ORONO COMMONS
Inspected within the last 6 months. Data reflects current conditions.
Orono Commons has received a Trust Grade of F, indicating significant concerns and a poor reputation among nursing homes. It ranks #58 out of 77 facilities in Maine, placing it in the bottom half, and #10 out of 11 in Penobscot County, meaning only one local option performs worse. The facility is improving, with issues decreasing from 22 in 2024 to 10 in 2025, but it still has a high staff turnover rate of 63%, well above the Maine average of 49%. While the nursing home boasts good RN coverage, surpassing 92% of state facilities, there have been troubling incidents, such as a resident in severe pain not receiving medication due to staffing issues and a failure to develop necessary care plans for residents in a timely manner. Overall, families should weigh these strengths and weaknesses carefully when considering Orono Commons for their loved ones.
- Trust Score
- F
- In Maine
- #58/77
- Safety Record
- Moderate
- Inspections
- Getting Better
- Staff Stability ⚠ Watch
- 63% turnover. Above average. Higher turnover means staff may not know residents' routines.
- Penalties ✓ Good
- $10,358 in fines. Lower than most Maine facilities. Relatively clean record.
- Skilled Nurses ✓ Good
- Each resident gets 77 minutes of Registered Nurse (RN) attention daily — more than 97% of Maine nursing homes. RNs are the most trained staff who catch health problems before they become serious.
- Violations ⚠ Watch
- 40 deficiencies on record. Higher than average. Multiple issues found across inspections.
The Good
-
Full Sprinkler Coverage · Fire safety systems throughout facility
-
No fines on record
Facility shows strength in fire safety.
The Bad
Below Maine average (3.0)
Below average - review inspection findings carefully
17pts above Maine avg (46%)
Frequent staff changes - ask about care continuity
Below median ($33,413)
Minor penalties assessed
Part of a multi-facility chain
Ask about local staffing decisions and management
15 points above Maine average of 48%
The Ugly 40 deficiencies on record
May 2025
10 deficiencies
1 Harm
SERIOUS
(G)
📢 Someone Reported This
A family member, employee, or ombudsman was alarmed enough to file a formal complaint
Actual Harm - a resident was hurt due to facility failures
Deficiency F0697
(Tag F0697)
A resident was harmed · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY**
2. On 5/4/25 at 11:15 a.m. during an interview with R40, he/she stated their admission date was on 4/10/25 between 5:00 and 6:0...
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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 record review and interview, the facility failed to ensure a resident's right to formulate an advanced directive regard...
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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
Report Alleged Abuse
(Tag F0609)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on the facility's policy, Reportable Incident Form review, and interview, the facility failed to notify the State Agencies (Division of Licensing and Certification [DLC]) and Adult Protective Se...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
PASARR Coordination
(Tag F0644)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on record review and interview, the facility failed to ensure that the State mental health authority for Pre-admission Screening and Resident Review (PASRR) was notified after a resident was new...
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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
Based on record review and interviews, the facility failed to provide respiratory care as order by the Provider for 1of 3 residents that use oxygen. Resident #165 [R165])
Finding:
On 5/6/25 during a ...
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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 F0804
(Tag F0804)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on interviews, observations, and two lunch meal test trays, the facility failed to serve hot foods at an appetizing and pa...
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CONCERN
(E)
📢 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 F0655
(Tag F0655)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on clinical record review and interview, the facility failed to ensure a baseline care plan was developed and implemented within 48 hours, that included the instructions needed to provide minimu...
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CONCERN
(E)
📢 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 multiple residents
Based on clinical record reviews and interviews, the facility failed to follow physician orders for 4 of 20 residents reviewed. (Resident #40 [R40], R51, and R172).
Findings:
1. On 5/6/25 at 8:00 a.m...
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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
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** 2. On 5/4/25 at 12:00 p.m., a surveyor observed in the Homestead Unit Refrigerator the following:
3 cartons of thickened beverag...
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CONCERN
(F)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0725
(Tag F0725)
Could have caused harm · This affected most or all residents
Based on Payroll Based Journal staffing (PBJ) report and interview, the facility failed to ensure sufficient direct care staff were scheduled and on duty to meet the needs of residents that reside in ...
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May 2024
20 deficiencies
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0561
(Tag F0561)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation and interviews, the facility failed to ensure that a resident's preference for a second serving of the main meal choice for lunch was available on 5/21/24, for 1 of 1 residents (R...
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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
Based on record review and interview, the facility failed to develop a care plan for the area Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome (PTSD) for 1 of 1 sampled resident with a diagnosis of PTSD (Resident #18 [...
