CareOne at The Highlands
Inspected within the last 6 months. Data reflects current conditions.
CareOne at The Highlands has a Trust Grade of C+, indicating it is decent and slightly above average compared to other facilities. It ranks #192 out of 344 in New Jersey, which places it in the bottom half of state facilities, and #14 out of 24 in Middlesex County, suggesting limited local options. The facility is improving, with reported issues decreasing from 16 in 2024 to 9 in 2025. Staffing is a strength here, with a 4 out of 5-star rating and a low turnover rate of 25%, which is well below the New Jersey average. However, there have been concerns, such as failing to inform residents about the risks and benefits of medications, and not promptly reporting an injury of unknown origin, which raises questions about communication and oversight. On a positive note, there have been no fines, indicating compliance with regulations. Overall, while there are strengths in staffing and improvements in care, families should be aware of the communication issues and ongoing concerns.
- Trust Score
- C+
- In New Jersey
- #192/344
- Safety Record
- Low Risk
- Inspections
- Getting Better
- Staff Stability ✓ Good
- 25% annual turnover. Excellent stability, 23 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 ✓ Good
- Each resident gets 49 minutes of Registered Nurse (RN) attention daily — more than average for New Jersey. RNs are trained to catch health problems early.
- Violations ⚠ Watch
- 25 deficiencies on record. Higher than average. Multiple issues found across inspections.
The Good
-
4-Star Staffing Rating · Above-average nurse staffing levels
-
4-Star Quality Measures · Strong clinical quality outcomes
-
Low Staff Turnover (25%) · Staff stability means consistent care
-
Full Sprinkler Coverage · Fire safety systems throughout facility
-
No fines on record
-
Staff turnover is low (25%)
23 points below New Jersey average of 48%
Facility shows strength in staffing levels, quality measures, staff retention, fire safety.
The Bad
Near New Jersey average (3.3)
Meets federal standards, typical of most facilities
Part of a multi-facility chain
Ask about local staffing decisions and management
The Ugly 25 deficiencies on record
May 2025
7 deficiencies
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0552
(Tag F0552)
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 inform the resident or their r...
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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
Report Alleged Abuse
(Tag F0609)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Complaint #NJ00174157
Based on interview, record review, and review of pertinent documents, it was determined that the facility failed to report an injury of unknown origin to the New Jersey Departmen...
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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
On 5/22/25 at 12:35 PM, the surveyor observed Resident #16 in bed, with both eyes closed with a urinary drainage bag in a privacy bag hanging on the bed frame.
The surveyor reviewed Resident #16's el...
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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** REPEAT DEFICIENCY
Based on observation, interview, and record review, it was determined that the facility failed a.) to follow a...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Pharmacy Services
(Tag F0755)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
REPEAT DEFICIENCY
Based on observation, interview, and record review, it was determined that the facility failed to document the physician's order as prescribed accurately. This deficient practice was...
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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, review of medical records and other facility documentation, it was determined that the facility...
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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** 6. On 5/22/25 at 9:46 AM, the surveyor reviewed with closed record for Resident #88 who discharged home on 2/26/25.
Review of Re...
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May 2025
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
Abuse Prevention Policies
(Tag F0607)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Complaint: NJ00180728
Based on interviews, medical record reviews, and review of pertinent facility documents on 05/14/2025 and 05/16/2025, it was determined that the facility failed to follow their, ...
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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 F0692
(Tag F0692)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Complaint: NJ00180728
Based on interviews, record review, and review of pertinent facility documents on 05/14/2025 and 05/16/202...
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Aug 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
Report Alleged Abuse
(Tag F0609)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Complaint # NJ 00174172
Based on interview, medical records (MR) review, and review of pertinent facility documents on 8/8/24 and 8/12/24, it was determined that the facility failed to report an injur...
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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 F0657
(Tag F0657)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** C# NJ00174172
Based on interviews, and record review, as well as review of pertinent facility documents on 8/8/2024 and 8/12/202...
