AUTUMN LAKE HEALTHCARE AT THE WILLOWS
Within standard 12-15 month inspection cycle. Federal law requires annual inspections.
Autumn Lake Healthcare at The Willows has a Trust Grade of B, indicating it is a good choice for care, though not without some concerns. It ranks #53 out of 192 facilities in Connecticut, placing it in the top half, and #5 out of 23 in its county, suggesting only four local options are better. Unfortunately, the facility is experiencing a worsening trend, with issues increasing from 3 in 2021 to 15 in 2024. Staffing is a relative strength, with a turnover rate of 30%, which is below the state average, but the overall RN coverage is rated as average. Notably, the facility has had no fines, which is a positive sign, but there are concerning incidents such as unclean conditions in the Dietary department and failure to provide timely showers for some residents, highlighting the need for improvement in daily care practices.
- Trust Score
- B
- In Connecticut
- #53/192
- Safety Record
- Low Risk
- Inspections
- Getting Worse
- Staff Stability ✓ Good
- 30% annual turnover. Excellent stability, 18 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 ○ Average
- Each resident gets 39 minutes of Registered Nurse (RN) attention daily — about average for Connecticut. RNs are the most trained staff who monitor for health changes.
- Violations ⚠ Watch
- 19 deficiencies on record. Higher than average. Multiple issues found across inspections.
The Good
-
4-Star Quality Measures · Strong clinical quality outcomes
-
Low Staff Turnover (30%) · Staff stability means consistent care
-
Full Sprinkler Coverage · Fire safety systems throughout facility
-
No fines on record
-
Staff turnover is low (30%)
18 points below Connecticut average of 48%
Facility shows strength in quality measures, staff retention, fire safety.
The Bad
Part of a multi-facility chain
Ask about local staffing decisions and management
The Ugly 19 deficiencies on record
Aug 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
ADL Care
(Tag F0677)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on clinical record reviews, observations, facility documentation, facility policy and interviews for one (1) of three (3) ...
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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
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 clinical record reviews, observations, facility documentation, facility policy and interviews for two (2) of three (3) ...
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Apr 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
Resident Rights
(Tag F0550)
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 review, facility policy review, and interviews for one Resident (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
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 clinical record review, facility documentation review, facility policy review, and interviews for one of three resident...
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Jan 2024
11 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 observation, clinical record review, review of facility policy, and interviews for 1 of 3 sampled residents (Resident #...
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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 observation, interviews, clinical record review, and facility policy for 1 of 3 sampled residents ( Resident #19) revie...
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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 observations, clinical record review, review of facility policy, and interviews for 1 of 3 sampled residents (Resident ...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0685
(Tag F0685)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on staff/resident interview, record review and review of facility documentation for 1 of 1 sampled resident (Resident #3) ...
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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 observations, clinical record review, review of facility policy, and interviews for 3 of 3 sampled residents (Resident ...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0761
(Tag F0761)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, interviews, and review of facility policy regarding medication administration, the facility failed to ensure the medication cart was locked when unattended. The findings include:...
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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, staff interviews, and policy review for 2 sampled residents on isolation precautions (Resident #184 and Re...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0804
(Tag F0804)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on a tour of the Dietary Department with the Dietary Director and interviews, the facility failed to provide lunch at appropriate and appetizing temperatures. The findings include:
Interview wit...
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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 and staff interview, the facility failed to ensure the Dietary department was maintained in a clean, sanitary manner and that food items were consistently l...
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MINOR
(B)
Minor Issue - procedural, no safety impact
Deficiency F0568
(Tag F0568)
Minor procedural issue · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on resident/staff interviews, review of the resident trust accounts and facility policy for 2 of 2 sampled residents (Resi...
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MINOR
(B)
Minor Issue - procedural, no safety impact
Menu Adequacy
(Tag F0803)
Minor procedural issue · This affected multiple residents
Based on observation, review of facility documentation, facility policy and interview, the facility failed to ensure that meals provided to the residents of the facility were based on the posted menu ...
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Sept 2021
3 deficiencies
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Grievances
(Tag F0585)
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 1 resident (Resident #6) rev...
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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 review of the clinical record, facility documentation, facility policy, and interviews for 1 of 3 residents (Resident #...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0688
(Tag F0688)
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 1 resident (Res...
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May 2019
1 deficiency
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 observations, record review, staff interviews, and review of facility policy, for 1 of 4 residents (Resident #86) revie...
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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
- • 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.
- • 30% annual turnover. Excellent stability, 18 points below Connecticut's 48% average. Staff who stay learn residents' needs.
- • 19 deficiencies on record. Higher than average. Multiple issues found across inspections.
About This Facility
What is Autumn Lake Healthcare At The Willows's CMS Rating?
CMS assigns AUTUMN LAKE HEALTHCARE AT THE WILLOWS an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which is considered 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 Autumn Lake Healthcare At The Willows Staffed?
CMS rates AUTUMN LAKE HEALTHCARE AT THE WILLOWS's staffing level at 3 out of 5 stars, which is average compared to other nursing homes. Staff turnover is 30%, compared to the Connecticut average of 46%. This relatively stable workforce can support continuity of care.
What Have Inspectors Found at Autumn Lake Healthcare At The Willows?
State health inspectors documented 19 deficiencies at AUTUMN LAKE HEALTHCARE AT THE WILLOWS during 2019 to 2024. These included: 17 with potential for harm and 2 minor or isolated issues.
Who Owns and Operates Autumn Lake Healthcare At The Willows?
AUTUMN LAKE HEALTHCARE AT THE WILLOWS is owned by a for-profit company. For-profit facilities operate as businesses with obligations to shareholders or private owners. The facility is operated by AUTUMN LAKE HEALTHCARE, a chain that manages multiple nursing homes. With 90 certified beds and approximately 84 residents (about 93% occupancy), it is a smaller facility located in WOODBRIDGE, Connecticut.
How Does Autumn Lake Healthcare At The Willows Compare to Other Connecticut Nursing Homes?
Compared to the 100 nursing homes in Connecticut, AUTUMN LAKE HEALTHCARE AT THE WILLOWS's overall rating (4 stars) is above the state average of 3.0, staff turnover (30%) 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 Autumn Lake Healthcare At The Willows?
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 Autumn Lake Healthcare At The Willows Safe?
Based on CMS inspection data, AUTUMN LAKE HEALTHCARE AT THE WILLOWS 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 4-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 Autumn Lake Healthcare At The Willows Stick Around?
Staff at AUTUMN LAKE HEALTHCARE AT THE WILLOWS tend to stick around. With a turnover rate of 30%, the facility is 16 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.
Was Autumn Lake Healthcare At The Willows Ever Fined?
AUTUMN LAKE HEALTHCARE AT THE WILLOWS 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 Autumn Lake Healthcare At The Willows on Any Federal Watch List?
AUTUMN LAKE HEALTHCARE AT THE WILLOWS 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.