BROOKHAVEN HEALTH CARE CENTER
Within standard 12-15 month inspection cycle. Federal law requires annual inspections.
Brookhaven Health Care Center in East Orange, New Jersey has a Trust Grade of B+, which means it is recommended and above average compared to other facilities. It ranks #100 out of 344 nursing homes in the state, placing it in the top half, and #8 out of 32 in Essex County, indicating that only seven local options are better. However, the facility's trend is concerning as it has worsened from one issue in 2022 to seven in 2024. Staffing is a relative strength with a turnover rate of 21%, well below the New Jersey average, although RN coverage is only average. Notably, the facility failed to involve all required interdisciplinary team members in care planning for several residents and did not maintain side rails properly, posing potential safety risks. On a positive note, there have been no fines, suggesting good compliance with regulations.
- Trust Score
- B+
- In New Jersey
- #100/344
- Safety Record
- Low Risk
- Inspections
- Getting Worse
- Staff Stability ✓ Good
- 21% annual turnover. Excellent stability, 27 points below New Jersey's 48% average. Staff who stay learn residents' needs.
- Penalties ✓ Good
- No fines on record. Clean compliance history, better than most New Jersey facilities.
- Skilled Nurses ○ Average
- Each resident gets 34 minutes of Registered Nurse (RN) attention daily — about average for New Jersey. RNs are the most trained staff who monitor for health changes.
- Violations ⚠ Watch
- 12 deficiencies on record. Higher than average. Multiple issues found across inspections.
The Good
-
4-Star Quality Measures · Strong clinical quality outcomes
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Low Staff Turnover (21%) · Staff stability means consistent care
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Full Sprinkler Coverage · Fire safety systems throughout facility
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No fines on record
-
Staff turnover is low (21%)
27 points below New Jersey average of 48%
Facility shows strength in quality measures, staff retention, fire safety.
The Bad
Part of a multi-facility chain
Ask about local staffing decisions and management
The Ugly 12 deficiencies on record
Mar 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 observations, record review, and interview, the facility failed to ensure that one of eight residents (Resident (R) 38) reviewed for side rails from a sample of 27 residents, had a comprehens...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Quality of Care
(Tag F0684)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observations, record review, interview and facility policy review, the facility failed to follow physician orders for one of 11 residents (Resident (R)74) reviewed for physician orders. Speci...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0688
(Tag F0688)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observations, record review, interview, and facility policy review, the facility failed to follow physician orders for one of 11 residents (Resident (R)74) reviewed for following physician or...
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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, interview, record review and policy review, the facility failed to ensure staff followed physician orders ...
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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** Based on observation, interview, record review and policy review, the facility failed to ensure nursing staff properly stored ne...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0657
(Tag F0657)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** NJAC 8:39-11.2(e)(f)(h)
Based on record review, interviews, and review of the facility policy, the facility failed to ensure eig...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0700
(Tag F0700)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** NJAC 8:39-27.1(a)
Based on observations, interviews, record review, and facility policy review, the facility failed to ensure th...
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Nov 2022
1 deficiency
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** C #: Covid-19 Infection Control
Based on observation, interview, record review, and review of pertinent facility documents on 10...
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Dec 2021
4 deficiencies
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** Based on observation, interview, and record review, it was determined that the facility failed to document the administration of...
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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. On 11/30/21 at 11:37 AM, the surveyor observed Resident #77 in the room, seated in a wheelchair while watching TV. The survey...
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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
On 11/30/21 at 11:31 AM, the surveyor toured the 3rd floor Nursing Unit. During the tour, the surveyor observed two plastic cups of unlabeled medications on the counter of the nurse's station. The sur...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0578
(Tag F0578)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** 9. The admission Record for Resident #36 indicated that the resident was admitted to the facility on [DATE] with diagnoses which...
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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
- • Grade B+ (85/100). Above average facility, better than most options in New Jersey.
- • 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.
- • 21% annual turnover. Excellent stability, 27 points below New Jersey's 48% average. Staff who stay learn residents' needs.
- • 12 deficiencies on record. Higher than average. Multiple issues found across inspections.
About This Facility
What is Brookhaven Health's CMS Rating?
CMS assigns BROOKHAVEN HEALTH CARE CENTER an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which is considered above average nationally. Within New Jersey, 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 Brookhaven Health Staffed?
CMS rates BROOKHAVEN HEALTH CARE CENTER's staffing level at 3 out of 5 stars, which is average compared to other nursing homes. Staff turnover is 21%, compared to the New Jersey average of 46%. This relatively stable workforce can support continuity of care.
What Have Inspectors Found at Brookhaven Health?
State health inspectors documented 12 deficiencies at BROOKHAVEN HEALTH CARE CENTER during 2021 to 2024. These included: 12 with potential for harm.
Who Owns and Operates Brookhaven Health?
BROOKHAVEN 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 PARAMOUNT CARE CENTERS, a chain that manages multiple nursing homes. With 122 certified beds and approximately 114 residents (about 93% occupancy), it is a mid-sized facility located in EAST ORANGE, New Jersey.
How Does Brookhaven Health Compare to Other New Jersey Nursing Homes?
Compared to the 100 nursing homes in New Jersey, BROOKHAVEN HEALTH CARE CENTER's overall rating (4 stars) is above the state average of 3.3, staff turnover (21%) is significantly lower than the state average of 46%, and health inspection rating (4 stars) is above the national benchmark.
What Should Families Ask When Visiting Brookhaven Health?
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 Brookhaven Health Safe?
Based on CMS inspection data, BROOKHAVEN 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 4-star overall rating and ranks #1 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 Brookhaven Health Stick Around?
Staff at BROOKHAVEN HEALTH CARE CENTER tend to stick around. With a turnover rate of 21%, the facility is 24 percentage points below the New Jersey 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 24%, meaning experienced RNs are available to handle complex medical needs.
Was Brookhaven Health Ever Fined?
BROOKHAVEN HEALTH CARE CENTER 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 Brookhaven Health on Any Federal Watch List?
BROOKHAVEN 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.