THE MOORINGS AT LEWES

17028 CADBURY CIRCLE, LEWES, DE 19958 (302) 645-6400
Non profit - Corporation 40 Beds SPRINGPOINT SENIOR LIVING Data: November 2025
Trust Grade
90/100
#9 of 43 in DE
Last Inspection: December 2024

Within standard 12-15 month inspection cycle. Federal law requires annual inspections.

Overview

The Moorings at Lewes has received an excellent Trust Grade of A, indicating they are highly recommended and perform better than many facilities. They rank #9 out of 43 nursing homes in Delaware, placing them in the top half of the state, and #3 out of 11 in Sussex County. The facility's trend is stable, with 2 issues reported in both 2022 and 2024, showing consistent management of concerns over time. Staffing is a clear strength, with a perfect 5/5 rating and a turnover rate of 39%, which is lower than the state average, ensuring that staff are familiar with the residents. Notably, there have been no fines, which is a positive indicator of compliance, and more RN coverage than all other facilities in Delaware, enhancing patient care. However, there are some weaknesses to consider. Recent inspections revealed concerns such as inadequate sanitization levels in the kitchen and failure to consistently record food temperatures, which could lead to foodborne illness. Additionally, there was an issue with a resident not having their call bell within reach, which could impact their ability to request assistance when needed. Finally, a resident was given a psychotropic medication without proper evaluation to limit its use to the recommended 14 days, raising questions about medication management practices. Overall, while The Moorings at Lewes has many strengths, potential families should be aware of these specific concerns.

Trust Score
A
90/100
In Delaware
#9/43
Top 20%
Safety Record
Low Risk
No red flags
Inspections
Holding Steady
2 → 2 violations
Staff Stability
○ Average
39% turnover. Near Delaware's 48% average. Typical for the industry.
Penalties
✓ Good
No fines on record. Clean compliance history, better than most Delaware facilities.
Skilled Nurses
✓ Good
Each resident gets 91 minutes of Registered Nurse (RN) attention daily — more than 97% of Delaware nursing homes. RNs are the most trained staff who catch health problems before they become serious.
Violations
✓ Good
Only 4 deficiencies on record. Cleaner than most facilities. Minor issues only.
★★★★★
5.0
Overall Rating
★★★★★
5.0
Staff Levels
★★★★☆
4.0
Care Quality
★★★★★
5.0
Inspection Score
Stable
2022: 2 issues
2024: 2 issues

The Good

  • 5-Star Staffing Rating · Excellent nurse staffing levels
  • 4-Star Quality Measures · Strong clinical quality outcomes
  • Full Sprinkler Coverage · Fire safety systems throughout facility
  • No fines on record
  • Staff turnover below average (39%)

    9 points below Delaware average of 48%

Facility shows strength in staffing levels, quality measures, fire safety.

The Bad

Staff Turnover: 39%

Near Delaware avg (46%)

Typical for the industry

Chain: SPRINGPOINT SENIOR LIVING

Part of a multi-facility chain

Ask about local staffing decisions and management

The Ugly 4 deficiencies on record

Jan 2024 2 deficiencies
CONCERN (D)

Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed

Medication Errors (Tag F0758)

Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident

Based on record review and interview it was determined that for one (R11) out of five residents reviewed for unnecessary medications, the facility failed to limit an as needed (PRN) psychotropic medic...

Read full inspector narrative →
Based on record review and interview it was determined that for one (R11) out of five residents reviewed for unnecessary medications, the facility failed to limit an as needed (PRN) psychotropic medication to 14 days. Findings include: Review of R11's medical record revealed: 2/14/23 - R11 was admitted to the facility. 1/2/24 - R11 had a Physician's order for clonazepam tablet 0.5 mg give 1 tablet by mouth PRN (as needed), two times a day for agitation and anxiety. There was no end date to the order. 1/22/24 8:58 AM - During an interview, E5 (LPN) stated that the doctor would look back at the behaviors that we document and put in a new order for PRN psychotropic medications. 1/22/24 9:17 AM - During an interview, E3 (ADON) confirmed the current order for the clonazepam did not have a stop date since it was ordered on 1/2/24 and that there was no evidence of an evaluation to extend the use of clonazepam for more than 14 days. 1/22/24 9:55 AM - During an interview, E4 (MD) stated the the of for the medication for 14 days then re-evaluate and if effective, then reorder it. E4 confirmed the clonazepam ordered on 1/2/24 did not have a stop date and did not have any documentation to continue the medication after the 14 day period. The facility failed to provide evidence that R11 was reassessed by the Physician for the need to extend the use of clonazepam for more than 14 days. 1/22/24 at 1:00 PM - Findings were reviewed with E1 (NHA), E2 (DON) and E3 (ADON) at the exit conference.
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 observation and interview it was determined that the facility failed to ensure that food was properly stored, prepared and served in a manner that protects residents from foodborne illness an...

