AUTUMN LAKE HEALTHCARE AT SALEM COUNTY
Within standard 12-15 month inspection cycle. Federal law requires annual inspections.
Autumn Lake Healthcare at Salem County has a Trust Grade of D, indicating below-average performance and some concerns about care quality. It ranks #245 out of 344 facilities in New Jersey, placing it in the bottom half, and #2 of 4 in Salem County, meaning only one local option is better. While the facility is improving, having reduced its number of issues from 12 in 2024 to 3 in 2025, staffing remains a concern with a 64% turnover rate, well above the state average. The facility has had no fines, which is positive, but it has less RN coverage than 99% of state facilities, potentially impacting care quality. Specific incidents noted by inspectors included a failure to maintain a comfortable environment in resident rooms, improper food handling practices that could lead to foodborne illnesses, and lapses in infection control, such as a staff member not performing hand hygiene during meal preparation. Overall, while there are some strengths, families should weigh these issues carefully when considering this facility.
- Trust Score
- D
- In New Jersey
- #245/344
- Safety Record
- Low Risk
- Inspections
- Getting Better
- Staff Stability ⚠ Watch
- 64% 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 7 minutes of Registered Nurse (RN) attention daily — below average for New Jersey. Fewer RN minutes means fewer trained eyes watching for problems.
- Violations ⚠ Watch
- 21 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
Facility shows strength in fire safety.
The Bad
Below New Jersey average (3.2)
Below average - review inspection findings carefully
17pts above New Jersey avg (46%)
Frequent staff changes - ask about care continuity
Part of a multi-facility chain
Ask about local staffing decisions and management
16 points above New Jersey average of 48%
The Ugly 21 deficiencies on record
Aug 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
Pharmacy Services
(Tag F0755)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on interview, record review, and policy review, the facility failed to ensure a medication was ordered upon admission from...
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Jul 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
Notification of Changes
(Tag F0580)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Complaint #: 2569972Based on interviews, medical record review, and review of other pertinent facility documents on 7/28/2025, i...
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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** Based on interviews, medical record reviews, and review of other pertinent facility documentation on 7/28/2025, it was determine...
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Nov 2024
4 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
Comprehensive Care Plan
(Tag F0656)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Complaint #: NJ00179130
Based on interviews, medical record review, and review of other pertinent facility documents on 11/07/20...
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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
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Complaint #: NJ179130
Based on interviews, medical record review, and review of other pertinent facility documents on 11/07/2024...
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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 F0687
(Tag F0687)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Complaint #: NJ00179130
Based on interviews, medical record review, and review of other pertinent facility documents on 11/07/20...
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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 F0773
(Tag F0773)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Complaint #: NJ00179130
Based on interviews, medical record review, and review of other pertinent facility documents on 11/07/20...
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Mar 2024
8 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
Based on observation, interview, and review of electronic medical records and other pertinent facility documentation, it was determined that the facility failed to follow professional standards of cli...
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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
Accident Prevention
(Tag F0689)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Complaint # 155679, 165123, and 168629
Based on interviews, review of electronic medical records, and review of other pertinent ...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Incontinence Care
(Tag F0690)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, interview, record review, and review of facility documents, it was determined that the facility failed to a.) ensure an indwelling urinary catheter drainage bag did not touch 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 review of other pertinent facility documents, it was determined that the facility failed to label and dispose of medications in accordance with accepted profession...
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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
Complaint NJ# 168629
Based on interview and review of medical records and other facility documents, it was determined that the facility failed to maintain an accurately documented and complete medical...
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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 review of facility documentation, it was determined the facility failed to maintain a comfor...
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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 facility documentation it was determined that the facility failed to a.) properly handle and store potentially hazardous foods in a manner that is intend...
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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
Based on observation, interviews, and review of facility documentation, it was determined that the facility failed to follow appropriate infection control practices and perform hand hygiene as indicat...
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Dec 2021
5 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** 2. According to the admission Record, Resident #18 had diagnoses that included, but were not limited to, anxiety and vascular de...
