LIFE CARE CENTER OF THE NORTH SHORE
Within standard 12-15 month inspection cycle. Federal law requires annual inspections.
Life Care Center of the North Shore has a Trust Grade of C+, indicating it is slightly above average but not exceptional. It ranks #102 out of 338 nursing homes in Massachusetts, placing it in the top half of facilities in the state, and #15 out of 44 in Essex County, meaning there are only a few local options that are better. The facility shows an improving trend, with issues decreasing from 6 in 2024 to 4 in 2025. Staffing is a strong point, with a 4 out of 5 star rating and a turnover rate of 27%, significantly lower than the state average, suggesting that staff are familiar with the residents. However, there are concerning incidents, such as a failure to properly manage and treat pressure ulcers for residents, and complaints about food being served at unsafe or unappetizing temperatures, indicating room for improvement in care and service quality.
- Trust Score
- C+
- In Massachusetts
- #102/338
- Safety Record
- Moderate
- Inspections
- Getting Better
- Staff Stability ✓ Good
- 27% annual turnover. Excellent stability, 21 points below Massachusetts's 48% average. Staff who stay learn residents' needs.
- Penalties ○ Average
- $12,901 in fines. Higher than 67% of Massachusetts facilities. Some compliance issues.
- Skilled Nurses ✓ Good
- Each resident gets 47 minutes of Registered Nurse (RN) attention daily — more than average for Massachusetts. RNs are trained to catch health problems early.
- Violations ⚠ Watch
- 25 deficiencies on record. Higher than average. Multiple issues found across inspections.
The Good
-
4-Star Staffing Rating · Above-average nurse staffing levels
-
4-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 Massachusetts average of 48%
Facility shows strength in staffing levels, quality measures, staff retention, fire safety.
The Bad
Below median ($33,413)
Minor penalties assessed
Part of a multi-facility chain
Ask about local staffing decisions and management
The Ugly 25 deficiencies on record
Apr 2025
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
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, record review and interview, the facility failed to notify the physician of a change in condition for thre...
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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** 2. Resident #43 was admitted to the facility in June 2024 with a diagnosis of end stage renal disease.
Review of the Minimum Da...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0804
(Tag F0804)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on observation and interviews, the facility failed to serve food that was palatable, and at a safe and appetizing temperature, on three out of three units.
Findings include:
Review of a blank Te...
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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
Based on observation and interview, the facility failed to store food in accordance with professional standards for food service safety. Specifically, the facility failed to ensure that food was dated...
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Apr 2024
6 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
3. Resident #97 was admitted to the facility in March 2024 with diagnoses including drug induced polyneuropathy and muscle weakness.
Review of Resident #97's most recent Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessm...
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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
2. Resident #102 was admitted to the facility in July 2023 and had diagnoses including syncope and collapse and repeated falls.
Review of the most recent Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessment, dated 1/24...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0658
(Tag F0658)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observations, interview, and record review, the facility failed to meet professional standards of quality for one Resid...
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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 observation, record review, and interview, the facility failed to follow a physician order for one Resident (#32) out of a total sample of 24 residents. Specifically, the facility failed to i...
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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
Based on observations, record reviews and interviews, the facility failed to ensure two Residents (#91 and #97), out of a total sample of 24 residents, received necessary treatment and services, consi...
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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 observation, policy review and interview the facility failed to ensure medications were labeled properly and failed to ensure treatment items were not stored with oral medications in one of t...
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Jul 2023
4 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
Notification of Changes
(Tag F0580)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on records reviewed and interviews for one of three sampled residents (Resident #1), who was receiving medications that could increase the risk of bleeding, the Facility failed to ensure nursing...
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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 F0655
(Tag F0655)
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 at increased risk for falls d...
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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 F0760
(Tag F0760)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on records reviewed and interviews for one of three sampled residents (Resident #1), whose Hospital Discharge Medication Orders included administration of a medication that helped to increase hi...
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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
Medical Records
(Tag F0842)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on records reviewed and interviews for one of three sampled residents (Resident #1), who sustained an unwitnessed fall and required timed neurological assessments, the Facility failed to ensure ...
