SACRED HEART NURSING HOME
Within standard 12-15 month inspection cycle. Federal law requires annual inspections.
Sacred Heart Nursing Home has a Trust Grade of C+, which means it is slightly above average but not exceptional. It ranks #120 out of 338 facilities in Massachusetts, placing it in the top half of the state, and #7 of 27 in Bristol County, indicating that only six local options are better. However, the facility is experiencing a worsening trend, with the number of issues increasing from 7 in 2023 to 9 in 2024. Staffing is a strong point, with a perfect 5-star rating and a turnover rate of 30%, which is below the state average, suggesting that staff members are experienced and familiar with the residents. On the downside, there were serious concerns regarding resident rights and food safety; for instance, one resident was not allowed to refuse visits from a psychiatrist, and there were multiple violations related to food storage and sanitation that could pose health risks.
- Trust Score
- C+
- In Massachusetts
- #120/338
- Safety Record
- Moderate
- Inspections
- Getting Worse
- Staff Stability ✓ Good
- 30% annual turnover. Excellent stability, 18 points below Massachusetts's 48% average. Staff who stay learn residents' needs.
- Penalties ✓ Good
- No fines on record. Clean compliance history, better than most Massachusetts facilities.
- Skilled Nurses ○ Average
- Each resident gets 40 minutes of Registered Nurse (RN) attention daily — about average for Massachusetts. RNs are the most trained staff who monitor for health changes.
- Violations ⚠ Watch
- 27 deficiencies on record. Higher than average. Multiple issues found across inspections.
The Good
-
5-Star Staffing Rating · Excellent nurse staffing levels
-
Low Staff Turnover (30%) · Staff stability means consistent care
-
Full Sprinkler Coverage · Fire safety systems throughout facility
-
No fines on record
-
Staff turnover is low (30%)
18 points below Massachusetts average of 48%
Facility shows strength in staffing levels, staff retention, fire safety.
The Bad
Part of a multi-facility chain
Ask about local staffing decisions and management
The Ugly 27 deficiencies on record
Jun 2024
7 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 record review and interviews, the facility failed to develop and implement a person-centered plan of care which included care for residents who had experienced trauma and the identification o...
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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 observation, interview, and record review, the facility failed to provide services that met professional standards of practice for one Resident (#57), out of a total sample of 24 residents. S...
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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 observation, interview, and record review, the facility failed to ensure two Residents (#57 and #96), out of a total sample of 24 residents, received care and treatment to prevent and to prom...
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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 interviews, the facility failed to identify the potential triggers to be avoided in two Residents (#120 and #30), with a history of trauma, to help prevent potential re-trau...
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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, record review, and interview, the facility failed to follow professional standards of practice for food safety and sanitation to prevent the potential spread of foodborne illness...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Antibiotic Stewardship
(Tag F0881)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on record review and interview, the facility failed to implement an antibiotic stewardship program which included antibiotic use protocols and monitoring of antibiotic use in accordance with the...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Safe Environment
(Tag F0921)
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 ensure a functional, safe, and clean environment on two (2PY and 3PY)...
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Apr 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
Deficiency F0557
(Tag F0557)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on records reviewed and interviews, for one of three sampled residents (Resident #1), who was alert and oriented, frequently incontinent but able to made his/her needs known, 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
Abuse Prevention Policies
(Tag F0607)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on records reviewed and interviews, for one of three sampled residents (Resident #1), who was cognitively intact, the Facility failed to ensure staff implemented and followed their Abuse Policy ...
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Mar 2023
7 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 record review and interview, the facility failed to ensure that individualized, comprehensive care plans were developed and consistently implemented for one Resident (#15), out of 24 sampled ...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0679
(Tag F0679)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, interview, and record review, the facility failed for one Resident (#70) to provide an ongoing activity program to meet and support the individual preferences of the resident, ou...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0757
(Tag F0757)
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 reassess and document a clinical rationale for contin...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0760
(Tag F0760)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, record review, document review, and interview, the facility failed for one Resident (#4), out of a sample of 24 residents to administer Eliquis timely and consistently per admini...
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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 ensure residents on 2 of 4 units had a comfortable and homelike din...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0712
(Tag F0712)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on interviews and record review, the facility failed to ensure two Residents (#73 and #116), in a sample of 24 residents, had been seen by a physician every 30 days for the first 90 days of admi...
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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
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observations and interviews, the facility failed to provide food that was palatable and at a safe and appetizing temper...
