The Wynhoven Nursing Home serves hundreds of residents in Louisiana’s Jefferson Parish, operating as one of Marrero’s largest healthcare facilities. Recent facility visits and staff interviews reveal significant changes at the 188-bed center, which has provided elder care services for over three decades.
Unannounced inspections and conversations with current residents show varying levels of care quality at the facility, known locally as the Wynhoven Community Care Center. The center maintains Medicare and Medicaid certifications while offering both short-term rehabilitation and long-term care services.
State records indicate notable operational changes since 2023, including updated staffing protocols and resident care policies. The facility’s latest Medicare ratings and inspection reports highlight key areas potential residents and families should evaluate when considering placement at this Marrero nursing home in 2025.
Facility Overview
Wynhoven Healthcare Center sits across from West Jefferson Medical Center in Marrero. The 188-bed facility operates under a nonprofit structure, providing Medicare and Medicaid services to Jefferson Parish residents.
The center’s grounds feature manicured courtyards and an on-site chapel. Residents access professional salon services, a library, and multiple common spaces. A central dining hall serves daily meals.
Medicare records show three service levels at the facility:
- Short-term rehabilitation for post-hospital recovery
- Traditional long-term care for ongoing medical needs
- Assisted living support for daily activities
State regulations require all direct care staff to complete initial training within 30 days. Licensed practical nurses and registered nurses must maintain current Louisiana certifications. Staff training covers:
- Emergency response and resident rights protection
- Specialized memory care and medication management
- Regular competency assessments
Nursing coverage varies throughout the week. Registered nurses provide an average of 2 hours and 15 minutes of care per resident daily. Recent inspections identified inconsistent weekend staffing levels compared to weekday coverage.
Quality of Care Assessment
Medicare data shows Wynhoven Healthcare Center maintains an average overall rating in federal evaluations. The facility scored average marks for short-term rehabilitation but fell below average in long-term care metrics. Emergency room visits for short-term residents reached 12.4%, performing better than Louisiana’s 14.0% average.
Recent health inspections revealed multiple deficiencies:
- Incomplete resident care plans
- Inadequate pain management protocols
- Problems with medication storage
- Gaps in infection control programs
Residents receive 3 hours and 45 minutes of daily nursing care, meeting the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ minimum requirement of 3.48 hours. Daily care breaks down to:
- 143 minutes from Certified Nursing Assistants
- 88 minutes from Licensed Practical Nurses
- 8 minutes from Registered Nurses
Weekend staffing levels drop significantly compared to weekday coverage. Federal data indicates half of U.S. nursing homes face similar challenges maintaining consistent registered nurse staffing.
The facility’s flu vaccination rate stands at 70.4%, falling short of both Louisiana’s 93.6% average and the 94.8% national rate. Staff monitor antipsychotic medication usage, though specific rates remain unreported.
Resident Life Experience
Wynhoven Healthcare Center structures daily activities around physical and mental engagement programs. The facility’s social calendar features holiday celebrations, musical entertainment, and scheduled shopping trips. Residents participate in educational programs, spiritual activities, and arts and crafts sessions.
Professional kitchen staff prepare three meals daily, offering diabetes-friendly options and allergy-sensitive preparations. A nutrition specialist oversees meal planning to accommodate dietary restrictions.
Medical care coordination shows mixed results at the facility. The 24-hour supervision and medication management system faces ongoing challenges. State inspections documented deficiencies in pain management protocols and dental service coordination.
The facility maintains a 24-hour call system, though 12.4% of short-term residents required emergency room transfers during their stays. New staff training protocols aim to reduce these incidents through improved care coordination.
Staff members work to honor resident preferences through individualized care plans balancing medical needs with quality of life. Recent inspections, however, revealed inconsistent implementation of these care plans.
Family Support and Communication
Notre Dame Health System, which operates Wynhoven Healthcare Center, enforces strict visitation protocols at the Marrero facility. The nursing home typically allows open visitation but restricts access during health emergencies. Staff screen all healthcare workers for symptoms before entry during restricted periods.
The center supports an active family council program. Families meet regularly in designated spaces without staff present. Key family council rights at Wynhoven include:
- Direct access to a staff liaison for concerns
- Monthly meetings in common areas
- Authority to post notices and share council information
A designated grievance officer handles complaints through a structured resolution system. The officer’s duties include:
- Managing complaint investigations
- Protecting grievance confidentiality
- Coordinating with regulatory agencies
State regulations require Wynhoven to address written grievances within 10 working days. Response documents detail investigation steps, findings, and corrective actions. The facility prohibits retaliation against residents or families who report concerns.
Conclusion
Wynhoven Healthcare Center provides comprehensive care services while struggling with industry-wide challenges. Medicare data shows average ratings for short-term rehabilitation but below-average scores in long-term care. The facility’s location near West Jefferson Medical Center benefits residents, though weekend staffing levels remain inconsistent.
The center’s family council program and grievance system demonstrate commitment to resident advocacy. Staff maintain structured activity programs and personalized care plans, despite documented challenges in implementation. Recent health inspections revealed gaps in care coordination and infection control protocols.
Federal records show Wynhoven meets basic care requirements, providing 3 hours and 45 minutes of daily nursing care per resident. The 70.4% flu vaccination rate falls significantly below state and national averages, while emergency room visits for short-term residents reach 12.4%.
The facility serves Marrero families seeking community-focused elder care with spiritual service access. Prospective residents should review recent inspection reports and Medicare ratings to evaluate whether Wynhoven’s current care standards match their needs.
FAQs
Q1. What levels of care does Wynhoven Nursing Home offer? Wynhoven Healthcare Center provides three distinct levels of care: short-term rehabilitation services for post-hospital recovery, traditional long-term care for ongoing medical support, and assisted living services to support daily living activities with professional assistance.
Q2. How does Wynhoven Nursing Home ensure quality care for its residents? The facility maintains strict standards for nursing staff, requiring current state licensure for LPNs and RNs. Staff undergo comprehensive training within their first 30 days and receive ongoing education in core competencies, specialized care, and regular skill assessments.
Q3. What activities are available for residents at Wynhoven Nursing Home? Residents can participate in a variety of activities including holiday celebrations, musical entertainment sessions, scheduled shopping trips, educational programs, spiritual activities, and arts and crafts sessions.
Q4. How does Wynhoven Nursing Home handle family communication and concerns? The facility supports family councils, provides a designated meeting space, and ensures families can meet privately. They also maintain a structured grievance resolution system with a designated officer to oversee complaint investigations and respond to written grievances within 10 working days.
Q5. What dining options are available at Wynhoven Nursing Home? Wynhoven maintains professional kitchen staff who prepare three meals daily. The dining program offers specialized options including diabetes-friendly meals and allergy-sensitive preparations. A nutrition specialist oversees meal planning to accommodate various dietary needs.