Read full inspector narrative →
Based on observation and interview it was determined that the facility failed to ensure that food was properly stored, prepared and served in a manner that protects residents from foodborne illness and food contact surfaces are maintained in a sanitary condition. Findings include: 1/18/24 12:15 PM- During a tour of the kitchen, the surveyor observed E6 (District Dining Manager) test the sanitizer level of the solution in three red sanitizing buckets. When E6 tested the sanitizing solution, the test strips from two out of three buckets indicated that the level of chemical concentration in the buckets was not at a sufficient level to provide proper sanitization. 1/18/24 2:43 PM- During a review of the food temperature logs, the surveyor observed the facility kitchen records had no food temperatures recorded for fifty-eight (58) meals out of two-hundred thirty-four (234) meals sampled. Temperatures of cooked foods and cold ready to eat foods were not being consistently recorded prior to being served. Fish, meat and poultry must be heated to an appropriate specific temperature depending on the type of food and the method used to prepare it. Vegetables must be heated to one hundred thirty-five (135) degrees Fahrenheit (F), and cold ready to eat foods must be held below forty-one (41) degrees (F) to maintain food safety. 1/18/24 3:24 PM - Findings were confirmed with E1 (NHA) 1/22/24 at 1:00 PM - Findings were reviewed with E1 (NHA), E2 (DON) and E3 (ADON) at the exit conference.
Dec 2022 2 deficiencies
CONCERN (D)

Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed

Deficiency F0558 (Tag F0558)

Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident

Based on observation, interview and record review, it was determined that for one (R3) out of one resident(s) sampled for accommodation of needs, the facility failed to ensure that R3's call bell was ...

Read full inspector narrative →
Based on observation, interview and record review, it was determined that for one (R3) out of one resident(s) sampled for accommodation of needs, the facility failed to ensure that R3's call bell was within reach. Findings include: The following observations were made of R3: 3/18/21 - Record review indicated that R3 was admitted to the facility with a history of a stroke with left sided weakness. 10/18/22 - A quarterly MDS assessment documented that R3 was cognitively intact and required assistance for transfers. 12/19/22 10:03 AM - E9 (CNA) knocked on the door and asked R3 if he was ready to get up. 12/19/22 10:46 AM - R3 was sitting up in his recliner with the call bell hanging off the end of the bed out of reach. 12/19/22 10:56 AM - The call light remained hanging off the end of R3's bed. 12/19/22 1:10 PM - An interview with E9 (CNA) confirmed R3's call bell was not in reach after morning care stating, It slipped my mind, I usually give it to him, oh I'm sorry, I forgot. 12/22/22 10:41 AM - E10 (CNA) was observed leaving the room after R3 was up in the recliner and the call bell was not in reach. The call bell was attached to the left side of the bed. The Surveyor informed E10 that R3's call bell was not in reach and E10 confirmed and stated, I forgot. Findings were reviewed with E1 (NHA), E2 (DON) and E3 (ADON) at the exit conference on 12/22/22 at 3:39 PM.
CONCERN (D)

Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed

Deficiency F0688 (Tag F0688)

Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident

Based on observation, interview and record review, it was determined that for one (R3) out of one resident reviewed for positioning, the facility failed to ensure that appropriate treatment and servic...

