THE ELMS REHAB AND HEALTHCARE CENTER OF CRANBURY
Within standard 12-15 month inspection cycle. Federal law requires annual inspections.
The Elms Rehab and Healthcare Center of Cranbury has received a Trust Grade of F, indicating significant concerns and a poor overall standing. Ranked #300 out of 344 facilities in New Jersey, they are in the bottom half, and #20 out of 24 in Middlesex County, meaning there are very few local options that perform better. The situation appears to be worsening, with issues increasing from 2 in 2022 to 5 in 2024. Staffing is a weakness, with only a 1 out of 5 stars rating and a turnover rate of 51%, which is higher than the state average. Compounding these issues, the facility has incurred $57,282 in fines, which is concerning and suggests ongoing compliance problems. On a positive note, their quality measures received a 5 out of 5 stars rating, indicating some effective care in certain areas. However, there have been critical incidents reported, including the use of space heaters in resident rooms during a boiler failure, which poses serious safety risks, especially for cognitively impaired residents or those on oxygen. Additionally, there was a serious incident where a resident was transferred with one staff member instead of the required two, resulting in a fracture. Overall, families should weigh these significant concerns carefully against the facility's strengths when considering care options.
- Trust Score
- F
- In New Jersey
- #300/344
- Safety Record
- High Risk
- Inspections
- Getting Worse
- Staff Stability ⚠ Watch
- 51% turnover. Above average. Higher turnover means staff may not know residents' routines.
- Penalties ⚠ Watch
- $57,282 in fines. Higher than 80% of New Jersey facilities, suggesting repeated compliance issues.
- Skilled Nurses ⚠ Watch
- Each resident gets only 9 minutes of Registered Nurse (RN) attention daily — below average for New Jersey. Fewer RN minutes means fewer trained eyes watching for problems.
- Violations ⚠ Watch
- 12 deficiencies on record. Higher than average. Multiple issues found across inspections.
The Good
-
5-Star Quality Measures · Strong clinical quality outcomes
-
No fines on record
Facility shows strength in quality measures.
The Bad
Below New Jersey average (3.2)
Below average - review inspection findings carefully
Near New Jersey avg (46%)
Higher turnover may affect care consistency
Above median ($33,413)
Moderate penalties - review what triggered them
Part of a multi-facility chain
Ask about local staffing decisions and management
The Ugly 12 deficiencies on record
Dec 2024
2 deficiencies
2 IJ
CRITICAL
(J)
📢 Someone Reported This
A family member, employee, or ombudsman was alarmed enough to file a formal complaint
Immediate Jeopardy (IJ) - the most serious Medicare violation
Accident Prevention
(Tag F0689)
Someone could have died · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Complaint #: NJ00181255, NJ00181471
Based on observations, interviews, medical record review, and review of other pertinent faci...
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CRITICAL
(J)
📢 Someone Reported This
A family member, employee, or ombudsman was alarmed enough to file a formal complaint
Immediate Jeopardy (IJ) - the most serious Medicare violation
Administration
(Tag F0835)
Someone could have died · This affected 1 resident
Complaint #: NJ00181255, NJ00181471
Based on observations, interviews, medical record review, and review of other pertinent facility documents on 12/17/2024, it was determined that the Licensed Nursin...
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Mar 2024
3 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
Report Alleged Abuse
(Tag F0609)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Complaint NJ #161104
Based on record review, interviews and other facility documentation, it was determined that the facility failed to notify the Board of Nursing (BON) (evaluates license application...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Unnecessary Medications
(Tag F0759)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, interview, record review and review of pertinent facility documents, it was determined that the facility failed to ensure the medication error rates were not 5% or greater. Durin...
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MINOR
(B)
Minor Issue - procedural, no safety impact
MDS Data Transmission
(Tag F0640)
Minor procedural issue · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interview, record review and review of pertinent facility documents it was determined that the facility fa...
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Dec 2022
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
Report Alleged Abuse
(Tag F0609)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Complaint #: NJ159278, 159279, 159280
Based on interviews and record review, as well as review of pertinent facility documents o...
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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
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** C# NJ100159278, 159280
Based on interviews, medical record review, and review of other pertinent facility documents on 12/20/22,...
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Nov 2021
3 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
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interview, review of medical records and review of facility documentation, it was determined the facility ...
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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** 3. On 11/10/21 at 10:28 AM, the surveyor observed Resident #93 sitting in a chair in the hallway with a walker nearby. The surve...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Respiratory Care
(Tag F0695)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on observations, interview, record review and review of the pertinent facility documentation it was determined the facility failed to: a.) ensure that oxygen tubing was appropriately labeled and...