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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
Pressure Ulcer Prevention
(Tag F0686)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on record reviews, observation, and interviews, the facility failed to ensure that weekly pressure ulcer assessment documentation, used to monitor the healing progress of the wounds, were comple...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0699
(Tag F0699)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on record review and interview, the facility failed to identify a resident's current diagnosis of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)/trauma to determine what trigger(s) might cause re-traumat...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0711
(Tag F0711)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on record reviews and interviews, the facility failed to ensure the physician reviewed the resident's total program of care, which included signing orders for medications and treatments listed o...
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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 observations and interviews, the facility failed to ensure opened insulin was labeled with an open date in 1 of 2 treatment carts (Homestead unit) and failed to remove expired medications fro...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0947
(Tag F0947)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on employee file reviews and interview, the facility failed to implement and maintain an effective training program which includes, at a minimum, training on abuse for 1 of 4 Certified Nursing A...
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CONCERN
(E)
📢 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 multiple residents
3. On 5/20/24 at 10:00 a.m., in an interview with a surveyor, R4 stated that a couple of weeks ago he/she rang his/her call bell and waited for approximately one to two hours before someone answered i...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Safe Environment
(Tag F0584)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observations and interview, the facility failed to adequately provide housekeeping and maintenance services necessary t...
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CONCERN
(E)
📢 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 multiple residents
9. On 5/22/24, review of R71's clinical record indicated an unwitnessed fall on 6/6/23. R71 was observed on the floor between the beds laying on R71's left side. The resident was unable to tell the st...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Respiratory Care
(Tag F0695)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observations, record review, and interviews, the facility failed to follow its own policy for oxygen use and humidifica...
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CONCERN
(E)
📢 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 F0725
(Tag F0725)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
7. On 5/20/24 at 10:00 a.m., in an interview with a surveyor, R4 stated that a couple of weeks ago he/she rang his/her call bell and waited for approximately one to two hours before someone answered i...
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CONCERN
(E)
📢 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 F0802
(Tag F0802)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on observations and interviews the facility failed to provide adequate dietary staff to ensure the dietary needs of residents were met timely for 3 of 4 days of survey (5/19/24, 5/20/24, and 5/2...
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CONCERN
(E)
📢 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 F0804
(Tag F0804)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on interviews and observations, the facility failed to serve hot foods hot and cold food cold on 1 of 4 days of survey (5/21/24).
Findings:
On 5/19/24 at 11:36 a.m., during a resident interview ...
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CONCERN
(E)
📢 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
Food Safety
(Tag F0812)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observations, and interviews, the facility failed to monitor food temperatures to prevent food borne illness prior to s...
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MINOR
(B)
Minor Issue - procedural, no safety impact
Transfer Notice
(Tag F0623)
Minor procedural issue · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on record reviews and interviews, the facility failed to notify the resident and/or resident representative in writing for...
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MINOR
(B)
Minor Issue - procedural, no safety impact
Deficiency F0625
(Tag F0625)
Minor procedural issue · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** 3. On 5/22/24, review of R71's clinical record indicated the resident was transported to the hospital on 6/8/24 and admitted to ...
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MINOR
(B)
📢 Someone Reported This
A family member, employee, or ombudsman was alarmed enough to file a formal complaint
Minor Issue - procedural, no safety impact
Deficiency F0655
(Tag F0655)
Minor procedural issue · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** 3. On 5/20/24 record review indicated R63 was admitted on [DATE] with Hemiparesis (weakness or the inability to move one side of...
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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 annual evaluations and interview, the facility failed to complete an annual performance evaluation for nurse aides at least every 12 months for 2 of 4 sampled Certified Nurse Assist...
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MINOR
(B)
Minor Issue - procedural, no safety impact
Staffing Information
(Tag F0732)
Minor procedural issue · This affected multiple residents
Based on observations and interview, the facility failed to post the nurse staffing information in a prominent place, readily accessible and visible to all residents, for 3 of 4 days of survey (5/19/2...
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Mar 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
Free from Abuse/Neglect
(Tag F0600)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on facility policy review, facility reportable incident review and investigation with written statements, and interview, the facility failed to protect a resident from physical and mental abuse ...
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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
Report Alleged Abuse
(Tag F0609)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on facility policy review, facility's Reportable Incident Form, facility investigation, and interview, the facility failed to report an allegation of Abuse to Adult Protective Services (APS) and...
