JOSEPH L MORSE HEALTH CENTER INC THE

4847 FRED GLADSTONE DRIVE, WEST PALM BEACH, FL 33417 (561) 471-5111
Non profit - Corporation 230 Beds Independent Data: November 2025
Trust Grade
93/100
#56 of 690 in FL
Last Inspection: November 2024

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

Overview

Joseph L Morse Health Center in West Palm Beach, Florida, has an impressive Trust Grade of A, indicating excellent quality and care. It ranks #56 out of 690 nursing homes in Florida, placing it in the top half of facilities statewide, and #6 out of 54 in Palm Beach County, meaning only five local homes are rated higher. The facility is showing an improving trend, having reduced its issues from one in 2022 to none in 2024. Staffing is a strength, with a perfect 5-star rating and a turnover rate of 27%, significantly lower than the Florida average, which suggests that staff members are familiar with the residents. Notably, there have been no fines reported, which is a positive sign of compliance. However, there was a concerning incident where a resident with cognitive impairment was not adequately supervised, leading to instances of wandering into others' rooms. While this does indicate a need for better monitoring protocols, it is important to note that the facility has addressed this issue and is focused on improvement. Overall, Joseph L Morse Health Center has many strengths, but families should remain aware of the need for vigilant supervision for residents with wandering risks.

Trust Score
A
93/100
In Florida
#56/690
Top 8%
Safety Record
Low Risk
No red flags
Inspections
Getting Better
1 → 0 violations
Staff Stability
✓ Good
27% annual turnover. Excellent stability, 21 points below Florida's 48% average. Staff who stay learn residents' needs.
Penalties
✓ Good
No fines on record. Clean compliance history, better than most Florida facilities.
Skilled Nurses
✓ Good
Each resident gets 79 minutes of Registered Nurse (RN) attention daily — more than 97% of Florida nursing homes. RNs are the most trained staff who catch health problems before they become serious.
Violations
✓ Good
Only 1 deficiencies on record. Cleaner than most facilities. Minor issues only.
★★★★★
5.0
Overall Rating
★★★★★
5.0
Staff Levels
★★★★★
5.0
Care Quality
★★★★★
5.0
Inspection Score
Stable
2022: 1 issues
2024: 0 issues

The Good

  • 5-Star Staffing Rating · Excellent nurse staffing levels
  • 5-Star Quality Measures · Strong clinical quality outcomes
  • Low Staff Turnover (27%) · Staff stability means consistent care
  • Full Sprinkler Coverage · Fire safety systems throughout facility
  • No fines on record
  • Staff turnover is low (27%)

    21 points below Florida 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 Florida's 100 nursing homes, only 1% achieve this.

The Ugly 1 deficiencies on record

Apr 2022 1 deficiency
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 observation, interview, and record review, the facility failed to ensure supervision for 1 of 4 sampled residents (Resi...

