HIGHLANDS, THE
Within standard 12-15 month inspection cycle. Federal law requires annual inspections.
The Highlands nursing home in Fitchburg, Massachusetts has received an excellent Trust Grade of A, indicating a high level of quality and care. It ranks #24 out of 338 facilities in the state, placing it in the top half, and #4 out of 50 in Worcester County, suggesting that only a few local options are better. However, the facility has seen a worsening trend in issues reported, increasing from 5 in 2023 to 6 in 2024. Staffing is a concern, with a low rating of 2 out of 5 stars and RN coverage that is less than 82% of other Massachusetts facilities, meaning residents may not receive as much direct nursing care as needed. Despite these weaknesses, there have been no fines recorded, which is a positive sign, and the facility has a good turnover rate of 32%. Specific incidents highlighted include missed medication administration for residents, which could lead to discomfort and complications, and a failure to create timely care plans for re-admitted residents. While there are strengths in the quality measures, families should weigh these issues carefully when considering this nursing home.
- Trust Score
- A
- In Massachusetts
- #24/338
- Safety Record
- Low Risk
- Inspections
- Getting Worse
- Staff Stability ○ Average
- 32% turnover. Near Massachusetts's 48% average. Typical for the industry.
- Penalties ✓ Good
- No fines on record. Clean compliance history, better than most Massachusetts facilities.
- Skilled Nurses ⚠ Watch
- Each resident gets only 26 minutes of Registered Nurse (RN) attention daily — below average for Massachusetts. Fewer RN minutes means fewer trained eyes watching for problems.
- Violations ⚠ Watch
- 12 deficiencies on record. Higher than average. Multiple issues found across inspections.
The Good
-
5-Star Quality Measures · Strong clinical quality outcomes
-
Full Sprinkler Coverage · Fire safety systems throughout facility
-
No fines on record
-
Staff turnover below average (32%)
16 points below Massachusetts average of 48%
Facility shows strength in quality measures, fire safety.
The Bad
13pts below Massachusetts avg (46%)
Typical for the industry
Part of a multi-facility chain
Ask about local staffing decisions and management
The Ugly 12 deficiencies on record
Jul 2024
6 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
Based on interview, record and policy review, the facility failed to develop and implement a comprehensive person-centered care plan for one Resident (#29) out of a total sample size of 31 residents. ...
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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 observation, record review and interview, the facility failed to provide care and services according to professional st...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Food Safety
(Tag F0812)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation and interview, the facility failed to maintain safe and sanitary conditions for two nourishment kitchens (Fifth Floor and Third Floor [Garden Terrace]) out of four applicable nour...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0883
(Tag F0883)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on interview, record and policy review, the facility failed to offer Pneumococcal Vaccinations for one Resident (#51), out of five applicable Residents, out of a total sample of 31 residents, pu...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0658
(Tag F0658)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on interview, policy and record review, the facility failed to provide services according to professional standards of pra...
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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 observation, record review and interview, the facility failed to ensure the Minimum Data Set (MDS) was accurately coded...
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Mar 2023
4 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
Based on record review, policy review, and interview, the facility failed to ensure that its staff notified the Physician regarding a change in the treatment plan for one Resident (#70), out of a tota...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0698
(Tag F0698)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on record review, policy review, and interview, the facility failed to ensure that its staff provided care and services consistent with professional standards for one Resident (#70), who require...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0700
(Tag F0700)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, policy review, record review and interview, the facility failed to ensure its staff assessed two Residents (#43 and #35) for the risk of entrapment related to bed rail use.
Spec...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Food Safety
(Tag F0812)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observations, interviews, and policy review, the facility failed to ensure its staff adhered to safe food practices relative to labeling/dating, and storage guidelines in order to reduce the ...
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Mar 2023
1 deficiency
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
Comprehensive Care Plan
(Tag F0656)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on records reviewed and interviews for one of three sampled residents (Resident #1), who had a history of falls and required extensive assistance from two staff members with all transfers for sa...
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Jun 2021
1 deficiency
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0692
(Tag F0692)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on record review, observation and interview, the facility failed to ensure staff maintained acceptable parameters of nutri...
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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 A (90/100). Above average facility, better than most options in Massachusetts.
- • No major safety red flags. No abuse findings, life-threatening violations, or SFF status.
- • No fines on record. Clean compliance history, better than most Massachusetts facilities.
- • 32% turnover. Below Massachusetts's 48% average. Good staff retention means consistent care.
- • 12 deficiencies on record. Higher than average. Multiple issues found across inspections.
About This Facility
What is Highlands, The's CMS Rating?
CMS assigns HIGHLANDS, THE an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars, which is considered much above average nationally. Within Massachusetts, 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 Highlands, The Staffed?
CMS rates HIGHLANDS, THE's staffing level at 2 out of 5 stars, which is below average compared to other nursing homes. Staff turnover is 32%, compared to the Massachusetts average of 46%. This relatively stable workforce can support continuity of care. RN turnover specifically is 61%, which is notably high. RNs provide skilled clinical oversight, so turnover in this role can affect medical care quality.
What Have Inspectors Found at Highlands, The?
State health inspectors documented 12 deficiencies at HIGHLANDS, THE during 2021 to 2024. These included: 11 with potential for harm and 1 minor or isolated issues.
Who Owns and Operates Highlands, The?
HIGHLANDS, THE 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 LIFE CARE CENTERS OF AMERICA, a chain that manages multiple nursing homes. With 168 certified beds and approximately 156 residents (about 93% occupancy), it is a mid-sized facility located in FITCHBURG, Massachusetts.
How Does Highlands, The Compare to Other Massachusetts Nursing Homes?
Compared to the 100 nursing homes in Massachusetts, HIGHLANDS, THE's overall rating (5 stars) is above the state average of 2.9, staff turnover (32%) 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 Highlands, The?
Based on this facility's data, families visiting should ask: "Can you walk me through typical staffing levels on day, evening, and night shifts?" "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 below-average staffing rating.
Is Highlands, The Safe?
Based on CMS inspection data, HIGHLANDS, 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 Massachusetts. While no facility is perfect, families should still ask about staff-to-resident ratios and recent inspection results during their visit.
Do Nurses at Highlands, The Stick Around?
HIGHLANDS, THE has a staff turnover rate of 32%, which is about average for Massachusetts 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 Highlands, The Ever Fined?
HIGHLANDS, 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 Highlands, The on Any Federal Watch List?
HIGHLANDS, 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.