SOUTHBRIDGE REHABILITATION & HEALTH CARE CENTER
Within standard 12-15 month inspection cycle. Federal law requires annual inspections.
Southbridge Rehabilitation & Health Care Center has a Trust Grade of F, which indicates significant concerns about the quality of care provided. Ranked #325 out of 338 facilities in Massachusetts, they are in the bottom half of the state for nursing homes, and #48 out of 50 in Worcester County, suggesting limited better options nearby. The situation is worsening, with the number of issues increasing from 13 in 2023 to 14 in 2024. Staffing is below average with a rating of 2 out of 5, and while turnover rates are around the state average at 41%, the facility has less RN coverage than 98% of Massachusetts facilities, which can affect the quality of care. There have been serious incidents, including a resident falling and fracturing their ankle when not assisted properly during a transfer, and concerns regarding uncomfortable water temperatures for showers, impacting residents' hygiene. Overall, while the staffing turnover is manageable, the facility struggles with significant care deficiencies and safety concerns.
- Trust Score
- F
- In Massachusetts
- #325/338
- Safety Record
- Moderate
- Inspections
- Getting Worse
- Staff Stability ○ Average
- 41% turnover. Near Massachusetts's 48% average. Typical for the industry.
- Penalties ✓ Good
- $14,675 in fines. Lower than most Massachusetts facilities. Relatively clean record.
- Skilled Nurses ⚠ Watch
- Each resident gets only 12 minutes of Registered Nurse (RN) attention daily — below average for Massachusetts. Fewer RN minutes means fewer trained eyes watching for problems.
- Violations ⚠ Watch
- 44 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 (41%)
7 points below Massachusetts average of 48%
Facility shows strength in fire safety.
The Bad
Below Massachusetts average (2.9)
Significant quality concerns identified by CMS
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 44 deficiencies on record
Dec 2024
13 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 preserve the dignity of one Resident (#107) out of a ...
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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
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on record review and interview, the facility failed to resolve a grievance timely for one Resident (#40), out of a total s...
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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
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, record review, and interview, the facility failed to provide respiratory care and services consistent with...
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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
Based on interview, and record review, the facility failed to ensure that one Resident (#24) was free from the use of unnecessary medications out of a total sample of 26 residents.
Specifically, the ...
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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, interview, and record review, the facility failed to ensure that medications were stored in a secure and safe manner, and according to professional standards of practice in the s...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Antibiotic Stewardship
(Tag F0881)
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 implement an Antibiotic Stewardship Program for one Resident (#52)...
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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
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on record review, and interview, the facility failed to offer the Pneumococcal Vaccination as recommended to one Resident ...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0909
(Tag F0909)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, interview, and record review, the facility failed to develop a system to conduct regular maintenance and inspections of all bed frames, mattresses, and bed rails (side rails) as ...
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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 observation, interview, and record review, the facility failed to provide a comfortable and homelike environment for tw...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Comprehensive Care Plan
(Tag F0656)
Could have caused harm · 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 implement the comprehensive person-centered plan of c...
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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
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** 2. Review of the facility policy titled Hyperglycemia, dated April 2015, indicated:
-Hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar, is a co...
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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 record review, and interview, the facility failed to ensure the Minimum Data Set (MDS) Assessment was accurately coded ...
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MINOR
(B)
Minor Issue - procedural, no safety impact
Staffing Information
(Tag F0732)
Minor procedural issue · This affected multiple residents
Based on observation and interview, the facility failed to post required nurse staffing information on a daily basis.
Specifically, the facility failed to include daily posting of the following:
-the...
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Dec 2024
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
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 experienced a change in health status, and had an activated Health Care Proxy (HCP), the Facility failed...
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Oct 2023
12 deficiencies
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0583
(Tag F0583)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation and interview the facility failed to ensure that resident identifying information on the medication cart computer screen was secured when the Nurse stepped away from the cart.
Fi...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Transfer Requirements
(Tag F0622)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on record review and interview the facility failed to maintain the documented clinical transfer paperwork to the hospital in the resident's medical record as required for three Residents (#35, #...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Transfer Notice
(Tag F0623)
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 Resident, the Resident Representative and the Ombudsman...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0625
(Tag F0625)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on record review, policy review and interviews the facility failed to issue the written Bed Hold Policy as required to thr...
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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 provide care for a Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC- a long catheter inserted through a peripheral vein and into t...
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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 observation, record review, policy review and interview, the facility failed to provide care consistent with professional standards for one Resident (#117), who required Hemodialysis (a proce...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Drug Regimen Review
(Tag F0756)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on interviews and records reviewed, the facility failed to ensure that records were reviewed monthly by a consultant Pharmacist and monthly Medication Regimen Review (MRR) recommendations were r...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Medication Errors
(Tag F0758)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to implement a Physician order for one Resident (#120), out of a total sample of 26 residents. Specifically, the facility failed to transcribe...
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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 observation, record review and interview, the facility failed to maintain accurate medical records for one Resident (#20) out of a total sample of 26 residents.
Specifically, the facility st...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Assessment Accuracy
(Tag F0641)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on record review, and interview, the facility failed to accurately code Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessments for four Reside...
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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 record review and interview, the facility failed to ensure that two residents (#62 and #90), in a total sample of 26 residents, were seen by a Physician for required visits.
Specifically, th...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0761
(Tag F0761)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, policy review, and interview the facility failed to ensure that medications were stored and labeled approp...
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May 2023
1 deficiency
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
Accident Prevention
(Tag F0689)
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 cognitively intact, had a hi...