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Nov 2019
2 deficiencies
1 Harm
SERIOUS
(G)
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 observation, interview, and record review of documentation provided by the facility, it was determined that the facilit...
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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, interview and record review, it was determined that the facility failed to properly store, label and dispo...
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Understanding Severity Codes (click to expand)
Questions to Ask on Your Visit
- "What changes have you made since the serious inspection findings?"
- "Can I speak with families of current residents?"
- "What's your RN coverage like on weekends and overnight?"
Our Honest Assessment
- • Licensed and certified facility. Meets minimum state requirements.
- • Multiple safety concerns identified: 2 life-threatening violation(s), 1 harm violation(s), $57,282 in fines. Review inspection reports carefully.
- • 12 deficiencies on record, including 2 critical (life-threatening) violations. These warrant careful review before choosing this facility.
- • $57,282 in fines. Extremely high, among the most fined facilities in New Jersey. Major compliance failures.
- • Grade F (21/100). Below average facility with significant concerns.
About This Facility
What is The Elms Rehab And Healthcare Center Of Cranbury's CMS Rating?
CMS assigns THE ELMS REHAB AND HEALTHCARE CENTER OF CRANBURY an overall rating of 2 out of 5 stars, which is considered below average nationally. Within New Jersey, 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 The Elms Rehab And Healthcare Center Of Cranbury Staffed?
CMS rates THE ELMS REHAB AND HEALTHCARE CENTER OF CRANBURY's staffing level at 1 out of 5 stars, which is much below average compared to other nursing homes. Staff turnover is 51%, compared to the New Jersey average of 46%. RN turnover specifically is 62%, which is notably high. RNs provide skilled clinical oversight, so turnover in this role can affect medical care quality.
What Have Inspectors Found at The Elms Rehab And Healthcare Center Of Cranbury?
State health inspectors documented 12 deficiencies at THE ELMS REHAB AND HEALTHCARE CENTER OF CRANBURY during 2019 to 2024. These included: 2 Immediate Jeopardy (the most serious level, indicating potential for serious harm or death), 1 that caused actual resident harm, 8 with potential for harm, and 1 minor or isolated issues. Immediate Jeopardy findings are rare and represent the most serious regulatory concerns. They require immediate corrective action.
Who Owns and Operates The Elms Rehab And Healthcare Center Of Cranbury?
THE ELMS REHAB AND HEALTHCARE CENTER OF CRANBURY 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 ATLAS HEALTHCARE, a chain that manages multiple nursing homes. With 120 certified beds and approximately 95 residents (about 79% occupancy), it is a mid-sized facility located in CRANBURY, New Jersey.
How Does The Elms Rehab And Healthcare Center Of Cranbury Compare to Other New Jersey Nursing Homes?
Compared to the 100 nursing homes in New Jersey, THE ELMS REHAB AND HEALTHCARE CENTER OF CRANBURY's overall rating (2 stars) is below the state average of 3.2, staff turnover (51%) is near the state average of 46%, and health inspection rating (2 stars) is below the national benchmark.
What Should Families Ask When Visiting The Elms Rehab And Healthcare Center Of Cranbury?
Based on this facility's data, families visiting should ask: "What changes have been made since the serious inspection findings, and how are you preventing similar issues?" "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?" These questions are particularly relevant given the facility's Immediate Jeopardy citations and the below-average staffing rating.
Is The Elms Rehab And Healthcare Center Of Cranbury Safe?
Based on CMS inspection data, THE ELMS REHAB AND HEALTHCARE CENTER OF CRANBURY has documented safety concerns. Inspectors have issued 2 Immediate Jeopardy citations (the most serious violation level indicating risk of serious injury or death). The facility has a 2-star overall rating and ranks #100 of 100 nursing homes in New Jersey. Families considering this facility should ask detailed questions about what corrective actions have been taken since these incidents.
Do Nurses at The Elms Rehab And Healthcare Center Of Cranbury Stick Around?
THE ELMS REHAB AND HEALTHCARE CENTER OF CRANBURY has a staff turnover rate of 51%, 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 The Elms Rehab And Healthcare Center Of Cranbury Ever Fined?
THE ELMS REHAB AND HEALTHCARE CENTER OF CRANBURY has been fined $57,282 across 1 penalty action. This is above the New Jersey average of $33,652. Fines in this range indicate compliance issues significant enough for CMS to impose meaningful financial consequences. Common causes include delayed correction of deficiencies, repeat violations, or care failures affecting resident safety. Families should ask facility leadership what changes have been made since these penalties.
Is The Elms Rehab And Healthcare Center Of Cranbury on Any Federal Watch List?
THE ELMS REHAB AND HEALTHCARE CENTER OF CRANBURY 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.