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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
On 12/01/2021 at 10:50 AM, Surveyor #2 observed Resident #24 lying in bed with his/her feet covered by the blanket. When asked, the resident stated he/she was not wearing heel protectors. With the res...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Drug Regimen Review
(Tag F0756)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on interview and record review, it was determined that the facility failed to act on or respond to, comments made by the Pharmacist Consultant in a timely manner. This deficient practice was ide...
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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 facility documentation, it was determined that the facility failed to handle potentially hazardous foods and maintain sanitation in a safe, consistent ma...
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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, interview, and review of facility documents, it was determined that the facility failed to ensure that a.) the Resident Care Staffing Report was posted on 1 of 2 nursing units (C...
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Jan 2020
1 deficiency
CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Pharmacy Services
(Tag F0755)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on observation, interview, and review of facility documents, it was determined that the facility failed to ensure the Controlled Medication Accountability logs were completed in their entirety a...
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Understanding Severity Codes (click to expand)
Questions to Ask on Your Visit
- "Why is there high staff turnover? How do you retain staff?"
- "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.
- • 21 deficiencies on record. Higher than average. Multiple issues found across inspections.
- • Grade D (45/100). Below average facility with significant concerns.
- • 64% turnover. Above average. Higher turnover means staff may not know residents' routines.
About This Facility
What is Autumn Lake Healthcare At Salem County's CMS Rating?
CMS assigns AUTUMN LAKE HEALTHCARE AT SALEM COUNTY 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 Autumn Lake Healthcare At Salem County Staffed?
CMS rates AUTUMN LAKE HEALTHCARE AT SALEM COUNTY's staffing level at 2 out of 5 stars, which is below average compared to other nursing homes. Staff turnover is 64%, which is 17 percentage points above the New Jersey average of 46%. High turnover can affect care consistency as new staff learn residents' individual needs.
What Have Inspectors Found at Autumn Lake Healthcare At Salem County?
State health inspectors documented 21 deficiencies at AUTUMN LAKE HEALTHCARE AT SALEM COUNTY during 2020 to 2025. These included: 20 with potential for harm and 1 minor or isolated issues.
Who Owns and Operates Autumn Lake Healthcare At Salem County?
AUTUMN LAKE HEALTHCARE AT SALEM COUNTY 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 AUTUMN LAKE HEALTHCARE, a chain that manages multiple nursing homes. With 116 certified beds and approximately 101 residents (about 87% occupancy), it is a mid-sized facility located in SALEM, New Jersey.
How Does Autumn Lake Healthcare At Salem County Compare to Other New Jersey Nursing Homes?
Compared to the 100 nursing homes in New Jersey, AUTUMN LAKE HEALTHCARE AT SALEM COUNTY's overall rating (2 stars) is below the state average of 3.2, staff turnover (64%) is significantly higher than the state average of 46%, and health inspection rating (2 stars) is below the national benchmark.
What Should Families Ask When Visiting Autumn Lake Healthcare At Salem County?
Based on this facility's data, families visiting should ask: "How do you ensure continuity of care given staff turnover, and what is your staff retention strategy?" "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 high staff turnover rate and the below-average staffing rating.
Is Autumn Lake Healthcare At Salem County Safe?
Based on CMS inspection data, AUTUMN LAKE HEALTHCARE AT SALEM COUNTY 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 2-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 Autumn Lake Healthcare At Salem County Stick Around?
Staff turnover at AUTUMN LAKE HEALTHCARE AT SALEM COUNTY is high. At 64%, the facility is 17 percentage points above the New Jersey average of 46%. High turnover means new staff may not know residents' individual needs, medications, or preferences. It can also be disorienting for residents, especially those with dementia who rely on familiar faces. Families should ask: What is causing the turnover? What retention programs are in place? How do you ensure care continuity during staff transitions?
Was Autumn Lake Healthcare At Salem County Ever Fined?
AUTUMN LAKE HEALTHCARE AT SALEM COUNTY 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 Autumn Lake Healthcare At Salem County on Any Federal Watch List?
AUTUMN LAKE HEALTHCARE AT SALEM COUNTY 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.