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Sept 2022
17 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
Based on observation, interview, and record review, the facility and its staff failed to ensure dignity was provided for two Residents (#102 and # 114), out of a total sample of 25 residents. Specific...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0552
(Tag F0552)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on interview and record review, the facility and its staff failed to ensure one Resident (#102), out of a total sample of 25 residents, was informed of and participated in his/ her treatment pla...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0638
(Tag F0638)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on record review and interview the facility failed to ensure its staff completed a Quarterly Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessment for one Resident (#8), in a total sample of 25 residents.
Findings ...
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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, interview, and record review the facility failed to ensure its staff followed a Physician's order for the use of bilateral circulation boots (aids in increasing blood flow), for ...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0676
(Tag F0676)
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 ensure its staff provided one Resident (#100) care and...
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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 its staff implemented their policy for skin care, for one Resident (#61), out of a total sample of 25 residents. Specifi...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0687
(Tag F0687)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, interview, and record review, the facility failed to ensure its staff provided Podiatry care for one Resident (#382) out of 25 sampled residents.
Findings include:
Resident #382...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0740
(Tag F0740)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, interview, and record review, the facility and its staff failed to ensure one Resident (#102), out of a total sample of 25 residents, received the necessary behavioral health car...
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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 interview and record review, the facility failed to ensure its staff monitored for side effects and adverse reactions t...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0772
(Tag F0772)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on interview and record review the facility failed to ensure its staff obtained laboratory services, as ordered by the Physician, for one Resident (#48), out of 25 sampled residents.
Findings i...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0886
(Tag F0886)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on record review and interview the facility failed to ensure that its staff performed outbreak testing at the required frequency on one unit (fourth floor) out of two applicable units. Specifica...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0888
(Tag F0888)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, policy review, and interview, the facility failed to ensure that its staff implemented their contingency plan for two unvaccinated staff (Certified Nurses' Aide/CNA #1 and Rehabi...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Notification of Changes
(Tag F0580)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on observation, interview and record review, the facility failed to ensure its staff notified the Physician about changes for four Residents (#48, #30, #44 and #61). Specifically, 1) For Residen...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Free from Abuse/Neglect
(Tag F0600)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on observation, interview, and record review, the facility and its staff failed to ensure water temperatures were sustained at comfortable and safe levels for Resident showers on three of three ...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Accident Prevention
(Tag F0689)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on observation, interview, and record review, the facility and its staff failed to ensure the resident environment was as free of accident hazards as possible for five Residents (#5, #26, #54, #...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0760
(Tag F0760)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on record review and interview the facility failed to ensure its staff prevented significant medications errors for two Residents (#2 and #44), out of 25 sampled residents. Specifically, 1) Not ...
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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
4. Resident #5 was admitted to the facility in June 2022.
During an observation of the smoking activity on 9/21/22 at 9:00 A.M., the surveyor observed Resident #5 wheel out to the supervised smoking a...
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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
- • 41% turnover. Below Massachusetts's 48% average. Good staff retention means consistent care.
- • 44 deficiencies on record, including 1 serious (caused harm) violation. Ask about corrective actions taken.
- • $14,675 in fines. Above average for Massachusetts. Some compliance problems on record.
- • Grade F (33/100). Below average facility with significant concerns.
About This Facility
What is Southbridge Rehabilitation & Health's CMS Rating?
CMS assigns SOUTHBRIDGE REHABILITATION & HEALTH CARE CENTER an overall rating of 1 out of 5 stars, which is considered much 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 Southbridge Rehabilitation & Health Staffed?
CMS rates SOUTHBRIDGE REHABILITATION & HEALTH CARE CENTER's staffing level at 2 out of 5 stars, which is below average compared to other nursing homes. Staff turnover is 41%, compared to the Massachusetts average of 46%. This relatively stable workforce can support continuity of care.
What Have Inspectors Found at Southbridge Rehabilitation & Health?
State health inspectors documented 44 deficiencies at SOUTHBRIDGE REHABILITATION & HEALTH CARE CENTER during 2022 to 2024. These included: 1 that caused actual resident harm, 41 with potential for harm, and 2 minor or isolated issues. Deficiencies causing actual harm indicate documented cases where residents experienced negative health consequences.
Who Owns and Operates Southbridge Rehabilitation & Health?
SOUTHBRIDGE REHABILITATION & HEALTH CARE 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 ATHENA HEALTHCARE SYSTEMS, a chain that manages multiple nursing homes. With 144 certified beds and approximately 135 residents (about 94% occupancy), it is a mid-sized facility located in SOUTHBRIDGE, Massachusetts.
How Does Southbridge Rehabilitation & Health Compare to Other Massachusetts Nursing Homes?
Compared to the 100 nursing homes in Massachusetts, SOUTHBRIDGE REHABILITATION & HEALTH CARE CENTER's overall rating (1 stars) is below the state average of 2.9, staff turnover (41%) is near the state average of 46%, and health inspection rating (2 stars) is below the national benchmark.
What Should Families Ask When Visiting Southbridge Rehabilitation & Health?
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 Southbridge Rehabilitation & Health Safe?
Based on CMS inspection data, SOUTHBRIDGE REHABILITATION & HEALTH CARE 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 1-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 Southbridge Rehabilitation & Health Stick Around?
SOUTHBRIDGE REHABILITATION & HEALTH CARE CENTER has a staff turnover rate of 41%, 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 Southbridge Rehabilitation & Health Ever Fined?
SOUTHBRIDGE REHABILITATION & HEALTH CARE CENTER has been fined $14,675 across 1 penalty action. This is below the Massachusetts average of $33,226. 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 Southbridge Rehabilitation & Health on Any Federal Watch List?
SOUTHBRIDGE REHABILITATION & HEALTH CARE 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.