FAIRHAVEN HEALTHCARE CENTER
Within standard 12-15 month inspection cycle. Federal law requires annual inspections.
Fairhaven Healthcare Center has received a Trust Grade of D, indicating below-average performance with some notable concerns. It ranks #215 out of 338 facilities in Massachusetts, placing it in the bottom half, and #43 out of 72 in Middlesex County, meaning only a few local options are better. The facility's trend is improving, with a slight decrease in issues from 17 in 2023 to 16 in 2024, but it still has significant deficiencies, including a serious incident where a resident did not receive necessary nutritional supplements after significant weight loss. Staffing is a relative strength with a 3/5 rating and a turnover rate of 37%, which is below the state average, but concerningly low RN coverage means less oversight for residents. Additionally, the facility has faced $15,030 in fines, which is average, but it's important to note that 41 total issues were found during inspections, including 39 potential harm concerns.
- Trust Score
- D
- In Massachusetts
- #215/338
- Safety Record
- Moderate
- Inspections
- Getting Better
- Staff Stability ○ Average
- 37% turnover. Near Massachusetts's 48% average. Typical for the industry.
- Penalties ○ Average
- $15,030 in fines. Higher than 54% of Massachusetts facilities. Some compliance issues.
- Skilled Nurses ⚠ Watch
- Each resident gets only 17 minutes of Registered Nurse (RN) attention daily — below average for Massachusetts. Fewer RN minutes means fewer trained eyes watching for problems.
- Violations ⚠ Watch
- 41 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
-
Staff turnover below average (37%)
11 points below Massachusetts average of 48%
Facility shows strength in fire safety.
The Bad
Below Massachusetts average (2.9)
Below average - review inspection findings carefully
Near Massachusetts avg (46%)
Typical for the industry
Below median ($33,413)
Minor penalties assessed
Part of a multi-facility chain
Ask about local staffing decisions and management
The Ugly 41 deficiencies on record
Oct 2024
15 deficiencies
CONCERN
(D)
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 observation, record review and interview, the facility failed to provide a dignified existence for one Resident (#317) ...
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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
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** 2. Review of the facility policy titled Pacemaker Checks', dated April 2024, indicated the following: Identify type and identifi...
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CONCERN
(D)
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 observations, record review, policy review and interviews, the facility failed to provide supervision with meals for on...
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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** 2. Resident #61 was admitted to the facility in October 2024 with diagnoses including heart failure and chronic respiratory fail...
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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, record review and interview the facility failed for one Resident (#76), out of a total sample of 24 reside...
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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 interviews, the facility failed to ensure services to maintain continence were implement...
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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 observation, record review and interview, the facility failed to ensure staff implemented interventions related to weig...
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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
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, record review and interviews, the facility failed for one Resident (#11), out of a total sample of 24 resi...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Unnecessary Medications
(Tag F0759)
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 ensure it was free from a medication error rate of fi...
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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
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation and interview, the facility failed to ensure medications were labeled with open dates and failed to ensure ...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0808
(Tag F0808)
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 the prescribed, therapeutic diet for one Resid...
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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
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observations, record review and interviews, the facility failed to maintain an accurate medical record for one Resident...
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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** 2. Resident #40 was admitted to the facility in August 2015 with diagnoses including quadriplegia, contracture right elbow, cont...
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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** 2. Resident #42 was admitted to the facility in February 2024 with diagnoses including dependence on other enabling machines and...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Infection Control
(Tag F0880)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** 2 Review of the facility's policy, Glucose monitoring equipment, revised August 2024, included but not was limited to the follow...
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Mar 2024
1 deficiency
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 F0561
(Tag F0561)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on records reviewed, interviews and observations, the Facility failed to ensure they supported each residents' right to se...
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Dec 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
Accident Prevention
(Tag F0689)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on records reviewed and interviews for one of three sampled residents ((Resident #1) who was non-ambulatory, was dependent...
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Nov 2023
13 deficiencies
1 Harm
SERIOUS
(G)
Actual Harm - a resident was hurt due to facility failures
Deficiency F0692
(Tag F0692)
A resident was harmed · 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 ensure nutritional supplements were provided to one Re...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0554
(Tag F0554)
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 ensure two Residents (#18 and #45) were assessed for ...
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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 record review and interview, the facility failed to notify the physician of a newly developed skin injury for one Resid...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0604
(Tag F0604)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observations, record review, and interview, the facility failed to identify and assess the use of pillows placed underneath a fitted sheet below the side rails on both sides of the bed as a p...
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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
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, record review and interview, the facility failed to implement the plan of care for two Residents (#25 and ...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
ADL Care
(Tag F0677)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, record review and interview, the facility failed to provide the necessary activities of daily living for dependent residents for one Resident (#76) out of a total sample of 25 re...
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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, record review and interview the facility failed to ensure that the resident's environment was free from ac...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Tube Feeding
(Tag F0693)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observations, records review, interview and policy review, the facility failed to ensure enteral nutrition provided via...
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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
2.) For Resident #22 the facility failed to change the oxygen tubing as ordered and ensure a filter was being used on the oxygen concentrator.
Resident #22 was admitted to the facility in June 2020 wi...
