ELDERWOOD AT CHEEKTOWAGA
Within standard 12-15 month inspection cycle. Federal law requires annual inspections.
Elderwood at Cheektowaga has a Trust Grade of C+, which means it is slightly above average but still has room for improvement. It ranks #276 out of 594 facilities in New York, placing it in the top half, and #21 out of 35 in Erie County, indicating only a few local options are better. However, the trend is worsening, as the number of issues reported jumped from 1 in 2023 to 9 in 2024. Staffing is a weakness here, with a rating of 2 out of 5 stars and a turnover rate of 46%, which is around the state average but still concerning for continuity of care. On the positive side, the facility has not faced any fines, which is a good sign, and it has average RN coverage, helping to address health issues that may arise. Specific incidents include a failure to monitor a resident's prolonged antibiotic use, which raises concerns about infection control, and not properly implementing a system for advanced directives, potentially disregarding resident wishes. These findings highlight some areas of compliance issues, but overall, there are strengths alongside weaknesses that families should consider when researching this nursing home.
- Trust Score
- C+
- In New York
- #276/594
- Safety Record
- Low Risk
- Inspections
- Getting Worse
- Staff Stability ⚠ Watch
- 46% 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 York facilities.
- Skilled Nurses ⚠ Watch
- Each resident gets only 25 minutes of Registered Nurse (RN) attention daily — below average for New York. Fewer RN minutes means fewer trained eyes watching for problems.
- Violations ⚠ Watch
- 18 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
Facility shows strength in quality measures, fire safety.
The Bad
Near New York average (3.1)
Meets federal standards, typical of most facilities
Near New York avg (46%)
Higher turnover may affect care consistency
Part of a multi-facility chain
Ask about local staffing decisions and management
The Ugly 18 deficiencies on record
Jun 2024
7 deficiencies
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0578
(Tag F0578)
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 conducted during a Standard survey completed [DATE], the facility did not ensu...
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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
Notification of Changes
(Tag F0580)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on interview, and record review conducted during a Complaint investigation (#NY00330303) during the Standard survey completed on 6/18/24, the facility did not ensure the residents representative...
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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 F0583
(Tag F0583)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, interview, and record review conducted during a Complaint investigation (#NY00340373) during a Standard survey completed 6/18/24, the facility did not ensure residents have the r...
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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 record review conducted during the Standard survey completed on 6/18/24, the facility did not ensure that drugs and biologicals used in the facility were labeled 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
Deficiency F0776
(Tag F0776)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on record review and interview conducted during a Complaint investigation (#NY00336714) during the Standard survey completed on 6/18/24, the facility did not obtain or provide radiology services...
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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 conducted during the Standard survey completed on 6/18/24, the facility did not ensure that the pharmacist reported irregularities to the attending physician, the ...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Antibiotic Stewardship
(Tag F0881)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on record review and interviews conducted during the Standard survey completed on 6/18/24, the facility did not ensure that the facility's infection and control program included antibiotic use p...
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Feb 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
Based on interview and record review conducted during a Complaint Investigation (#NY00328763) completed 2/8/24, the facility did not ensure that all alleged violations of abuse, were reported immediat...
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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
Investigate Abuse
(Tag F0610)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on interview and record review conducted during a Complaint investigation (Complaint #NY00328763) completed on 2/8/24, the facility did not ensure that all alleged violations of abuse, neglect o...
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Nov 2023
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 F0658
(Tag F0658)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, interview, and record review conducted during an Abbreviated survey (Complaint #NY00322117) started completed 11/21/23, the facility did not ensure that services were provided to...
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Oct 2022
3 deficiencies
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Incontinence Care
(Tag F0690)
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 conducted during the Standard survey completed 9/27/22 through 10/3/22, the f...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Medication Errors
(Tag F0758)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, interview, and record review completed during the Standard survey conducted 9/27/22 through 10/3/22, the facility did not ensure that residents who use psychotropic drugs receive...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0804
(Tag F0804)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, interview and record review conducted during a Standard survey started 9/27/22 and completed on 10/3/22 the facility did not provide food and drink that was palatable, attractive...
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Nov 2019
5 deficiencies
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** Based on observation, interview and record review conducted during a Complaint investigation (Complaint # NY00243378) during the...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Medication Errors
(Tag F0758)
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 conducted during the Standard survey completed on 11/12/19, the facility did ...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0804
(Tag F0804)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation and interview conducted during the Standard survey completed on 11/12/19, the facility did not provide food...
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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 record review conducted during a Standard Survey completed on 11/12/19, the facility did not store and distribute food in accordance with professional standards fo...
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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 and record review conducted during a Complaint investigation (Complaint # NY00243378) during the...
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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 York facilities.
- • 18 deficiencies on record. Higher than average. Multiple issues found across inspections.
About This Facility
What is Elderwood At Cheektowaga's CMS Rating?
CMS assigns ELDERWOOD AT CHEEKTOWAGA an overall rating of 3 out of 5 stars, which is considered average nationally. Within New York, 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 Elderwood At Cheektowaga Staffed?
CMS rates ELDERWOOD AT CHEEKTOWAGA's staffing level at 2 out of 5 stars, which is below average compared to other nursing homes. Staff turnover is 46%, compared to the New York average of 46%. This relatively stable workforce can support continuity of care. RN turnover specifically is 58%, which is notably high. RNs provide skilled clinical oversight, so turnover in this role can affect medical care quality.
What Have Inspectors Found at Elderwood At Cheektowaga?
State health inspectors documented 18 deficiencies at ELDERWOOD AT CHEEKTOWAGA during 2019 to 2024. These included: 18 with potential for harm.
Who Owns and Operates Elderwood At Cheektowaga?
ELDERWOOD AT CHEEKTOWAGA 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 ELDERWOOD, a chain that manages multiple nursing homes. With 172 certified beds and approximately 164 residents (about 95% occupancy), it is a mid-sized facility located in CHEEKTOWAGA, New York.
How Does Elderwood At Cheektowaga Compare to Other New York Nursing Homes?
Compared to the 100 nursing homes in New York, ELDERWOOD AT CHEEKTOWAGA's overall rating (3 stars) is below the state average of 3.1, staff turnover (46%) is near the state average of 46%, and health inspection rating (3 stars) is at the national benchmark.
What Should Families Ask When Visiting Elderwood At Cheektowaga?
Based on this facility's data, families visiting should ask: "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?" "Can I speak with family members of current residents about their experience?" These questions are particularly relevant given the below-average staffing rating.
Is Elderwood At Cheektowaga Safe?
Based on CMS inspection data, ELDERWOOD AT CHEEKTOWAGA 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 York. While no facility is perfect, families should still ask about staff-to-resident ratios and recent inspection results during their visit.
Do Nurses at Elderwood At Cheektowaga Stick Around?
ELDERWOOD AT CHEEKTOWAGA has a staff turnover rate of 46%, which is about average for New York 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 Elderwood At Cheektowaga Ever Fined?
ELDERWOOD AT CHEEKTOWAGA 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 Elderwood At Cheektowaga on Any Federal Watch List?
ELDERWOOD AT CHEEKTOWAGA 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.