ASTER CREEK NURSING AND REHABILITATION CENTER
Within standard 12-15 month inspection cycle. Federal law requires annual inspections.
Aster Creek Nursing and Rehabilitation Center has a Trust Grade of C, indicating that the facility is average, placing it in the middle of the pack among nursing homes. It ranks #168 out of 344 facilities in New Jersey, meaning it is in the top half, but still has significant room for improvement. Unfortunately, the facility is worsening, with issues increasing from 5 in 2023 to 7 in 2024. Staffing is a relative strength, rated at 3 out of 5 stars with a turnover rate of 38%, which is below the state average, but RN coverage is concerning as it is less than that of 93% of facilities in New Jersey. Families should note that Aster Creek has been fined a substantial $93,206, indicating compliance issues, and recent inspections found several serious concerns, such as food being stored improperly and the environment not being maintained in a clean and safe manner, which could pose risks to residents.
- Trust Score
- C
- In New Jersey
- #168/344
- Safety Record
- Moderate
- Inspections
- Getting Worse
- Staff Stability ○ Average
- 38% turnover. Near New Jersey's 48% average. Typical for the industry.
- Penalties ○ Average
- $93,206 in fines. Higher than 74% of New Jersey facilities. Some compliance issues.
- Skilled Nurses ⚠ Watch
- Each resident gets only 17 minutes of Registered Nurse (RN) attention daily — below average for New Jersey. Fewer RN minutes means fewer trained eyes watching for problems.
- Violations ⚠ Watch
- 15 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
-
Staff turnover below average (38%)
10 points below New Jersey average of 48%
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%)
Typical for the industry
Well above median ($33,413)
Moderate penalties - review what triggered them
The Ugly 15 deficiencies on record
Oct 2024
7 deficiencies
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0657
(Tag F0657)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observations, interviews, and review of pertinent facility documents, it was determined that the facility failed to revise an individual comprehensive care plan for a resident with a history ...
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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
Based on observation, interview, and review of pertinent facility documents, it was determined that the facility failed to ensure a resident who smoked cigarettes was assessed for safety. The deficien...
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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 observations, interview, and review of pertinent facility documentation, it was determined that the facility failed to label, date, and initial a resident's oxygen tubing. This deficient prac...
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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 pertinent facility documents, it was determined that the facility failed to use appropriate hand hygiene and proper disinfection while providing wound ca...
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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 pertinent facility documents, it was determined that the facility failed to maint...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Garbage Disposal
(Tag F0814)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on observation and interview, it was determined that the facility failed to properly dispose and maintain waste in garbage dumpster areas. This deficient practice was identified for 1 of 1 garba...
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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
**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 a.) d...
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Sept 2023
4 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
Based on observation, interview, and record review, it was determined that the facility failed to treat each resident with respect and dignity in a manner that promotes his/her quality of life. This d...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Garbage Disposal
(Tag F0814)
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 provide a sanitary environment for residents, staff, and the public by failin...
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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
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interview, review of medical records and other pertinent facility documentation it was determined that the...
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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 pertinent facility documents, it was determined that the facility failed to: a.) store, label, and date potentially hazardous foods to prevent food-borne...
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Feb 2023
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** Based on observations, interviews, review of facility policy, and review of Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines, it was...
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Jun 2021
3 deficiencies
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 record review, it was determined that the facility failed to: a.) assess and obtain a physician's order (PO) for the self-administration of oxygen; b.) label, date...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0836
(Tag F0836)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, interview and review of facility provided documentation, the facility failed to maintain the required minimum direct care staff-to-resident ratios as mandated by the state of New...
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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, interviews, record review, and review of pertinent facility documentation, it was determined that the facility failed to a.) maintain proper infection control practices for donni...
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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
- • 38% turnover. Below New Jersey's 48% average. Good staff retention means consistent care.
- • 15 deficiencies on record. Higher than average. Multiple issues found across inspections.
- • $93,206 in fines. Extremely high, among the most fined facilities in New Jersey. Major compliance failures.
- • Grade C (55/100). Below average facility with significant concerns.
About This Facility
What is Aster Creek's CMS Rating?
CMS assigns ASTER CREEK NURSING AND REHABILITATION CENTER 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 Aster Creek Staffed?
CMS rates ASTER CREEK NURSING AND REHABILITATION CENTER's staffing level at 3 out of 5 stars, which is average compared to other nursing homes. Staff turnover is 38%, compared to the New Jersey average of 46%. This relatively stable workforce can support continuity of care. 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 Aster Creek?
State health inspectors documented 15 deficiencies at ASTER CREEK NURSING AND REHABILITATION CENTER during 2021 to 2024. These included: 15 with potential for harm.
Who Owns and Operates Aster Creek?
ASTER CREEK NURSING AND REHABILITATION CENTER is owned by a for-profit company. For-profit facilities operate as businesses with obligations to shareholders or private owners. The facility operates independently rather than as part of a larger chain. With 100 certified beds and approximately 70 residents (about 70% occupancy), it is a mid-sized facility located in TINTON FALLS, New Jersey.
How Does Aster Creek Compare to Other New Jersey Nursing Homes?
Compared to the 100 nursing homes in New Jersey, ASTER CREEK NURSING AND REHABILITATION CENTER's overall rating (3 stars) is below the state average of 3.3, staff turnover (38%) is near the state average of 46%, and health inspection rating (3 stars) is at the national benchmark.
What Should Families Ask When Visiting Aster Creek?
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 Aster Creek Safe?
Based on CMS inspection data, ASTER CREEK NURSING AND REHABILITATION 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 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 Aster Creek Stick Around?
ASTER CREEK NURSING AND REHABILITATION CENTER has a staff turnover rate of 38%, 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 Aster Creek Ever Fined?
ASTER CREEK NURSING AND REHABILITATION CENTER has been fined $93,206 across 2 penalty actions. This is above the New Jersey average of $34,011. 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 Aster Creek on Any Federal Watch List?
ASTER CREEK NURSING AND REHABILITATION 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.