Good Samaritan Center

Good Samaritan Center earned an overall 5-star rating from CMS, which is the highest possible score and puts it in the top tier of nursing facilities nationwide. That overall rating is built from three separate scores, and this facility's strong performance in health inspections and staffing is what drives it to the top, even with a more middle-of-the-road quality measures score. On health inspections, the facility received 4 out of 5 stars, meaning state inspectors found fewer or less serious problems than most facilities. That's a good sign that the day-to-day environment is safe and well-managed. The staffing score of 5 out of 5 stars is particularly reassuring for families, because it means residents are getting more hands-on time with nurses than the average facility, which often translates to faster responses to needs and more attentive care overall.

The one area worth a closer look is the quality measures rating, which sits at 3 out of 5 stars, meaning average. This score is based on 15 clinical indicators like fall rates, pressure ulcers, and how well residents maintain physical function. Average isn't a red flag, but it does suggest this might be a good topic to raise directly with the facility. Ask them which specific measures bring that score down and what they're doing about it. Overall, though, a 5-star composite with this kind of staffing strength is a meaningful indicator that Good Samaritan Center is providing a level of care that many families will feel confident in.

Good Samaritan Center in Live Oak comes in above the Florida average on both key staffing measures. Residents here receive about 4.88 total nurse hours per day, compared to the 3.87 average across Florida nursing homes, and RN coverage is notably higher too, at 0.81 hours per resident versus the state average of 0.52. In practical terms, that means residents are more likely to have a registered nurse available when a health concern comes up, rather than waiting for someone to become free. It also suggests there are generally more hands on deck for everyday needs like medication, mobility assistance, and check-ins. These numbers do not tell the whole story, since staff experience, turnover, and how care is organized all matter too, but as a starting point, the staffing picture here looks reasonably solid compared to what you would find at a typical facility in the state.

Good Samaritan Center has a solid inspection track record. It holds a 4-out-of-5-star health inspection rating from the government, which reflects consistent compliance during state and federal reviews. There are no penalties on record and no fines have ever been issued against this facility, which is genuinely good news for families doing their homework. Not every facility can say that, so it is worth noting. Overall, the inspection and penalty history here gives families a reasonable level of confidence going into the research process. You can compare this facility's record against others in Live Oak on the Live Oak nursing homes and assisted living page.

1. How many residents does each certified nursing assistant care for during the day shift, and how does that change at night and on weekends?
2. How long have your charge nurses and CNAs been working here, and what does your staff turnover look like over the past year?
3. If my loved one had a fall or a sudden change in condition, walk me through exactly what would happen and who would contact me and how quickly?
4. Can residents choose when they wake up, when they eat, and when they go to bed, or is there a set schedule everyone follows?
5. What does a typical weekday look like for a resident who doesn't have many visitors, in terms of activities, social time, and time spent outside their room?
6. How does the facility handle concerns or complaints from family members, and can you give me an example of a change that was made because a family raised an issue?

For more guidance on evaluating facilities, see our guide to questions to ask when choosing a Florida nursing home.