recordsHERITAGE OAKS
CorrectionsReport an error or suggest an update →

What to ask when you call or visit

A general checklist for any nursing home, not advice about this one. Medicare also publishes guides on medicare.gov.

  • Is the home certified by Medicare and/or Medicaid, and does it have a bed for the care you need (short-term rehab or long-term care)?
  • Can you see the latest state inspection report? Ask how any problems found were fixed.
  • How many nurses and aides work on each shift, at night and on weekends? Is there a registered nurse on site at all times?
  • Which doctors see residents, and how often? What happens in a medical emergency, and which hospital is used?
  • What therapy (physical, occupational, speech) is offered, and how many days a week?
  • Are residents clean, dressed and taking part in activities? Do staff speak to them kindly and answer call lights quickly?
  • What do the daily rate and extra services cost, and what do Medicare, Medicaid or your insurance pay? Ask for it in writing.
  • Is there a resident council and a family council? How are complaints handled? Ask for the long-term care ombudsman’s contact.
  • Are meals appetizing, and can the home meet special diets, language needs and religious or cultural preferences?
  • Visit more than once, including at a mealtime or in the evening, without an appointment.

Other nursing homes nearby

By straight-line distance (not driving distance).

Nearest hospital emergency rooms

Sources

  1. Provider Information — Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), data updated 2026-10-01, retrieved 2026-11-13
  2. Medicare Care Compare — official Medicare profile of this provider
  3. Health Deficiencies — CMS, data updated 2026-10-01, retrieved 2026-11-13
  4. Fire Safety Deficiencies — CMS, data updated 2026-10-01, retrieved 2026-11-13
  5. Penalties — CMS, data updated 2026-10-01, retrieved 2026-11-13
  6. Ownership — CMS, data updated 2026-10-01, retrieved 2026-11-13
  7. State US Averages — CMS, data updated 2026-10-01, retrieved 2026-11-13
  8. Survey Summary — CMS, data updated 2026-10-01, retrieved 2026-11-13
  9. Citation Code Look-up — CMS, data updated 2026-10-01, retrieved 2026-11-13
  10. Inspection Dates — CMS, data updated 2026-10-01, retrieved 2026-11-13