SHORE GARDENS REHABILITATION AND NURSING CENTER
Within standard 12-15 month inspection cycle. Federal law requires annual inspections.
Shore Gardens Rehabilitation and Nursing Center has received a Trust Grade of F, indicating significant concerns about the facility. With a state rank of #337 out of 344 in New Jersey, they are in the bottom half of nursing homes, and #30 out of 31 in Ocean County, meaning only one local option is better. The facility is experiencing a worsening trend, with reported issues increasing from 3 in 2024 to 13 in 2025. Staffing is a relative strength, rated 4 out of 5 stars with a turnover rate of 30%, which is below the state average. However, they have concerning fines of $134,466, higher than 91% of New Jersey facilities, and less RN coverage than 80% of state facilities, which may limit the quality of care. Specific incidents of concern include a failure to investigate an allegation of sexual abuse between residents, which raises significant safety issues. Additionally, the facility has been criticized for not maintaining a clean and safe environment, with peeling wallpaper and broken safety features observed in residents' rooms. While there are some strengths in staffing, the overall situation at Shore Gardens presents serious weaknesses that families should carefully consider.
- Trust Score
- F
- In New Jersey
- #337/344
- Safety Record
- High Risk
- Inspections
- Getting Worse
- Staff Stability ○ Average
- 30% turnover. Near New Jersey's 48% average. Typical for the industry.
- Penalties ⚠ Watch
- $134,466 in fines. Higher than 81% of New Jersey facilities, suggesting repeated compliance issues.
- Skilled Nurses ⚠ Watch
- Each resident gets only 19 minutes of Registered Nurse (RN) attention daily — below average for New Jersey. Fewer RN minutes means fewer trained eyes watching for problems.
- Violations ⚠ Watch
- 32 deficiencies on record. Higher than average. Multiple issues found across inspections.
The Good
-
4-Star Staffing Rating · Above-average nurse staffing levels
-
Full Sprinkler Coverage · Fire safety systems throughout facility
-
No fines on record
-
Staff turnover below average (30%)
18 points below New Jersey average of 48%
Facility shows strength in staffing levels, fire safety.
The Bad
Below New Jersey average (3.2)
Significant quality concerns identified by CMS
15pts below New Jersey avg (46%)
Typical for the industry
Well above median ($33,413)
Significant penalties indicating serious issues
The Ugly 32 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
Deficiency F0628
(Tag F0628)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** NJ# 184886Based on interview and review of pertinent facility documentation on 8/19/25 and 8/20/25, it was determined that the f...
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May 2025
2 deficiencies
CONCERN
(F)
📢 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
Safe Environment
(Tag F0584)
Could have caused harm · This affected most or all residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** REPEAT DEFICIENCY
Complaint #: NJ185836; NJ186066
Based on observations, interview, and review of pertinent facility documents, ...
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CONCERN
(F)
📢 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
Administration
(Tag F0835)
Could have caused harm · This affected most or all residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Complaint #: NJ185836, NJ186066
Based on observations, interviews, and review of pertinent facility documents, it was determined...
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Feb 2025
10 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 and interview, it was determined that the facility failed to ensure that the residents' dining experience was provided in a manner to promote dignity and respect of the residents....
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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 F0557
(Tag F0557)
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
Deficiency F0658
(Tag F0658)
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 the medication cart was secured during medication administration in ac...
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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 facility documentation it was determined that the facility failed to a) obtain physician's orders for care of oxygen tubing and b) develop a co...
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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 pertinent record review, it was determined that the facility failed to ensure the accountability of the narcotic shift count logs were completed in accordance with...
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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 pertinent facility documentation, it was determined that the facility failed to dispose of garbage and refuse properly to prevent rodents and pests.
This...
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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 facility policies, it was determined that the facility failed to use appropriate infection control practices during medication administration to prevent ...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0761
(Tag F0761)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on observation, interview, and review of pertinent facility documentation, it was determined that the facility failed to a) label opened multidose medication; b) properly dispose of expired medi...
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CONCERN
(F)
📢 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
Safe Environment
(Tag F0584)
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 documentation it was determined that the facility failed to pro...
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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
Based on observation, interview, and record review, it was determined that the facility failed to a.) store potentially hazardous foods in a manner to prevent food borne illness and b.) maintain kitch...
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Nov 2024
3 deficiencies
1 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
Investigate Abuse
(Tag F0610)
Someone could have died · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** C#: NJ00179177, NJ00179069
Based on interviews, medical records reviews, and review of other pertinent facility documentation on...
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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
Grievances
(Tag F0585)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** C#: NJ00179177, NJ 00179069
Based on interviews, record review, and review of other pertinent facility documents on 11/11/2024, ...
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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
Administration
(Tag F0835)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** C#:NJ 00179177, NJ 00179069
Based on interviews, Medical Record (MR) review, and review of pertinent facility documentation on 1...
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May 2023
12 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
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on interview, record review, and review of facility documents, it was determined that the facility failed to obtain consen...
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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
2. According to the admission Face Sheet, Resident #69 was admitted to the facility in June 2022 with diagnoses which included but were not limited to; hypertension [high blood pressure], hyperlipidem...
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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, record review, and review of facility documentation, it was determined that the facility failed to ensure that a resident received supplemental oxygen as prescribed by...
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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 F0711
(Tag F0711)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Complaint #: NJ 151993
Based on interviews and review of the closed medical record, it was determined that the facility physicia...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0745
(Tag F0745)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on interview, record review, and review of facility documents, it was determined that facility failed to provide social services for a resident with severe cognitive impairment.