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Oct 2019
11 deficiencies
1 Harm
SERIOUS
(G)
Actual Harm - a resident was hurt due to facility failures
Resident Rights
(Tag F0550)
A resident was harmed · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, record review, and staff interview, the facility failed to ensure that for 1 Residents, (#83), of a total sample of 35 residents, to uphold the residents' rights to self-determin...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0557
(Tag F0557)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation and interview, the facility failed to ensure that for 1 Resident, (#279), of a total sample of 35 residents, that the Resident's CD (continuous drainage) bag for the Foley cathete...
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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 observation, clinical record review and staff interview, the facility failed to engage in a systematic process of assessment, evaluation and a gradual process toward the reduction of physical...
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CONCERN
(D)
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 record review and staff interview, the facility failed to report an allegation of resident abuse, as per the Facility Abuse Policy, for 1 sampled Resident (#83), of a total sample of 35 resid...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0657
(Tag F0657)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on record review and staff interview the facility failed to review and revise the comprehensive care plans for 1 Resident (#77 ) in a total sample of 35 residents.
Findings include:
For Resident...
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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
2. For Resident #129, the Facility failed to ensure that TEDs stockings (compression stockings used in the treatment of swelling in the feet and legs) were applied as ordered by the physician, and fai...
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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
Based on observation, record review and interview, the facility failed to ensure accuracy of recorded weight measurements for 1 Resident (#88) from a total sample of 21 residents.
Findings include:
Fo...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Menu Adequacy
(Tag F0803)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation and record review, the facility failed to ensure that for 1 Resident (#143), of a total sample of 35 residents, that the physician-ordered diet and supplements were provided to th...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0919
(Tag F0919)
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 that an operational resident call light system was in place in...
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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 on observations, record reviews and staff interviews, the facility failed to store food in accordance with professional standards for food service safety in the main kitchen and in the 2PY and 3...
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MINOR
(B)
Minor Issue - procedural, no safety impact
Deficiency F0638
(Tag F0638)
Minor procedural issue · This affected multiple residents
Based on record review, staff interview and observation, the facility failed to ensure that for 1 Resident (#34) out of 35 sampled Residents, the quarterly assessment for the use of bed rails was cond...
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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 fines on record. Clean compliance history, better than most Massachusetts facilities.
- • 30% annual turnover. Excellent stability, 18 points below Massachusetts's 48% average. Staff who stay learn residents' needs.
- • 27 deficiencies on record, including 1 serious (caused harm) violation. Ask about corrective actions taken.
About This Facility
What is Sacred Heart's CMS Rating?
CMS assigns SACRED HEART NURSING HOME 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 Sacred Heart Staffed?
CMS rates SACRED HEART NURSING HOME's staffing level at 5 out of 5 stars, which is much above average compared to other nursing homes. Staff turnover is 30%, compared to the Massachusetts average of 46%. This relatively stable workforce can support continuity of care.
What Have Inspectors Found at Sacred Heart?
State health inspectors documented 27 deficiencies at SACRED HEART NURSING HOME during 2019 to 2024. These included: 1 that caused actual resident harm, 25 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 Sacred Heart?
SACRED HEART NURSING HOME is owned by a non-profit organization. Non-profit facilities reinvest revenue into operations rather than distributing to shareholders. The facility is operated by DIOCESAN HEALTH FACILITIES, a chain that manages multiple nursing homes. With 217 certified beds and approximately 116 residents (about 53% occupancy), it is a large facility located in NEW BEDFORD, Massachusetts.
How Does Sacred Heart Compare to Other Massachusetts Nursing Homes?
Compared to the 100 nursing homes in Massachusetts, SACRED HEART NURSING HOME's overall rating (4 stars) is above the state average of 2.9, staff turnover (30%) is significantly lower than the state average of 46%, and health inspection rating (3 stars) is at the national benchmark.
What Should Families Ask When Visiting Sacred Heart?
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 Sacred Heart Safe?
Based on CMS inspection data, SACRED HEART NURSING HOME 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 Sacred Heart Stick Around?
Staff at SACRED HEART NURSING HOME tend to stick around. With a turnover rate of 30%, the facility is 16 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 12%, meaning experienced RNs are available to handle complex medical needs.
Was Sacred Heart Ever Fined?
SACRED HEART NURSING HOME 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 Sacred Heart on Any Federal Watch List?
SACRED HEART NURSING HOME 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.