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Mar 2023
8 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
Based on record reviews, observations, and interviews, the facility failed to follow a written physician's order for heart rate parameters prior to administering a medication for 1 of 6 residents obse...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0809
(Tag F0809)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on staff interviews and observations the facility failed to offer snacks to all residents on 1 of 2 units (Homestead Unit)
Findings:
During the recertification and complaint survey on 2/26/23 t...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Medical Records
(Tag F0842)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on record reviews and interview the facility failed to ensure that clinical records were complete and contained accurate information for 1 of 3 sampled residents reviewed for Treatment Administr...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Resident Rights
(Tag F0550)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on observations and interviews the facility failed to promote care for residents in a manner that maintains each resident's dignity and respect when staff failed to serve all residents seated at...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0561
(Tag F0561)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on observations and interviews, the facility failed to ensure that residents were allowed to choose their preferences for beverages throughout the day for 2 of 4 days of survey (2/26/23 and 2/27...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Safe Environment
(Tag F0584)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observations and interviews, the facility failed to adequately provide housekeeping and maintenance services necessary ...
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CONCERN
(E)
📢 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 F0725
(Tag F0725)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on observations, interviews, and record reviews, the facility failed to ensure sufficient direct care staff were scheduled and on duty to meet the needs of residents that reside on the Riverview...
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MINOR
(B)
📢 Someone Reported This
A family member, employee, or ombudsman was alarmed enough to file a formal complaint
Minor Issue - procedural, no safety impact
Comprehensive Care Plan
(Tag F0656)
Minor procedural issue · This affected multiple residents
Based on record reviews and interviews, the facility failed to update/implement goals and interventions in the area of behaviors when a resident was observed wandering into rooms and pushing other res...
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Understanding Severity Codes (click to expand)
Questions to Ask on Your Visit
- "Why is there high staff turnover? How do you retain staff?"
- "Can I speak with families of current residents?"
- "What's your RN coverage like on weekends and overnight?"
Our Honest Assessment
- • Licensed and certified facility. Meets minimum state requirements.
- • 40 deficiencies on record, including 1 serious (caused harm) violation. Ask about corrective actions taken.
- • $10,358 in fines. Above average for Maine. Some compliance problems on record.
- • Grade F (38/100). Below average facility with significant concerns.
- • 63% turnover. Above average. Higher turnover means staff may not know residents' routines.
About This Facility
What is Orono Commons's CMS Rating?
CMS assigns ORONO COMMONS an overall rating of 2 out of 5 stars, which is considered below average nationally. Within Maine, this rating places the facility higher than 0% of the state's 100 nursing homes. A rating at this level reflects concerns identified through health inspections, staffing assessments, or quality measures that families should carefully consider.
How is Orono Commons Staffed?
CMS rates ORONO COMMONS's staffing level at 3 out of 5 stars, which is average compared to other nursing homes. Staff turnover is 63%, which is 17 percentage points above the Maine average of 46%. High turnover can affect care consistency as new staff learn residents' individual needs.
What Have Inspectors Found at Orono Commons?
State health inspectors documented 40 deficiencies at ORONO COMMONS during 2023 to 2025. These included: 1 that caused actual resident harm, 33 with potential for harm, and 6 minor or isolated issues. Deficiencies causing actual harm indicate documented cases where residents experienced negative health consequences.
Who Owns and Operates Orono Commons?
ORONO COMMONS 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 GENESIS HEALTHCARE, a chain that manages multiple nursing homes. With 80 certified beds and approximately 70 residents (about 88% occupancy), it is a smaller facility located in ORONO, Maine.
How Does Orono Commons Compare to Other Maine Nursing Homes?
Compared to the 100 nursing homes in Maine, ORONO COMMONS's overall rating (2 stars) is below the state average of 3.0, staff turnover (63%) is significantly higher than the state average of 46%, and health inspection rating (2 stars) is below the national benchmark.
What Should Families Ask When Visiting Orono Commons?
Based on this facility's data, families visiting should ask: "How do you ensure continuity of care given staff turnover, and what is your staff retention strategy?" "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?" These questions are particularly relevant given the facility's high staff turnover rate.
Is Orono Commons Safe?
Based on CMS inspection data, ORONO COMMONS 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 2-star overall rating and ranks #100 of 100 nursing homes in Maine. While no facility is perfect, families should still ask about staff-to-resident ratios and recent inspection results during their visit.
Do Nurses at Orono Commons Stick Around?
Staff turnover at ORONO COMMONS is high. At 63%, the facility is 17 percentage points above the Maine average of 46%. High turnover means new staff may not know residents' individual needs, medications, or preferences. It can also be disorienting for residents, especially those with dementia who rely on familiar faces. Families should ask: What is causing the turnover? What retention programs are in place? How do you ensure care continuity during staff transitions?
Was Orono Commons Ever Fined?
ORONO COMMONS has been fined $10,358 across 1 penalty action. This is below the Maine average of $33,182. While any fine indicates a compliance issue, fines under $50,000 are relatively common and typically reflect isolated problems that were subsequently corrected. Families should ask what specific issues led to these fines and confirm they've been resolved.
Is Orono Commons on Any Federal Watch List?
ORONO COMMONS 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.