EXCEL CARE AT THE PINES
Within standard 12-15 month inspection cycle. Federal law requires annual inspections.
Excel Care at the Pines has a Trust Grade of C+, indicating it is decent and slightly above average, though still in the bottom half of New Jersey nursing homes, ranking #195 out of 344 facilities. In Atlantic County, it ranks #4 out of 10, meaning only three local options are better. The facility is showing improvement, with issues decreasing from 6 in 2024 to just 1 in 2025. Staffing is a concern with a below-average rating of 2 out of 5 stars and a turnover rate of 46%, which is higher than the state average. However, it has had no fines, suggesting compliance with regulations, and the RN coverage is average, indicating that registered nurses are available to catch potential problems. Specific incidents raised by inspectors included expired food items in the kitchen, such as a gallon of mustard well past its best-by date, and a lack of sanitation that raises the risk of foodborne illness. Additionally, there were concerns about the cleanliness of resident rooms, with odors of urine reported and damaged bedding observed, which detracts from the overall living environment. While there are evident strengths like the absence of fines, the facility still has significant areas that need improvement.
- Trust Score
- C+
- In New Jersey
- #195/344
- Safety Record
- Low Risk
- Inspections
- Getting Better
- Staff Stability ⚠ Watch
- 46% turnover. Above average. Higher turnover means staff may not know residents' routines.
- Penalties ✓ Good
- No fines on record. Clean compliance history, better than most New Jersey facilities.
- Skilled Nurses ⚠ Watch
- Each resident gets only 29 minutes of Registered Nurse (RN) attention daily — below average for New Jersey. Fewer RN minutes means fewer trained eyes watching for problems.
- Violations ⚠ Watch
- 14 deficiencies on record. Higher than average. Multiple issues found across inspections.
The Good
-
4-Star Quality Measures · Strong clinical quality outcomes
-
Full Sprinkler Coverage · Fire safety systems throughout facility
-
No fines on record
Facility shows strength in quality measures, fire safety.
The Bad
Near New Jersey average (3.3)
Meets federal standards, typical of most facilities
Near New Jersey avg (46%)
Higher turnover may affect care consistency
Part of a multi-facility chain
Ask about local staffing decisions and management
The Ugly 14 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 F0658
(Tag F0658)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Complaint #NJ184191/394091 Based on observations, interviews, and record review, it was determined that the facility failed to document treatments administered to a resident on the electronic Treatmen...
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Nov 2024
6 deficiencies
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0577
(Tag F0577)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation and interview, it was determined that the facility failed to make State of New Jersey inspection results in a place readily accessible to facility residents.
This deficient pract...
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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 F0658
(Tag F0658)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Deficiency Text Not Available
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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
Based on observation, interview, medical record review and review of other facility documentation, it was determined that the facility failed to implement infection control measures for the handling a...
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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, interview and review of other facility documentation, it was determined that the facility failed to follow appropriate infection control practices and perform proper hand hygiene...
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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
Safe Environment
(Tag F0584)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** C/O # NJ 168401, NJ# 174304
Based on observation, interview and review of other facility documentation, the facility failed to e...
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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 observation, interview, and review of other facility documentation, it was determined that the facility failed to handle potentially hazardous foods and maintain sanitation in a safe and cons...
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Aug 2023
7 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
B.) On 8/14/2023 at 9:43 AM, during initial tour of the facility, Surveyor #2 observed Resident #23 in bed. At that time, Surveyor #2 observed the call device on the floor, and out of Resident #23's r...
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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, interview, and review of pertinent facility documents, it was determined that the facility failed to ensur...
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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, interview, record review and review of other facility documentation, it was determined that the facility failed to identify and monitor a resident's hemodialysis (the clinical pu...
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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** B.) On 08/15/2023 at 11:21 AM, Surveyor #2 observed a bilevel positive airway pressure machine (a type of noninvasive ventilator...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0947
(Tag F0947)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on interview and review of other facility documentation, it was determined that the facility failed to ensure 2 of 5 Certified Nursing Assistants ( CNA #2 and CNA #3) received 12 hours of educat...
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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
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 review of other facility documentation, it was determined that the facility failed to provid...
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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, interview, and review of other facility documentation, it was determined that the facility failed to handle potentially hazardous foods and maintain sanitation in a safe and cons...
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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 New Jersey facilities.
- • 14 deficiencies on record. Higher than average. Multiple issues found across inspections.
About This Facility
What is Excel Care At The Pines's CMS Rating?
CMS assigns EXCEL CARE AT THE PINES an overall rating of 3 out of 5 stars, which is considered average nationally. Within New Jersey, this rating places the facility higher than 0% of the state's 100 nursing homes. This mid-range rating indicates the facility meets federal standards but may have areas for improvement.
How is Excel Care At The Pines Staffed?
CMS rates EXCEL CARE AT THE PINES's staffing level at 2 out of 5 stars, which is below average compared to other nursing homes. Staff turnover is 46%, compared to the New Jersey average of 46%.
What Have Inspectors Found at Excel Care At The Pines?
State health inspectors documented 14 deficiencies at EXCEL CARE AT THE PINES during 2023 to 2025. These included: 14 with potential for harm.
Who Owns and Operates Excel Care At The Pines?
EXCEL CARE AT THE PINES 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 EXCELCARE, a chain that manages multiple nursing homes. With 151 certified beds and approximately 118 residents (about 78% occupancy), it is a mid-sized facility located in ATLANTIC CITY, New Jersey.
How Does Excel Care At The Pines Compare to Other New Jersey Nursing Homes?
Compared to the 100 nursing homes in New Jersey, EXCEL CARE AT THE PINES's overall rating (3 stars) is below the state average of 3.3, staff turnover (46%) is near the state average of 46%, and health inspection rating (3 stars) is at the national benchmark.
What Should Families Ask When Visiting Excel Care At The Pines?
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 Excel Care At The Pines Safe?
Based on CMS inspection data, EXCEL CARE AT THE PINES 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 3-star overall rating and ranks #100 of 100 nursing homes in New Jersey. While no facility is perfect, families should still ask about staff-to-resident ratios and recent inspection results during their visit.
Do Nurses at Excel Care At The Pines Stick Around?
EXCEL CARE AT THE PINES has a staff turnover rate of 46%, which is about average for New Jersey 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 Excel Care At The Pines Ever Fined?
EXCEL CARE AT THE PINES 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 Excel Care At The Pines on Any Federal Watch List?
EXCEL CARE AT THE PINES 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.