GRIMES CENTER
Within standard 12-15 month inspection cycle. Federal law requires annual inspections.
Grimes Center in New Haven, Connecticut has a Trust Grade of B+, indicating it is above average and recommended for families considering care options. It ranks #17 out of 192 facilities in Connecticut, placing it in the top half, and #2 out of 23 in its county, suggesting it is one of the better local choices. However, the facility is experiencing a worsening trend, with the number of reported issues increasing from 2 in 2021 to 10 in 2024, raising concerns about care quality. Staffing is a strength, with a 4/5 star rating and a low turnover rate of 15%, well below the state average, which means staff are likely to know the residents well. Notably, there have been no fines, indicating compliance with regulations, but recent inspections revealed concerns such as food not being dated properly and the absence of a certified Infection Preventionist, which could pose health risks. Overall, while Grimes Center has strengths in staffing and compliance, families should be aware of the recent increase in care issues.
- Trust Score
- B+
- In Connecticut
- #17/192
- Safety Record
- Low Risk
- Inspections
- Getting Worse
- Staff Stability ✓ Good
- 15% annual turnover. Excellent stability, 33 points below Connecticut's 48% average. Staff who stay learn residents' needs.
- Penalties ✓ Good
- No fines on record. Clean compliance history, better than most Connecticut facilities.
- Skilled Nurses ✓ Good
- Each resident gets 60 minutes of Registered Nurse (RN) attention daily — more than 97% of Connecticut nursing homes. RNs are the most trained staff who catch health problems before they become serious.
- Violations ⚠ Watch
- 22 deficiencies on record. Higher than average. Multiple issues found across inspections.
The Good
-
4-Star Staffing Rating · Above-average nurse staffing levels
-
5-Star Quality Measures · Strong clinical quality outcomes
-
Low Staff Turnover (15%) · Staff stability means consistent care
-
Full Sprinkler Coverage · Fire safety systems throughout facility
-
No fines on record
-
Staff turnover is low (15%)
33 points below Connecticut average of 48%
Facility shows strength in staffing levels, quality measures, staff retention, fire safety.
The Bad
No Significant Concerns Identified
This facility shows no red flags. Among Connecticut's 100 nursing homes, only 1% achieve this.
The Ugly 22 deficiencies on record
Dec 2024
2 deficiencies
CONCERN
(D)
📢 Someone Reported This
A family member, employee, or ombudsman was alarmed enough to file a formal complaint
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Comprehensive Care Plan
(Tag F0656)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on review of the clinical record, facility documentation, facility policy, and interviews for one (1) of three (3) residen...
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CONCERN
(D)
📢 Someone Reported This
A family member, employee, or ombudsman was alarmed enough to file a formal complaint
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0658
(Tag F0658)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on clinical record review, facility documentation, facility policy, and interviews for one (1) of three (3) residents (Res...
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Apr 2024
8 deficiencies
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0578
(Tag F0578)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on review of the clinical record, review of facility documentation and interviews for 3 of 3 residents (Resident #53, #58,...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Transfer Notice
(Tag F0623)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on review of the clinical records ,review of facility documentation, and interviews for 3 of 5 residents (Resident #1, 18 ...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Accident Prevention
(Tag F0689)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** 2. Resident # 37 was admitted to the facility on [DATE] with diagnoses which included repeated falls, muscle weakness, and demen...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0692
(Tag F0692)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on review of the clinical record, review of facility documentation, and interviews for 1 of 2 residents (Resident #17) rev...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0725
(Tag F0725)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observations, clinical record review, facility documentation, facility policy, and interviews for 1 of 4 residents (Res...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Medication Errors
(Tag F0758)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on review of the clinical record, review of facility documentation, and interviews for 1 of 5 residents (Resident #16) rev...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Infection Control
(Tag F0880)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, facility documentation, facility policy and interviews, the facility failed to ensure the glucometer was s...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0882
(Tag F0882)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on facility documentation review, and interviews, the facility failed to ensure a certified Infection Preventionist was employed by the facility. The findings include
Review of RN #4 (Infection ...
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Dec 2021
2 deficiencies
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Pressure Ulcer Prevention
(Tag F0686)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, review of the clinical records, facility policy, and interviews for 1 of 2 residents (Resident #33) review...
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CONCERN
(F)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Food Safety
(Tag F0812)
Could have caused harm · This affected most or all residents
Based on observations during a tour of the Dietary Department, review of facility policy and interviews, the facility failed to ensure foods were dated when opened, refrigerator/freezer temperature lo...