Read full inspector narrative →
Based on observation, interview and record review, it was determined that for one (R3) out of one resident reviewed for positioning, the facility failed to ensure that appropriate treatment and services were provided to maintain and/or increase range of motion. Findings include: The following was reviewed in R3's clinical record: 3/18/21 - R3 was admitted to the facility with a history of a stroke with left sided weakness. 1/26/22 - A Quarterly Occupational Therapy screen for services documented there were no changes and therapy services were not indicated at this time for R3. 2/21/22 - Record review of Rehab functional status form documented that R3 was to receive PROM (passive range of motion) to the left upper extremity, AAROM (active assisted range of motion) to the left lower extremity, and AROM (active range of motion) to the right upper and lower extremity for 15 minutes one time a day and signed by nursing. 2/22/22 - A physicians order written for R3 included PROM to the left upper extremity, AAROM to the left lower extremity and AROM to the right upper and lower extremity for 15 minutes one time a day. 4/13/22 - A physicians order documented that a left palm protector was to be applied in the morning after AM care check for signs for ill fit every shift. Remove after PM care or as per resident request patient may remove ad-lib. 10/18/22 - A quarterly MDS assessment documented R3 as having upper and lower impairment to his left upper arm and left hand. 12/19/22 10:46 AM - R3's left hand was observed to be contracted and R3 was not wearing a palm protector. 12/19/22 11:56 AM - R3's left hand was observed resting on his lap and R3 was not wearing palm protector. 12/20/22 1:50 PM - During an interview, R3 revealed, Nobody comes in to do any exercise to my hand. 12/20/22 1:25 PM - During an interview, E9 (CNA) stated, Usually the ROM is getting done when I'm getting him up to go to the bathroom and with his bathing he likes to get washed up in the bathroom, I raise his left arm up to put his shirt on and move his legs to put his pants on. 12/20/22 2:00 PM - During an interview, E7 (Physical Therapy Aide) stated CNA typically does the range of motion. 12.20/22 3:04 PM - During interview, E4 (Certified Unit Manager) stated the nurse signs off that the range of motion is being done. E4 showed the Surveyor where the nurse signs off that the range of motion, was done December 7 through December 20, 2022. 12/21/22 3:45 PM - During an interview, E8 (RN) stated, I don't guide the CNA in how to do range of motion, they have already been educated on how to do it and I can't say how long the range of motion is being done because I don't watch them, but I know it's being done because I know my staff. 12/22/22 9:59 AM - During interview, the Surveyor asked E10 how she does his range of motion E10 (CNA) stated, He has his own way of doing things, he doesn't want you to do a lot for him, but I lift his legs and put a rolled-up washcloth in his left hand. The interviews identified that staff were considering delivering care, including dressing, bathing and toileting to be ROM. There was no evidence that R3 was receiving 15 minutes of ROM (exercise) daily as prescribed. Findings were reviewed with E1 (NHA), E2 (DON) and E3 (ADON) at the exit conference on 12/22/22 at 3:39 PM.
Understanding Severity Codes (click to expand)
Life-Threatening (Immediate Jeopardy)
J - Isolated K - Pattern L - Widespread
Actual Harm
G - Isolated H - Pattern I - Widespread
Potential for Harm
D - Isolated E - Pattern F - Widespread
No Harm (Minor)
A - Isolated B - Pattern C - Widespread

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

Strengths
  • • Grade A (90/100). Above average facility, better than most options in Delaware.
  • • No major safety red flags. No abuse findings, life-threatening violations, or SFF status.
  • • No fines on record. Clean compliance history, better than most Delaware facilities.
  • • Only 4 deficiencies on record. Cleaner than most facilities. Minor issues only.
Concerns
  • • No significant concerns identified. This facility shows no red flags across CMS ratings, staff turnover, or federal penalties.
Bottom line: Generally positive indicators. Standard due diligence and a personal visit recommended.

About This Facility

What is The Moorings At Lewes's CMS Rating?

CMS assigns THE MOORINGS AT LEWES an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars, which is considered much above average nationally. Within Delaware, 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 The Moorings At Lewes Staffed?

CMS rates THE MOORINGS AT LEWES's staffing level at 5 out of 5 stars, which is much above average compared to other nursing homes. Staff turnover is 39%, compared to the Delaware average of 46%. This relatively stable workforce can support continuity of care.

What Have Inspectors Found at The Moorings At Lewes?

State health inspectors documented 4 deficiencies at THE MOORINGS AT LEWES during 2022 to 2024. These included: 4 with potential for harm.

Who Owns and Operates The Moorings At Lewes?

THE MOORINGS AT LEWES is owned by a non-profit organization. Non-profit facilities reinvest revenue into operations rather than distributing to shareholders. The facility is operated by SPRINGPOINT SENIOR LIVING, a chain that manages multiple nursing homes. With 40 certified beds and approximately 34 residents (about 85% occupancy), it is a smaller facility located in LEWES, Delaware.

How Does The Moorings At Lewes Compare to Other Delaware Nursing Homes?

Compared to the 100 nursing homes in Delaware, THE MOORINGS AT LEWES's overall rating (5 stars) is above the state average of 3.3, staff turnover (39%) is near the state average of 46%, and health inspection rating (5 stars) is much above the national benchmark.

What Should Families Ask When Visiting The Moorings At Lewes?

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 The Moorings At Lewes Safe?

Based on CMS inspection data, THE MOORINGS AT LEWES 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 Delaware. While no facility is perfect, families should still ask about staff-to-resident ratios and recent inspection results during their visit.

Do Nurses at The Moorings At Lewes Stick Around?

THE MOORINGS AT LEWES has a staff turnover rate of 39%, which is about average for Delaware 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 The Moorings At Lewes Ever Fined?

THE MOORINGS AT LEWES 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 The Moorings At Lewes on Any Federal Watch List?

THE MOORINGS AT LEWES 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.