This deficient ...
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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 F0804
(Tag F0804)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
On 5/3/23 at 11:44 AM, the surveyor arrived in the kitchen, in the presence of the Food Service Director (FSD) to observe the serving of the lunch meal for the day including food temperatures. The FSD...
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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 F0806
(Tag F0806)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Complaint #NJ 147719, Complaint #NJ 150149
Based on observation, interview, record review, and review of other facility documents, it was determined that the facility failed to ensure a resident's die...
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CONCERN
(E)
📢 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 multiple residents
REPEAT DEFICIENCY
Complaint # NJ 150832
Based on interview, record review, and review of facility documents, it was determined that the facility failed to report an allegation of abuse to the New Jers...
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CONCERN
(E)
📢 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
Investigate Abuse
(Tag F0610)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
REPEAT DEFICIENCY
Complaint # NJ 150832
Based on interview, record review, and review of facility documents, it was determined that the facility failed to investigate an allegation of abuse for 1 of 2...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0698
(Tag F0698)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on observations, interviews, review of the medical record and other facility documentation, it was determined that the facility failed to: a.) provide a snack bag to send with the resident on sc...
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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
4.) On 04/26/23 at 10:00 AM, the surveyor arrived to tour the kitchen with the Food Service Director (FSD) who stated he would wash his hands. The surveyor observed the FSD wash his hands at a designa...
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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
Based on observation, interview, and policy review it was determined that the facility failed to a.) store and label potentially hazardous foods in a manner to prevent food borne illness, b.) failed t...
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Apr 2021
4 deficiencies
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Report Alleged Abuse
(Tag F0609)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, interview, and review of facility documents, it was determined that the facility failed to report to the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) an allegation of staff to residen...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Investigate Abuse
(Tag F0610)
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 investigate an allegation of staff to resident abuse that occurred on 3/20/21...
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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
Deficiency Text Not Available
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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** 3. On 3/23/21 at 11:33 AM, the surveyor observed resident room [ROOM NUMBER]; a well non-ill room, with a housekeeping cart insi...
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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
- • 30% turnover. Below New Jersey's 48% average. Good staff retention means consistent care.
- • Multiple safety concerns identified: 1 life-threatening violation(s), $134,466 in fines. Review inspection reports carefully.
- • 32 deficiencies on record, including 1 critical (life-threatening) violation. These warrant careful review before choosing this facility.
- • $134,466 in fines. Extremely high, among the most fined facilities in New Jersey. Major compliance failures.
- • Grade F (13/100). Below average facility with significant concerns.
About This Facility
What is Shore Gardens Rehabilitation And Nursing Center's CMS Rating?
CMS assigns SHORE GARDENS REHABILITATION AND NURSING CENTER an overall rating of 1 out of 5 stars, which is considered much 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 Shore Gardens Rehabilitation And Nursing Center Staffed?
CMS rates SHORE GARDENS REHABILITATION AND NURSING CENTER's staffing level at 4 out of 5 stars, which is above average compared to other nursing homes. Staff turnover is 30%, compared to the New Jersey average of 46%. This relatively stable workforce can support continuity of care.
What Have Inspectors Found at Shore Gardens Rehabilitation And Nursing Center?
State health inspectors documented 32 deficiencies at SHORE GARDENS REHABILITATION AND NURSING CENTER during 2021 to 2025. These included: 1 Immediate Jeopardy (the most serious level, indicating potential for serious harm or death) and 31 with potential for harm. Immediate Jeopardy findings are rare and represent the most serious regulatory concerns. They require immediate corrective action.
Who Owns and Operates Shore Gardens Rehabilitation And Nursing Center?
SHORE GARDENS REHABILITATION AND NURSING 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 149 certified beds and approximately 142 residents (about 95% occupancy), it is a mid-sized facility located in TOMS RIVER, New Jersey.
How Does Shore Gardens Rehabilitation And Nursing Center Compare to Other New Jersey Nursing Homes?
Compared to the 100 nursing homes in New Jersey, SHORE GARDENS REHABILITATION AND NURSING CENTER's overall rating (1 stars) is below the state average of 3.2, staff turnover (30%) is significantly lower than the state average of 46%, and health inspection rating (1 stars) is much below the national benchmark.
What Should Families Ask When Visiting Shore Gardens Rehabilitation And Nursing Center?
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 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?" These questions are particularly relevant given the facility's Immediate Jeopardy citations.
Is Shore Gardens Rehabilitation And Nursing Center Safe?
Based on CMS inspection data, SHORE GARDENS REHABILITATION AND NURSING CENTER has documented safety concerns. Inspectors have issued 1 Immediate Jeopardy citation (the most serious violation level indicating risk of serious injury or death). The facility has a 1-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 Shore Gardens Rehabilitation And Nursing Center Stick Around?
SHORE GARDENS REHABILITATION AND NURSING CENTER has a staff turnover rate of 30%, 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 Shore Gardens Rehabilitation And Nursing Center Ever Fined?
SHORE GARDENS REHABILITATION AND NURSING CENTER has been fined $134,466 across 2 penalty actions. This is 3.9x the New Jersey average of $34,424. Fines at this level are uncommon and typically indicate a pattern of serious deficiencies, repeated violations, or failure to correct problems promptly. CMS reserves penalties of this magnitude for facilities that pose significant, documented risk to resident health or safety. Families should request specific documentation of what issues led to these fines and what systemic changes have been implemented.
Is Shore Gardens Rehabilitation And Nursing Center on Any Federal Watch List?
SHORE GARDENS REHABILITATION AND NURSING 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.