COOK WILLOW HEALTH & REHABILITATION CENTER, INC.
Within standard 12-15 month inspection cycle. Federal law requires annual inspections.
Cook Willow Health & Rehabilitation Center in Plymouth, Connecticut, has a Trust Grade of B+, indicating it is above average and recommended for families seeking care. It ranks #10 out of 192 facilities in the state, placing it in the top half, and #2 out of 22 in Naugatuck Valley County, meaning there is only one better option nearby. However, the facility is experiencing a worsening trend, with issues increasing from 3 in 2021 to 10 in 2024. Staffing is rated 4 out of 5 stars, but with a 48% turnover rate, which is about average for the state, suggesting some staff stability but room for improvement. Notably, there have been no fines, indicating compliance with regulations, and the facility boasts more RN coverage than 80% of state facilities, ensuring better oversight of residents' care. On the downside, there have been several concerning incidents, including failures to label canned food properly and to discard dented cans, which could pose safety risks. Additionally, one resident's care plan did not adequately address their fall prevention needs, despite a history of falls and a diagnosis of dementia. While the facility has many strengths, these weaknesses highlight areas that need attention to ensure the safety and well-being of residents.
- Trust Score
- B+
- In Connecticut
- #10/192
- Safety Record
- Low Risk
- Inspections
- Getting Worse
- Staff Stability ⚠ Watch
- 48% turnover. Above average. Higher turnover means staff may not know residents' routines.
- Penalties ✓ Good
- No fines on record. Clean compliance history, better than most Connecticut facilities.
- Skilled Nurses ✓ Good
- Each resident gets 52 minutes of Registered Nurse (RN) attention daily — more than average for Connecticut. RNs are trained to catch health problems early.
- Violations ⚠ Watch
- 17 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
-
Full Sprinkler Coverage · Fire safety systems throughout facility
-
No fines on record
Facility shows strength in staffing levels, quality measures, fire safety.
The Bad
Near Connecticut avg (46%)
Higher turnover may affect care consistency
The Ugly 17 deficiencies on record
Feb 2024
10 deficiencies
CONCERN
(D)
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 policy, and interviews for 1 of 3 sampled residents (Resident #50) reviewed for...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0657
(Tag F0657)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observations, review of the clinical record, staff interviews and facility policy for 1 of 5 residents(Resident #18) re...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
ADL Care
(Tag F0677)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation and staff interview for 1 of 1 sampled resident (Resident #36) reviewed for Activities of Daily Living (ADL...
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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 review of the clinical record, facility policy, and interview for the only sampled resident, (Resident #50), reviewed f...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Respiratory Care
(Tag F0695)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observations, review of the clinical record, review of facility documentation, facility policy, and interviews for 3 of...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0919
(Tag F0919)
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 record, facility documentation, facility policy and interviews for the only sampled...
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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 the tour of the Dietary Department, staff interview, facility documentation and policy, the facility failed to ensure the Dietary department consistently labeled canned food to reflect their ...
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MINOR
(B)
Minor Issue - procedural, no safety impact
Deficiency F0570
(Tag F0570)
Minor procedural issue · This affected multiple residents
Based on observation, facility documentation, facility policy and interviews regarding personal funds, the facility failed to ensure adequate coverage through a Surety bond for the Resident Trust Acco...
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MINOR
(B)
Minor Issue - procedural, no safety impact
Safe Environment
(Tag F0584)
Minor procedural issue · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation and staff interviews for 1 observed resident (Resident #13) using the resident television lounge, the facil...
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MINOR
(B)
Minor Issue - procedural, no safety impact
Deficiency F0730
(Tag F0730)
Minor procedural issue · This affected multiple residents
Based on review of personnel files and staff interviews for 1 of 3 Nurse Aides (NA) reviewed for annual evaluations (NA #4), the facility failed to complete annual performance evaluations. The finding...
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Nov 2021
3 deficiencies
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Notification of Changes
(Tag F0580)
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, interviews review of facility documentation and review of policy for one of two resident...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Free from Abuse/Neglect
(Tag F0600)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY**
Based on clinical record reviews, review of facility documentation, policies, and interviews for one resident (Resident # 15) r...
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MINOR
(B)
Minor Issue - procedural, no safety impact
Assessment Accuracy
(Tag F0641)
Minor procedural issue · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on review of the clinical record and interviews for three of six residents reviewed for Preadmission Screening and Residen...
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Jun 2019
4 deficiencies
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Resident Rights
(Tag F0550)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observations, clinical record review, review of facility documentation, review of facility policy, and interviews for 1...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0687
(Tag F0687)
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 record, interviews and review of facility documentation for 1 sampled resident revi...
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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** Based on review of the clinical record, facility documentation, facility policy and/or procedures and interviews for 1 of 2 samp...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Food Safety
(Tag F0812)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on observations, review of facility documentation, review of facility policy, and interviews, the facility failed to wear protective hair coverage while distributing and serving food in accordan...
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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.
- • 17 deficiencies on record. Higher than average. Multiple issues found across inspections.
About This Facility
What is Cook Willow Health & Rehabilitation Center, Inc.'s CMS Rating?
CMS assigns COOK WILLOW HEALTH & REHABILITATION CENTER, INC. 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 Cook Willow Health & Rehabilitation Center, Inc. Staffed?
CMS rates COOK WILLOW HEALTH & REHABILITATION CENTER, INC.'s staffing level at 4 out of 5 stars, which is above average compared to other nursing homes. Staff turnover is 48%, compared to the Connecticut average of 46%.
What Have Inspectors Found at Cook Willow Health & Rehabilitation Center, Inc.?
State health inspectors documented 17 deficiencies at COOK WILLOW HEALTH & REHABILITATION CENTER, INC. during 2019 to 2024. These included: 13 with potential for harm and 4 minor or isolated issues.
Who Owns and Operates Cook Willow Health & Rehabilitation Center, Inc.?
COOK WILLOW HEALTH & REHABILITATION CENTER, INC. is owned by a for-profit company. For-profit facilities operate as businesses with obligations to shareholders or private owners. The facility operates independently rather than as part of a larger chain. With 60 certified beds and approximately 54 residents (about 90% occupancy), it is a smaller facility located in PLYMOUTH, Connecticut.
How Does Cook Willow Health & Rehabilitation Center, Inc. Compare to Other Connecticut Nursing Homes?
Compared to the 100 nursing homes in Connecticut, COOK WILLOW HEALTH & REHABILITATION CENTER, INC.'s overall rating (5 stars) is above the state average of 3.1, staff turnover (48%) is near the state average of 46%, and health inspection rating (4 stars) is above the national benchmark.
What Should Families Ask When Visiting Cook Willow Health & Rehabilitation Center, Inc.?
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 Cook Willow Health & Rehabilitation Center, Inc. Safe?
Based on CMS inspection data, COOK WILLOW HEALTH & REHABILITATION CENTER, INC. 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 Cook Willow Health & Rehabilitation Center, Inc. Stick Around?
COOK WILLOW HEALTH & REHABILITATION CENTER, INC. has a staff turnover rate of 48%, which is about average for Connecticut nursing homes (state average: 46%). Moderate turnover is common in nursing homes, but families should still ask about staff tenure and how the facility maintains care continuity when employees leave.
Was Cook Willow Health & Rehabilitation Center, Inc. Ever Fined?
COOK WILLOW HEALTH & REHABILITATION CENTER, INC. 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 Cook Willow Health & Rehabilitation Center, Inc. on Any Federal Watch List?
COOK WILLOW HEALTH & REHABILITATION CENTER, INC. 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.