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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 observations, interviews, and record review the facility failed to implement a physician's order to give phosphate binders (a medication to absorb phosphate from the food you eat) at the appr...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Unnecessary Medications
(Tag F0759)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on observation, record review and interview the facility failed to ensure that it is free of medication error rates of five percent or greater. Specifically, the medication error rate was 15.63%...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Medical Records
(Tag F0842)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
5. For Resident #22, the facility documented that oxygen tubing was changed weekly when it was not.
Resident #22 was admitted to the facility in June 2020 with diagnoses including chronic obstructive...
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MINOR
(C)
Minor Issue - procedural, no safety impact
Staffing Information
(Tag F0732)
Minor procedural issue · This affected most or all residents
Based on observation, record review and interview the facility failed to ensure the nursing staffing data was posted daily in a prominent area and readily accessible to residents and visitors as requi...
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May 2023
3 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
Safe Environment
(Tag F0584)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observations and interviews, for two of three sampled nursing units (Belvidere and Pawtucketville), the Facility failed...
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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
Based on records reviewed and interviews for one of three sampled residents (Resident #2), who experienced symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI) and whose laboratory results indicated he/she had...
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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 F0773
(Tag F0773)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on records review and interviews for one of three sampled residents (Resident #2), who experienced signs and symptoms of a urinary tract infection, the Facility failed to ensure urinalysis and u...
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Oct 2022
8 deficiencies
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Resident Rights
(Tag F0550)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
2b.) Resident #41 was admitted to the facility in August 2022, with diagnoses including sepsis, retention of urine, dysuria and hepatic failure.
Review of Resident #41's medical record indicated an ac...
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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 observation, record review and interview the facility failed to ensure a weekly skin check was completed as ordered by the physician for one Resident (#20) out of a total 24 sampled residents...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0694
(Tag F0694)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, record review and interview the facility failed to ensure nursing followed a physician's order regarding a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) line dressing change for ...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Unnecessary Medications
(Tag F0759)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, record review and interview, the facility failed to ensure it was free of a medication error rate of greater than 5%. The surveyor observed 2 of 4 licensed nurses make errors whi...
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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
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** 4. During an observation on 10/18/22 at 7:56 A.M., the surveyor observed an unattended medication cart on the [NAME] Unit. There...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Dental Services
(Tag F0791)
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 ensure dental services and follow up was provided to 1...
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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 review and interview the facility failed to ensure medical records were accurate for 2 Residents (#41 and #91) out of a total sample of 24 residents.
Findings include:
1. Resident #41 ...
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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** 2.) During observations of the breakfast meals on the [NAME] Unit on 10/18/22, 10/19/22 and 10/20/22 the following was observed:...
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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
- • 37% turnover. Below Massachusetts's 48% average. Good staff retention means consistent care.
- • 41 deficiencies on record, including 1 serious (caused harm) violation. Ask about corrective actions taken.
- • $15,030 in fines. Above average for Massachusetts. Some compliance problems on record.
- • Grade D (43/100). Below average facility with significant concerns.
About This Facility
What is Fairhaven Healthcare Center's CMS Rating?
CMS assigns FAIRHAVEN HEALTHCARE CENTER an overall rating of 2 out of 5 stars, which is considered below average nationally. Within Massachusetts, 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 Fairhaven Healthcare Center Staffed?
CMS rates FAIRHAVEN HEALTHCARE CENTER's staffing level at 3 out of 5 stars, which is average compared to other nursing homes. Staff turnover is 37%, compared to the Massachusetts average of 46%. This relatively stable workforce can support continuity of care.
What Have Inspectors Found at Fairhaven Healthcare Center?
State health inspectors documented 41 deficiencies at FAIRHAVEN HEALTHCARE CENTER during 2022 to 2024. These included: 1 that caused actual resident harm, 39 with potential for harm, and 1 minor or isolated issues. Deficiencies causing actual harm indicate documented cases where residents experienced negative health consequences.
Who Owns and Operates Fairhaven Healthcare Center?
FAIRHAVEN HEALTHCARE CENTER 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 LME FAMILY HOLDINGS, a chain that manages multiple nursing homes. With 169 certified beds and approximately 116 residents (about 69% occupancy), it is a mid-sized facility located in LOWELL, Massachusetts.
How Does Fairhaven Healthcare Center Compare to Other Massachusetts Nursing Homes?
Compared to the 100 nursing homes in Massachusetts, FAIRHAVEN HEALTHCARE CENTER's overall rating (2 stars) is below the state average of 2.9, staff turnover (37%) is near the state average of 46%, and health inspection rating (2 stars) is below the national benchmark.
What Should Families Ask When Visiting Fairhaven Healthcare Center?
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 Fairhaven Healthcare Center Safe?
Based on CMS inspection data, FAIRHAVEN HEALTHCARE CENTER 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 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 Fairhaven Healthcare Center Stick Around?
FAIRHAVEN HEALTHCARE CENTER has a staff turnover rate of 37%, 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 Fairhaven Healthcare Center Ever Fined?
FAIRHAVEN HEALTHCARE CENTER has been fined $15,030 across 1 penalty action. This is below the Massachusetts average of $33,229. 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 Fairhaven Healthcare Center on Any Federal Watch List?
FAIRHAVEN HEALTHCARE CENTER 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.