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Jul 2019
10 deficiencies
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Quality of Care
(Tag F0684)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on an observation, a clinical record review and staff interviews for one sampled resident (Resident #50), reviewed for act...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Incontinence Care
(Tag F0690)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on a clinical record review, staff interviews and a review of the facility policy and procedures for one sampled resident ...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0698
(Tag F0698)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on a review of the clinical record and staff interviews for one of two residents reviewed for hemodialysis (Resident #39),...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Medication Errors
(Tag F0758)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on a review of the clinical record and staff interviews for two of five residents reviewed for unnecessary medications (Re...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0760
(Tag F0760)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on a clinical record review, staff interviews, a review of facility documentation, and a review of the facility policy and...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0808
(Tag F0808)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on a review of the clinical record, staff interviews and a review of facility documentation for one sampled residents revi...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Report Alleged Abuse
(Tag F0609)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on a review of the clinical records, staff interviews, a review of the facility documentation, and a review of the facilit...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Investigate Abuse
(Tag F0610)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on a clinical record review , a review of facility documentation, staff interviews, and a review of the facility policy an...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
QAPI Program
(Tag F0867)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on staff interviews, review of clinical records, review of facility documentation, the facility failed to ensure that the Quality Assurance (QA) Committee identified, discussed deficient practic...
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CONCERN
(F)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Food Safety
(Tag F0812)
Could have caused harm · This affected most or all residents
Based on observations, staff interviews, a review of the facility documentation, and a review of the facility policy, the facility failed to record wash and rinse dishwasher temperatures to ensure pro...
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Understanding Severity Codes (click to expand)
Questions to Ask on Your Visit
- "Can I speak with families of current residents?"
- "What's your RN coverage like on weekends and overnight?"
Our Honest Assessment
- • Grade B+ (85/100). Above average facility, better than most options in Connecticut.
- • No major safety red flags. No abuse findings, life-threatening violations, or SFF status.
- • No fines on record. Clean compliance history, better than most Connecticut facilities.
- • 15% annual turnover. Excellent stability, 33 points below Connecticut's 48% average. Staff who stay learn residents' needs.
- • 22 deficiencies on record. Higher than average. Multiple issues found across inspections.
About This Facility
What is Grimes Center's CMS Rating?
CMS assigns GRIMES CENTER an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars, which is considered much above average nationally. Within Connecticut, this rating places the facility higher than 99% of the state's 100 nursing homes. This rating reflects solid performance across the metrics CMS uses to evaluate nursing home quality.
How is Grimes Center Staffed?
CMS rates GRIMES CENTER's staffing level at 4 out of 5 stars, which is above average compared to other nursing homes. Staff turnover is 15%, compared to the Connecticut average of 46%. This relatively stable workforce can support continuity of care.
What Have Inspectors Found at Grimes Center?
State health inspectors documented 22 deficiencies at GRIMES CENTER during 2019 to 2024. These included: 22 with potential for harm.
Who Owns and Operates Grimes Center?
GRIMES CENTER is owned by a non-profit organization. Non-profit facilities reinvest revenue into operations rather than distributing to shareholders. The facility operates independently rather than as part of a larger chain. With 114 certified beds and approximately 91 residents (about 80% occupancy), it is a mid-sized facility located in NEW HAVEN, Connecticut.
How Does Grimes Center Compare to Other Connecticut Nursing Homes?
Compared to the 100 nursing homes in Connecticut, GRIMES CENTER's overall rating (5 stars) is above the state average of 3.1, staff turnover (15%) is significantly lower than the state average of 46%, and health inspection rating (4 stars) is above the national benchmark.
What Should Families Ask When Visiting Grimes Center?
Based on this facility's data, families visiting should ask: "Can I visit during a mealtime to observe dining assistance and food quality?" "How do you handle medical emergencies, and what is your hospital transfer rate?" "Can I speak with family members of current residents about their experience?"
Is Grimes Center Safe?
Based on CMS inspection data, GRIMES CENTER has a clean safety record: no substantiated abuse findings (meaning no confirmed cases of resident harm), no Immediate Jeopardy citations (the most serious violation level indicating risk of serious injury or death), and is not on the Special Focus Facility watch list (a federal program monitoring the lowest-performing 1% of nursing homes). The facility has a 5-star overall rating and ranks #1 of 100 nursing homes in Connecticut. While no facility is perfect, families should still ask about staff-to-resident ratios and recent inspection results during their visit.
Do Nurses at Grimes Center Stick Around?
Staff at GRIMES CENTER tend to stick around. With a turnover rate of 15%, the facility is 30 percentage points below the Connecticut average of 46%. Low turnover is a positive sign. It means caregivers have time to learn each resident's needs, medications, and personal preferences. Consistent staff also notice subtle changes in a resident's condition more quickly. Registered Nurse turnover is also low at 21%, meaning experienced RNs are available to handle complex medical needs.
Was Grimes Center Ever Fined?
GRIMES CENTER has no federal fines on record. CMS issues fines when nursing homes fail to meet care standards or don't correct problems found during inspections. The absence of fines suggests the facility has either maintained compliance or corrected any issues before penalties were assessed. This is a positive indicator, though families should still review recent inspection reports for the full picture.
Is Grimes Center on Any Federal Watch List?
GRIMES CENTER is not on any federal watch list. The most significant is the Special Focus Facility (SFF) program, which identifies the bottom 1% of nursing homes nationally based on persistent, serious quality problems. Not being on this list means the facility has avoided the pattern of deficiencies that triggers enhanced federal oversight. This is a positive indicator, though families should still review the facility's inspection history directly.