Read full inspector narrative →
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interview, and record review, the facility failed to ensure supervision for 1 of 4 sampled residents (Resident #67) related to wandering, which also affected Resident #117 and Resident #15. The findings included: Resident #67 was admitted on [DATE] with diagnosis that included Alzheimer's and anxiety disorder Review of the Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessment, dated 02/24/22, documented Resident #67 as being severely cognitively impaired. Resident #67's Care Plan for Wandering Risk, effective date 10/15/21, documented interventions of offering snacks in between meals, provide reassurance and comfort when anxious, assist with calling son, check wander guard for proper placement and function, and update Code Purple folder (wanderers identification book) with resident's picture and important information. On 04/11/22 at 10:44 AM during an interview, Resident #117 wrote that Resident #67 comes in his room uninvited, sometimes uses his restroom and they (the staff) must physically remove her. He communicated that it upsets him, and that he has complained to the nurses. Review of the MDS assessment dated [DATE] documented Resident #117 as being cognitively intact with diagnosis that include inability to speak due to surgical removal of his voice box, altered breathing due to breathing through a hole in his neck and requiring limited to extensive assistance for all activities except eating. On 04/11/22 at 11:29 AM during an interview, Resident #15 stated a confused woman in a wheelchair who speaks Spanish, a foreign language, comes in her room and fiddles with her bedding. She also said that sometimes it unnerves her because she is sleeping and feels someone messing with her bed. Review of the MDS assessment dated [DATE] documented Resident #15 as being cognitively intact with diagnosis that included Heart Disease and requiring extensive assistance for all activities except eating. On 04/13/22 at 8:20 AM, Resident #117 communicated that Resident #67 came in his room again yesterday and had to be escorted out. He also communicated that he complained again to the staff about it. On 04/13/22 at 2:00 PM, Staff A CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) stated he is aware of Resident #67 wandering in other people's rooms and about her going into Resident #117's room. He stated he goes and gets her out. Staff A said they try to redirect her but sometimes he is busy giving care to someone else and does not know she has gone into another resident's room. On 04/13/22 at 2:15 PM, Staff B, Registered Nurse (RN) stated that she is aware of Resident #67's wandering and going uninvited into other residents' rooms. She said they put a wander guard on her chair to keep her from leaving the floor. She also stated they try to have her sit by the nurse's station so they can watch her. On 04/13/22 at 4:22 PM, Resident #117 communicated in the presence of another surveyor that Resident #67 came in his room again and had to be removed yesterday. He said that it bothers him, he does not like it, it has been going on for months and he has complained about it to the staff. On 04/13/22 at 4:25 PM, Resident #15 stated in the presence of another surveyor that Resident #67 comes in her room uninvited and messes with her bedding. She stated that it bothers her, actually it bothers everyone. Review of the Progress Note, titled, Nursing on 12/23/21 at 5:57 AM, stated, resident woke up around 5:15 AM and started making a lot of noise roaming around calling in Spanish [her native language] she pulled the alarm of the emergency door, security was called to reset the alarm. Redirected several times, she got aggressive. Review of the Progress Note, titled, Nursing on 01/16/22 at 1:45 AM, stated, received resident awake out of bed roaming around in her wheelchair, going door to door waking up other residents; she went to a resident's room broke a picture frame then threw stuff on the floor. Review of the Interdisciplinary Behavior Observation Form dated 01/18/22, documented Resident #67 with behaviors of yelling, screaming, being verbally abusive and entering other residents' rooms. Review of the Interdisciplinary Behavior Observation Form dated 03/02/22, documented Resident #67 with behaviors of being verbally abusive, threatening, screaming at others, cursing, and being physically abusive. Interventions used for the behaviors listed separating Resident #67 from the other resident, redirect, and return her to her room. Review of the Interdisciplinary Behavior Observation Form dated 03/10/22, documented Resident #67 in other resident's room with behaviors of being verbally abusive, threatening, screaming at others, cursing, and being physically abusive, kicking, attempts to hit, and very combative. Review of the Progress Note, titled, Nursing on 03/10/22 at 4:11 PM, stated Resident was very aggressive today. Went to other resident's room used the toilet and attempts to kicks the Resident (#117) . when Writer trying to take (Resident#67) out, she started, yelling, shouting, and kicking. (Resident #67) went to another resident's room trying to kick another resident. ANRP (nurse practitioner) notified, received new order Ativan 0.5 milligram intramuscular (sedation shot). Ativan given in the left arm. Review of the Progress Note, titled, Medical on 03/16/22 at 2:41 PM, documented under Behaviors: yelling, screaming, biting, delusions, verbally and physically abusive, going into other rooms and hoarding. Review of the Progress Note, titled, Geri-Psychiatry Follow-up Evaluation on 03/17/22 at 2:35 PM, documented under Assessment: Worsening anxious moods, sundowning (state of confusion spanning into the night), wandering and agitation. Review of the Progress Note, titled, Activities on 03/27/22 at 5:11 PM, stated Resident #67 can self-propel her wheelchair around the unit and is noted to wander into other resident's rooms. Review of the Progress Note, titled, Medical on 03/31/22 stated Resident # 67 has been exhibiting the following behavior of yelling, biting, resisting care, delusions, verbally and physically abusive, going into other rooms, hoarding and states the behaviors occur randomly throughout day and night hours. Resident #67 was observed during the survey to self-propel her wheelchair in the hallways and dining room on her unit.
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 (93/100). Above average facility, better than most options in Florida.
  • • No major safety red flags. No abuse findings, life-threatening violations, or SFF status.
  • • No fines on record. Clean compliance history, better than most Florida facilities.
  • • Only 1 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 Joseph L Morse Inc The's CMS Rating?

CMS assigns JOSEPH L MORSE HEALTH CENTER INC THE an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars, which is considered much above average nationally. Within Florida, 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 Joseph L Morse Inc The Staffed?

CMS rates JOSEPH L MORSE HEALTH CENTER INC THE's staffing level at 5 out of 5 stars, which is much above average compared to other nursing homes. Staff turnover is 27%, compared to the Florida average of 46%. This relatively stable workforce can support continuity of care.

What Have Inspectors Found at Joseph L Morse Inc The?

State health inspectors documented 1 deficiencies at JOSEPH L MORSE HEALTH CENTER INC THE during 2022. These included: 1 with potential for harm.

Who Owns and Operates Joseph L Morse Inc The?

JOSEPH L MORSE HEALTH CENTER INC THE 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 230 certified beds and approximately 149 residents (about 65% occupancy), it is a large facility located in WEST PALM BEACH, Florida.

How Does Joseph L Morse Inc The Compare to Other Florida Nursing Homes?

Compared to the 100 nursing homes in Florida, JOSEPH L MORSE HEALTH CENTER INC THE's overall rating (5 stars) is above the state average of 3.2, staff turnover (27%) is significantly lower than the state average of 46%, and health inspection rating (5 stars) is much above the national benchmark.

What Should Families Ask When Visiting Joseph L Morse Inc The?

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 Joseph L Morse Inc The Safe?

Based on CMS inspection data, JOSEPH L MORSE HEALTH CENTER INC THE 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 Florida. While no facility is perfect, families should still ask about staff-to-resident ratios and recent inspection results during their visit.

Do Nurses at Joseph L Morse Inc The Stick Around?

Staff at JOSEPH L MORSE HEALTH CENTER INC THE tend to stick around. With a turnover rate of 27%, the facility is 19 percentage points below the Florida 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 29%, meaning experienced RNs are available to handle complex medical needs.

Was Joseph L Morse Inc The Ever Fined?

JOSEPH L MORSE HEALTH CENTER INC THE 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 Joseph L Morse Inc The on Any Federal Watch List?

JOSEPH L MORSE HEALTH CENTER INC THE 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.