DEXTER HOUSE HEALTHCARE
Within standard 12-15 month inspection cycle. Federal law requires annual inspections.
Dexter House Healthcare in Malden, Massachusetts, has earned a Trust Grade of B, meaning it is a good option for families seeking care, though it may not be the top choice. It ranks #83 out of 338 facilities in the state, placing it in the top half, and #21 out of 72 in Middlesex County, indicating only a few local options are better. The facility is improving, with issues decreasing from 8 in 2024 to just 1 in 2025. Staffing is a strength, boasting a 4/5 rating with a turnover of 36%, lower than the Massachusetts average, and the facility has excellent RN coverage, being better than 97% of state facilities. However, there have been some concerning findings, such as failed maintenance of laundry equipment, improper food storage practices, and lapses in infection control standards for shared equipment, which families should consider when making their decision.
- Trust Score
- B
- In Massachusetts
- #83/338
- Safety Record
- Low Risk
- Inspections
- Getting Better
- Staff Stability ○ Average
- 36% 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 ✓ Good
- Each resident gets 60 minutes of Registered Nurse (RN) attention daily — more than 97% of Massachusetts nursing homes. RNs are the most trained staff who catch health problems before they become serious.
- Violations ⚠ Watch
- 21 deficiencies on record. Higher than average. Multiple issues found across inspections.
The Good
-
4-Star Staffing Rating · Above-average nurse staffing levels
-
5-Star Quality Measures · Strong clinical quality outcomes
-
Full Sprinkler Coverage · Fire safety systems throughout facility
-
No fines on record
-
Staff turnover below average (36%)
12 points below Massachusetts average of 48%
Facility shows strength in staffing levels, quality measures, fire safety.
The Bad
Near Massachusetts avg (46%)
Typical for the industry
Part of a multi-facility chain
Ask about local staffing decisions and management
The Ugly 21 deficiencies on record
Sept 2025
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
Deficiency F0760
(Tag F0760)
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 #2), the Facility failed to ensure he/she...
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Oct 2024
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
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, policy review, and interview the facility failed to provide a dignified dining experience for two Resident...
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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.) Resident #11 was admitted to the facility in July 2024 with diagnoses including cancer, manic depression, and schizophrenia....
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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
Based on record review and interview, the facility failed to ensure medications were administered as ordered for one Resident (#72) out of a total of 19 sampled residents. Specifically, nursing staff ...
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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** 2. Resident #59 was admitted to the facility in August 2022 with diagnoses including dementia and malnutrition.
Review of the M...
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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, record review, and interview the facility failed to ensure all drugs and biologicals were stored in a safe...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0790
(Tag F0790)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on interview and record review the facility failed to obtain routine and 24-hour emergency dental care for one Resident (#...
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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
Based on observations and staff interviews, the facility failed to follow infection control standards of practice for the cleaning of shared resident equipment.
Findings include:
Review of the facil...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0909
(Tag F0909)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on observation and interview, the facility failed identify and minimize areas of possible entrapment in resident beds. Specifically:
1.) For Resident #62, out of a total of 19 sampled residents,...
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Sept 2023
2 deficiencies
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 adhere to safe practices for food storage, increasing the risk for food borne illness. Specifically, the facility's walk-in refrigerator had r...
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CONCERN
(F)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Room Equipment
(Tag F0908)
Could have caused harm · This affected most or all residents
Based on interview and observation, the facility failed to ensure its laundry room dryer drums, which processed all of the Facility residents' clothing and linens, were free of debris and maintained i...
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Sept 2022
10 deficiencies
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0558
(Tag F0558)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, record review and interview, the facility failed to ensure a call light was accessible for 1 sampled Resident (#25) out of a total of 22 sampled Residents.
Findings include:
Rev...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Grievances
(Tag F0585)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, record review and interview, the facility failed to address a grievance for 1 Resident (#88) who had concerns regarding a functional television and staff turning on his/her overh...
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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
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, record review, and interview, the facility failed to ensure the use of pillows under a fitted bed sheet wa...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Assessment Accuracy
(Tag F0641)
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 the Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessment was accurately coded 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** 3.) For Resident #23, the facility failed to provide assistance with meals per his/her care plan.
Resident #23 was admitted to t...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0660
(Tag F0660)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on record review and interview, the facility failed to ensure discharge planning was documented and in place for one closed record (#95), out of three closed records reviewed. The facility also ...
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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, interviews and record review, the facility failed to identify and address a significant weight loss for 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 it maintained an accurate medical record related to skin assessments for 1 Resident (#243), out of a total 22 sampled residents.
Fin...
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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 observations and interviews, the facility failed to prevent the spread of infection by performing hand hygiene after doffing gloves during care for one Resident (#23) out of a sample of 22 Re...
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CONCERN
(F)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Food Safety
(Tag F0812)
Could have caused harm · This affected most or all residents
Based upon observation and interview the facility failed to ensure (1) supplies used in food preparation were stored properly (2) food was stored properly in the refrigerator and (3) staff handled foo...
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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
- • 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.
- • 36% turnover. Below Massachusetts's 48% average. Good staff retention means consistent care.
- • 21 deficiencies on record. Higher than average. Multiple issues found across inspections.
About This Facility
What is Dexter House Healthcare's CMS Rating?
CMS assigns DEXTER HOUSE HEALTHCARE 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 Dexter House Healthcare Staffed?
CMS rates DEXTER HOUSE HEALTHCARE's staffing level at 4 out of 5 stars, which is above average compared to other nursing homes. Staff turnover is 36%, compared to the Massachusetts average of 46%. This relatively stable workforce can support continuity of care.
What Have Inspectors Found at Dexter House Healthcare?
State health inspectors documented 21 deficiencies at DEXTER HOUSE HEALTHCARE during 2022 to 2025. These included: 21 with potential for harm.
Who Owns and Operates Dexter House Healthcare?
DEXTER HOUSE HEALTHCARE 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 NEXT STEP HEALTHCARE, a chain that manages multiple nursing homes. With 130 certified beds and approximately 93 residents (about 72% occupancy), it is a mid-sized facility located in MALDEN, Massachusetts.
How Does Dexter House Healthcare Compare to Other Massachusetts Nursing Homes?
Compared to the 100 nursing homes in Massachusetts, DEXTER HOUSE HEALTHCARE's overall rating (4 stars) is above the state average of 2.9, staff turnover (36%) is near the state average of 46%, and health inspection rating (3 stars) is at the national benchmark.
What Should Families Ask When Visiting Dexter House Healthcare?
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 Dexter House Healthcare Safe?
Based on CMS inspection data, DEXTER HOUSE HEALTHCARE 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 Dexter House Healthcare Stick Around?
DEXTER HOUSE HEALTHCARE has a staff turnover rate of 36%, 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 Dexter House Healthcare Ever Fined?
DEXTER HOUSE HEALTHCARE 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 Dexter House Healthcare on Any Federal Watch List?
DEXTER HOUSE HEALTHCARE 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.