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Feb 2023
8 deficiencies
1 Harm
SERIOUS
(G)
Actual Harm - a resident was hurt due to facility failures
Pressure Ulcer Prevention
(Tag F0686)
A resident was harmed · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on record review and interview, the facility failed to prevent a pressure ulcer of the left heel from worsening when a phy...
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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 cover a catheter with a privacy bag for 1 Resident (#...
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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
Based on record review and interview the facility failed to a.) properly complete a Massachusetts Order for Life Sustaining Treatment (MOLST) form and b.) ensure the advanced directive decisions were ...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Comprehensive Assessments
(Tag F0636)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, record review and interview the facility failed to 1. complete an accurate Minimum Data Set Assessment (MDS) for 1 Resident (#41), out of a total sample of 24 residents, and 2. f...
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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, interview, and record review, the facility failed to develop a personalized care plan for communication/la...
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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 observation, record review and interview the facility failed to ensure assistance with feeding was provided to two Resi...
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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
Based on observation and interview the facility failed to ensure infection control practices were performed on a unit where a COVID-19 positive resident resided.
Findings include:
The facility policy ...
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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 observation and interview, the facility failed to identify an appropriate setting for a pressure relieving air mattress...
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Nov 2022
3 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
Pressure Ulcer Prevention
(Tag F0686)
A resident was harmed · 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 admitted to the Facility witho...
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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
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 records reviewed and interviews for one of three sampled residents (Resident #1) who developed new skin breakdown on 10...
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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
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 records reviewed and interviews for one of three sampled residents (Resident #1), who was at risk for the development o...
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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
- • 27% annual turnover. Excellent stability, 21 points below Massachusetts's 48% average. Staff who stay learn residents' needs.
- • 25 deficiencies on record, including 2 serious (caused harm) violations. Ask about corrective actions taken.
- • $12,901 in fines. Above average for Massachusetts. Some compliance problems on record.
About This Facility
What is Life Of The North Shore's CMS Rating?
CMS assigns LIFE CARE CENTER OF THE NORTH SHORE an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which is considered 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 Life Of The North Shore Staffed?
CMS rates LIFE CARE CENTER OF THE NORTH SHORE's staffing level at 4 out of 5 stars, which is above average compared to other nursing homes. Staff turnover is 27%, compared to the Massachusetts average of 46%. This relatively stable workforce can support continuity of care.
What Have Inspectors Found at Life Of The North Shore?
State health inspectors documented 25 deficiencies at LIFE CARE CENTER OF THE NORTH SHORE during 2022 to 2025. These included: 2 that caused actual resident harm and 23 with potential for harm. Deficiencies causing actual harm indicate documented cases where residents experienced negative health consequences.
Who Owns and Operates Life Of The North Shore?
LIFE CARE CENTER OF THE NORTH SHORE 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 123 certified beds and approximately 114 residents (about 93% occupancy), it is a mid-sized facility located in LYNN, Massachusetts.
How Does Life Of The North Shore Compare to Other Massachusetts Nursing Homes?
Compared to the 100 nursing homes in Massachusetts, LIFE CARE CENTER OF THE NORTH SHORE's overall rating (4 stars) is above the state average of 2.9, staff turnover (27%) 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 Life Of The North Shore?
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 Life Of The North Shore Safe?
Based on CMS inspection data, LIFE CARE CENTER OF THE NORTH SHORE 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 4-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 Life Of The North Shore Stick Around?
Staff at LIFE CARE CENTER OF THE NORTH SHORE tend to stick around. With a turnover rate of 27%, the facility is 19 percentage points below the Massachusetts 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 17%, meaning experienced RNs are available to handle complex medical needs.
Was Life Of The North Shore Ever Fined?
LIFE CARE CENTER OF THE NORTH SHORE has been fined $12,901 across 2 penalty actions. This is below the Massachusetts average of $33,208. 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 Life Of The North Shore on Any Federal Watch List?
LIFE CARE CENTER OF THE NORTH SHORE 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.