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Jan 2024
14 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
2. On 1/4/24 at 12:07 PM, the surveyor observed lunch being served on the [NAME] Unit. The surveyor observed CNA #2 sitting at the end of Resident #72's bed in their room. The resident was lying in be...
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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, interview and record review, it was determined that the facility failed to maintain the confidentiality of the resident information on the Electronic Health Records system. This ...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
MDS Data Transmission
(Tag F0640)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on interview and record review, it was determined that the facility failed to complete and transmit a Minimum Data Set (MDS) - Discharge Assessment in accordance with federal guidelines. This de...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Assessment Accuracy
(Tag F0641)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, interview, and record review it was determined that the facility failed to accurately code the Minimum Data Set (MDS), an assessment tool used to facilitate the management of car...
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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
4. On 1/4/24 at 11:16 AM, the surveyor interviewed Resident #21 in the resident's room. The resident stated that they suffer with anxiety and take Sertraline (Zoloft) to treat the anxiety. Resident #2...
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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, and review of pertinent medical records, it was determined that the facility failed to follow physician orders related to the use of continuous oxygen (O2) for 1 of 1 ...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0711
(Tag F0711)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on interview and record review, it was determined that the facility failed to ensure that the residents' primary physician signed and dated monthly physician orders (PO) to ensure that the resid...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0712
(Tag F0712)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on interview, and record review, it was determined that the facility failed to ensure that the responsible physician supervising the care of residents conducted face to face visits and wrote pro...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Pharmacy Services
(Tag F0755)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, interview, and record review, it was determined that the facility failed to ensure that expired and discontinued medications were removed from active inventory after it had expir...
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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 observation, interview, and record review, it was determined that the Consultant Pharmacist (CP) failed to clarify medication dosage for a newly admitted resident to the facility during the i...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Food Safety
(Tag F0812)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, interview, and review of facility policies, it was determined that the facility failed to maintain proper kitchen sanitation practices as well as discard potentially hazardous fo...
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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 F0836
(Tag F0836)
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
Medical Records
(Tag F0842)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, interview, and record review, it was determined that the facility failed to maintain complete and readily accessible medical records. This deficient practice was identified for 1...
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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, it was determined that the facility failed to maintain proper infection control practices which was identified during dining observation and was evidenced by the follo...
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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.
- • 25% annual turnover. Excellent stability, 23 points below New Jersey's 48% average. Staff who stay learn residents' needs.
- • 25 deficiencies on record. Higher than average. Multiple issues found across inspections.
About This Facility
What is Careone At The Highlands's CMS Rating?
CMS assigns CareOne at The Highlands 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 Careone At The Highlands Staffed?
CMS rates CareOne at The Highlands's staffing level at 4 out of 5 stars, which is above average compared to other nursing homes. Staff turnover is 25%, compared to the New Jersey average of 46%. This relatively stable workforce can support continuity of care.
What Have Inspectors Found at Careone At The Highlands?
State health inspectors documented 25 deficiencies at CareOne at The Highlands during 2024 to 2025. These included: 25 with potential for harm.
Who Owns and Operates Careone At The Highlands?
CareOne at The Highlands 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 CAREONE, a chain that manages multiple nursing homes. With 122 certified beds and approximately 89 residents (about 73% occupancy), it is a mid-sized facility located in EDISON, New Jersey.
How Does Careone At The Highlands Compare to Other New Jersey Nursing Homes?
Compared to the 100 nursing homes in New Jersey, CareOne at The Highlands's overall rating (3 stars) is below the state average of 3.3, staff turnover (25%) 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 Careone At The Highlands?
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 Careone At The Highlands Safe?
Based on CMS inspection data, CareOne at The Highlands 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 Careone At The Highlands Stick Around?
Staff at CareOne at The Highlands tend to stick around. With a turnover rate of 25%, the facility is 20 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.
Was Careone At The Highlands Ever Fined?
CareOne at The Highlands 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 Careone At The Highlands on Any Federal Watch List?
CareOne at The Highlands 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.